Photo by Ta-ku

Brisbane-based, Dutch/Iraqi artist Wafia (real name Wafia Al-Rikabi) today releases her new single ‘Bodies’, which premiered across triple j’s Good Nights with Linda Marigliano earlier this week. Taken off her forthcoming VIII EP out via Future Classic on October 13, ‘Bodies’ calls on her family struggle across the on-going situation in Syria and is Wafia’s boldest, most personal work to date. Listen to it below:

Wafia explains:

“The idea is that I wanted to draw similarities between the large groups of Syrian Refugee’s walking miles to safety and those that can protest freely in the western world. I can’t think of anything more human and simple than reminding ourselves that we are fragile bodies but the strength that can come of bodies in large numbers. We live in a world where so many things are difficult and divisive but I wanted this song to be accessible and inclusive because at the end of the day we all want to be a part of something bigger than us and this is the best way I knew how to portray that.”

‘Bodies’ was co-written by Ben Abraham (Kesha, Praying), produced by Robopop (Lana Del Rey, Charli XCX) and follows the release of ‘83 Days’, Wafia’s first solo release since her debut XXIX EP in 2015 and the first track off her forthcoming VIII EP.

Fans of Wafia can catch her live show across her upcoming East Coast tour later this month, including a support set alongside London Grammar in Brisbane. See dates and details below.

WAFIA TOUR DATES
*with support from Buoy + special guests

Saturday 23 September | Brisbane | Riverstage (supporting London Grammar)
Friday 29 September | Sydney | Oxford Art Factory*
Thursday 5 October | Melbourne | The Corner Hotel*
1 January | Sydney | Field Day Festival

Tickets at wafiamusic.com

’Bodies’ is out now via Future Classic. Buy/stream it here.

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LOVE FOR WAFIA

“Cool, yearning R&B”
The FADER

“23-year-old singer songwriter Wafia is undoubtedly one of the most exciting Australian artists to emerge in recent years.”
Howl & Echoes

“With production characterized by weary low-end rumbles and resonant keys, [Ta-ku and Wafia] float above the music, playing off each other’s harmonies.”
NPR

“83 Days is all about her powerful vocal prowess…”
Pilerats

“The awareness Wafia has over her own music is incredible. Everything she writes is so acutely matched with an emotion, or many within the one song, and she knows exactly how to cathartically express everything.”
Project U

“’83 Days’ beautifully assembles Wafia’s organic, heartfelt vocals and rich, mellow RnB chic with production from Toro, displaying raw emotional and vulnerability with genuinely smooth, humble aesthetics.”
Purple Sneakers

“This Future Classic signee is flawless”
Run The Trap