Konyikeh Drops Debut EP 'Litany': A Soulful Journey of Emotions

Today, British musician Konyikeh has released her highly anticipated debut EP, titled 'Litany', which follows the successful singles 'Sorrow' and 'Teenage Dreams' released earlier this year. The EP consists of five captivating tracks that showcase her talent and artistry. Along with the release, she's released a mesmerizing video for Joy and Pride.

The EP's title, 'Litany,' holds personal significance for Konyikeh, drawing from her experiences growing up in the Catholic Church. While she does not identify as religious, the concept of a litany, a repetitive prayer, resonates with her as a way to find solace and strength during challenging times. Each song in the EP reflects her deepest emotions from a dark period in her life, serving as self-soothing prayers.

Collaborating with British producer Charlie J Perry, Konyikeh has crafted a remarkable EP that carries a sense of plaintiveness and liturgy. Track by track, she delves into her sorrows, ultimately creating an avenue for transcending them. Hailing from London and raised in Essex, Konyikeh infuses her soulful music with poignant lyrics, highlighting her striking vocals. Many may recognize her distinctive voice from her memorable performance at the BRIT Awards in 2022, where she sang alongside Dave during his rendition of 'In The Fire.' Now, at 23 years old, she is poised to step into her own light, emphasizing that this journey has been long-awaited and meaningful.

Konyikeh's musical upbringing was influenced by her parents, who exposed her to a wide range of genres, from classical music at the BBC Proms to musical theatre and African traditional music. Coming from Cameroonian and Jamaican heritage, she started playing the violin at a young age and later explored classical singing and piano. Through her experiences as a music scholar and her time at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Konyikeh learned to channel her emotions into her performances, a skill she now translates into her own work.

Her path to self-discovery was not without challenges, as she faced feelings of displacement and struggled with her identity, particularly while attending a predominantly white school. The classical music world also presented racial and financial barriers that she had to navigate, further adding to her sense of being an outsider. Despite moving to a more diverse environment for sixth form, her journey towards self-acceptance and confidence continues as she unlearns societal conditioning and reconstructs her identity.

As a rising star, Konyikeh is an essential and influential voice in UK music, and her future endeavors are eagerly anticipated. Stay tuned for more news about this extraordinary artist.