We’re currently living in a renaissance of afrofuturism—see: Doja, Chloe x Halle, Normani etc. — and the latest songstress to invite us into her orbit is Somali-Canadian singer Amaal. The “Later” singer is back with a hypnotic, new song and stunning visual for “Honey” — the first single off her highly-anticipated sophomore EP Milly. The Nicky Davey produced track finds the alternative rnb singer-songwriter smoothly gliding over a moody, melodic beat while affirming that she is “THAT” girl. “You know this hair ain’t cheap, you know these nails ain’t free. I got that honey, sweeter than money” these are the lyrics of a woman who knows her worth and not willing to take anything less than the best. The accompanying visual — directed by Dan LeMoyne — is a sleek window into the universe of Amaal’s transcendent alter ego Milly — an unapologetic version of herself that embraces intimacy and female autonomy without fear of shame or judgement. We love a conceptual angle. In the video, Amaal physically and figuratively awakens with slow, jolted movements, shedding old inhibitions and welcoming a sense of sexual liberation considered explicitly taboo in her conservative Muslim community.
Set to release this fall, her sophomore EP Milly, taps into her alto ego, Milly. Amaal began her journey in war-torn Mogadishu, where she and her family lived until they were forced to flee as refugees in the early ’90s. Starting over fresh in Toronto, she embraced the poetic nature of her cultural heritage but bristled at the conservative structures and customs that came with it, particularly the repressive expectations placed upon women. In 2019, Amaal finally worked up the courage to step outside of her comfort zone with the release of Black Dove and this next era is a continuation of that — reclaiming her power, her pleasure and expressing her self without bounds.
“The music is a celebration of my womanhood. It’s the sound of me reclaiming my power, my pleasure, myself.”
Not only is the track infectious and the visual sleek AF, but the fashion! The fashion is giving us serious Fifth Element meets “What’s It Gonna Be?!” vibes. We spotted some Area, Marine Serre, Attico and Herve Léger — and we have the Toronto based stylist Lebani Osmani to thank for all the aesthetic eye candy. “When I was approached for this project, I listened to Amaal’s vision. I was moved and could 100% relate to her Somali Canadian upbringing and the taboo of doing or being anything different in a conservative Muslim community,” says Osmani. “I wanted to depict Amaal’s bravery in silver chest armor a statement of strength, courage, and heroism, and leather, a symbol of power and perseverance.”
With a nice pen game, a dedication to challenging the repressive limitations placed on women, attention to aesthetics and details and an appreciation for fashion, Amaal is honestly one to watch.
