Hits of the Week – Featuring Mustafa, Etta Marcus and more
Mustafa – ‘Gaza Is Calling’
The Canadian singer first wrote this poignant song back in 2020, but has now chosen to release it as a benefit single in light of Israel’s latest assaults on Palestine. The track is accompanied by an incredibly powerful visual, directed by the filmmaker and Succession actor Hiam Abbas, featuring Palestinian-American model Bella Hadid and Gazan rapper MC Abdul. ‘Gaza Is Calling’ is a beautifully harrowing track, addressing the atrocities that have occurred in the Strip, as Mustafa calls for an end to the violence. All net proceeds from the track benefit the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund.
Kalisway – ‘Superstar’
Toronto has become a hotbed for talent over the past decade and beyond, and now, Kalisway is the latest talent making a name for themselves from the city. The musician’s latest release is pure euphoria in musical form, utilising glittering synths and 80s-inspired grooves that just scream summer sun. Throw in Kalisway’s honeyed, nostalgia-infused vocals and you’ve got yourself a track that’ll light up even the gloomiest of days.
Etta Marcus – ‘Death Grips’
Etta Marcus cements her reputation as one of the brightest up-and-coming folk stars with her latest hypnotic single, ‘Death Grips’. A track that’ll be sure to pull at your heartstrings, it features sombre guitar riffs, making for the perfect backdrop to Marcus’ sultry vocals and mournful lyricism. ‘Death Grips’ is Marcus at her most assured and has us all very excited for what’s to come next from the crooner.
Kamal. – ‘mother, I’m sorry’
Backed by an acoustic instrumental, rising singer-songwriter Kamal. sings of intrusive thoughts on this soul-bearing effort. The artist has already worked with the likes of Central Cee and Dave, but it’s on solo tracks like these where Kamal.’s introspective songwriting really takes the limelight, as he bravely discusses the mental turmoil he’s been through in recent years. He may only be 20 years old, but the musician’s songwriting holds an air of maturity far beyond his years.
Byron Messia ft. Lil Baby & Rvssian – ‘Choppa’
Emerging last year with the huge breakout hit ‘Talibans’, it seems as though Byron Messia just cannot miss. His new single enlists global rap superstar Lil Baby for an introspective feature, and sees Messia himself in typically sharp form, floating between dancehall, trap, and R&B tendencies.
