Introducing June’s HYFIN Verified Artists

This month’s verified artists are Amaarae, Dawn Richard, Kassa Overall, Kelela and Uncle Waffles. These artists have been selected for their unique sounds, creativity, and cultural influence. Listeners can expect special on-air and online features throughout the month, including exclusive content and interviews.

Lungelihle Zwane, known as Uncle Waffles, is a Swazi-born DJ and record producer celebrated for her influence in the amapiano genre. Rising to prominence in South Africa, her debut single “Tanzania” topped charts and was certified quadruple platinum. From viral internet fame to global tours and performances at major festivals, Uncle Waffles continues to break boundaries as a leading figure in amapiano music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT1a7whqhC4

Amaarae, a Ghanaian singer, has gained global attention for her work addressing gender and race representation in music. Her debut EP, Passionfruit Summers, and hit song “Sad Girlz Luv Money” have propelled her into the global music scene. Recognized for her unique style, she was listed as one of Vogue’s Top 100 Style Influencers of 2018. Amaarae continues to innovate, earning her the title of a pacesetter in the African pop music scene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Dk21erUpvw&pp=ygUPYW1hYXJhZSBjbyBzdGFy

Kelela Mizanekristos, an American singer-songwriter, is renowned for her emotionally intense and sonically innovative music. Known for seamlessly blending R&B and dance music, her new album, RAVEN, explores themes of autonomy, belonging, and healing. This album, with acclaimed tracks like “Washed Away” and “Happy Ending,” affirms her position as a black femme artist in the music industry. Kelela has collaborated with several visionary artists and has carved her unique artistic path by intertwining elegance, futurism, and style in her work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66_JoWwDEJI&pp=ygUGa2VsZWxh

Dawn Angeliqué Richard, an American singer-songwriter, began her music career with the girl band Danity Kane after auditioning for Making the Band 3 in 2004. After the band’s disbandment, she joined Dirty Money, releasing a successful album, Last Train to Paris. Richard began her solo career in 2011, achieving critical acclaim for her album, Goldenheart, and subsequent works. Richard, also known as DΔWN and DAWN, released her sixth studio album, Second Line, in April 2021.

Dawn Richard’s “Second Line: An Electro Revival” is an unapologetic genre-blending album that shatters traditional ideas of sound, production, and aesthetics in music. “Second Line” aims to bring Black women in electronic music to the forefront, questioning norms and breaking stereotypes. The album expertly interweaves Louisiana Creole culture, New Orleans bounce, Southern Swag, and other genres, reflecting Dawn’s multifaceted artistic journey. As a defiant expression of artistic freedom, “Second Line” serves as a revival, celebrating the death of industry constraints and the homecoming of future, boundary-pushing artists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWyTq_9GdUA

Grammy-nominated musician Kassa Overall’s Warp Records debut, “ANIMALS,” expands his unique fusion of avant-garde jazz and hip-hop. He studied with jazz legend Billy Hart, and features top musicians and rappers like Danny Brown and Vijay Iyer. ANIMALS also explores his experiences as a black entertainer in America, probing the dichotomy of performing freedom while feeling confined. The album boasts a diverse roster, including friends like Laura Mvula and jazz stars like Theo Croker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndARECFb3BU