Azu Yeché, the British-Nigerian artist renowned for his genre-defying sound, returns this year with his evocative new single, “Leave Me Now.” Coming off the back of the success of his two-part EP Soul Afrikanah, which delved into his rich dual heritage through a blend of folk and soul, Yeché unveils yet another dimension of his artistry. With “Leave Me Now,” he channels the timeless essence of classic soul, merging deliberate, slow-paced percussion with serene strings and his captivatingly tender vocals.
You are immediately drawn in by the track’s emotional depth, encapsulated in the refrain, “If your lovin’ is ruled by someone else, leave me now, oh leave me now. If your lovin’ ain’t as strong as mine, leave me now, oh leave me now.” This raw vocal delivery, set against a spacious, minimalist backdrop, poignantly captures the loneliness of unreciprocated love. The harmonies that swim in and out of the soundscape create a dynamic and engaging sonic landscape for Azu Yeché’s incredible vocals to sail over. The heartfelt and honest lyrics are made all the more poignant by Azu’s command over his vocal tone, as he sways effortlessly between powerful refrains and intimate ad-libs. This is an essential listen for fans of the likes of Michael Kiwanuka, Lianne La Havas, Leon Bridges, and Jordan Mackampa.
With each of Azu Yeché’s songs, it’s evident a lot of care has gone into creating the sonic atmospheres. ‘Leave Me Now’ is no different. The track’s intimate production process saw Yeché penning the song on guitar and recording the vocals in just one or two takes to preserve the raw emotion. Collaborating with Jim Lawton, they crafted a warm, understated production that honors the song’s soulful core while incorporating subtle modern elements.
Reflecting on the experience, Yeché states, “It was a beautiful experience working with Jim Lawton on the production for this song, and I believe we came up with a stripped back sound that is true to the soulful nature of the song but also some subtle modern touches. I’ve loved performing this song live, and I’m so happy that it is finally being released.”
In explaining the inspiration behind “Leave Me Now,” Yeché reveals, “I wrote ‘Leave Me Now’ from the viewpoint of being with someone who isn’t as sure about the relationship as you are. You would rather end things than continue with someone who is not all in.” This personal narrative invites listeners into Yeché’s emotional landscape, seeking clarity and genuine connection through his music. Azu Yeché’s “Leave Me Now” is a masterful blend of heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, a testament to his versatility and emotional resonance as an artist.
Listen to Leave Me Now on SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
