For Your Ears Only is a weekly music column here on FEMME MAG exploring the different sounds, range and depth from women across the continent and the world. Check back here every Wednesday for our curated 5-track list of what we’ve specially picked for you!
This Women’s History Month, we’re teaming up with tastemakers and pacesetters in the music industry to guest edit this column with a curated selection of their own tracks! First up, we have journalist and hip-hop enthusiast Makua Adimora.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about relationships and this weird perception we’ve internalised. Where did we learn this notion that, as women, pain caused by romantic relationships or attachments is something to be embarrassed about/ashamed of? (This applies to friendships too). So it happened, big deal. We all go through rough times; that a relationship failed doesn’t mean you did. On the contrary, failure in anything means you’re making progress. It’s okay to cry/feel sad for a bit, but the most important thing is to make sure that, above all, you’re choosing yourself — every single time. This week’s playlist is dedicated to all my beautiful, extraordinary, & passionate sisters. You are enough. You are enough because of you and in spite of you because the gift itself is you, and all the power lies in you. Enjoy.
“Young Love” – Cleo Sol
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Cleo Sol’s “Young Love” is the only right track to kickstart this playlist. Off her 2020 album, Rose In The Dark — stitched with threads between ‘70s Jazz & ‘90s neo-soul — “Young Love” is a Soulection dream. The record finds the British singer penning an uplifting letter to every woman, urging them to “value their light” (quite like what I’m doing with this playlist). It’s a soulful, reggae-tinged ballad and an entire mood.
“Holy” – Jamila Woods
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If you’re looking for positive affirmations to recite every morning while looking in the mirror, then Jamila Woods’ “Holy” has got you covered. An ode to self-care and self-love, the record encourages women to recognize their holiness and worthiness. It’s about the freedom to be yourself, to accept where you are, and to unshackle yourself from anything or anyone telling you you’re not good enough or worthy enough, whether it’s outside oppression or your own insecurities. I only just rediscovered this song from an old playlist of mine, but best believe I’ll be having it on repeat for the next few weeks. You should too.
“W.A.Y.S” – Jhene Aiko
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Imagine making a “bounce back” playlist without Jhené making the cut? Our good sis has built a career off of making empowering music, and “W.A.Y.S” is one of her finest. I don’t really have much else to say at this point; I’ll let the music speak for itself.
“Atoms” – Abra
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This is my “dance-in-the-mirror-in-my-underwear-and-socks” song. If you’re not familiar with Abra, then you need to get to know. The self-proclaimed Darkwave Duchess’ sound is a blend of 80s sounding R&B, bedroom pop production, and vulnerable lyricism. It’s funky, flirty, and fun. “Atoms”, the astounding synthpop cut off her debut album, Roses, is a breakup song with a twist. “Did you seriously expect me to be sad? Maybe I am, but baby, you won’t see none of that,” she sings to a lingering ex-lover. Rather than holing up in bed, pining away for a love that’s already lost, she’s revelling in her independence, probably wearing less and going out more. She’s taking back all the power to be herself because her “shades of grey will not be shaded jade today.” It’s a wonderfully empowering record and a perfect closer to this playlist.
