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A POWERFUL REMINDER THAT WORDS SHAPE HOW WE SEE OURSELVES AND OUR FUTURE
Generational storyteller and performance poet Sophia Thakur continues to carve her own musical path with the release of her second single ‘Affirmations, I’ll Be Okay’, fresh off the back of her debut performance at the London Jazz Festival.
Out 20th November, the timely release arrives as we collectively begin to wind down and reflect after another year of highs and lows. Tapping into the fast pace of modern life, Sophia gently reminds us to pause, reflect, and celebrate what makes us all unique. ‘Affirmations’ fills the listener with an abundance of positive declarations, something Sophia herself practices daily.
Following her acclaimed debut single ‘My City’, which marked her arrival on the music scene and received widespread support from BBC 6Music, Clash Magazine, Reprezent Radio, Slanky, Earmilk and more, ‘Affirmations’ further cements Sophia’s evolving artistry.
Co-written with composer Niji Adeleye, the track showcases Sophia’s beautifully crafted lyricism and sumptuous vocals, inviting listeners into her poetic world. Set to stripped-back guitar and percussion instrumentation, of which were recorded live to capture the essence and soul of the song, ‘Affirmations’ draws on her love of neo-soul, R&B and potent spoken word which Sophia delivers with empathy and grace.
As someone who believes in the healing power of music and how it can shape our thoughts, in ‘Affirmations’ Sophia reminds the listener that words have such a colossal impact on how we feel about ourselves.
“This song is a vehicle to start believing the words you speak over yourself”. Sophia says. “I wanted to repeat the chorus endlessly until it sunk into people’s spirits.”
It also serves as a personal reminder to herself saying:
“Despite what life throws at me, I will be okay. Maybe today, maybe next week… At some point I will heal and I’m giving myself the tools to do so. At my lowest, it feels so important to remember that I have power over my heart and mind and that I am worthy and valuable and things WILL be okay.”
And as the year draws to a close, Sophia reflects:
“It feels especially important to fill our cups with light and confidence as we get to the end of the year. Often we look back and judge ourselves on what we did or didn’t accomplish and we can be quite harsh on ourselves. As if living wasn’t enough. We are enough, we did enough”
Acclaimed by the BBC as “The Poet of This Generation” and described by Vogue as “One of the most adored poets of our time,” Sophia’s transition into music feels both natural and groundbreaking. While ‘My City’ marked the beginning of her solo journey, she has already collaborated with music artists including Jacob Banks, Nao, Tiana Major9, and Limoblaze.
On stage, Sophia has cultivated a devoted following through her magnetic live performances — selling out headline shows at The Jazz Cafe, Bush Hall, Omeara, and The Lower Third, and gracing iconic stages such as Glastonbury, Abbey Road Studios, The Royal Albert Hall, The Rockefeller Center, TEDx (twice), and Sky Arts TV.
‘Affirmations, I’ll Be Okay’ (out 20th November) marks the second in a series of new singles, and the next chapter in the evolution of an artist already shaping the cultural landscape of storytelling and music with meaning.
“‘AFFIRMATIONS, I’LL BE OKAY’ NOW LIVES INSIDE SCOOPE’S VELVET AFFAIRS PLAYLIST — A CURATED SPACE FOR VOICES THAT HEAL AND INSPIRE.”
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