BERWYN has released a powerful new single called ‘I AM BLACK’ – you can listen to it below.
The Trinidad-born singer-rapper returned last month with the triumphant comeback track ‘Neighbours’. He released two versions of the soulful song; he first dropped a piano-driven solo take, before DJ and Producer Fred again.. remixed the song.
Earlier this week (May 14), BERWYN released ‘I AM BLACK’ – an anthemic and bold single that relays a true and honest depiction of Blackness. The track is also “underpinned by a heavy sadness” and “shines a light on the harsh realities of so many people in his situation across the country and beyond”.
BERWYN said about the writing process: “I really wanted to make an opportunity in the world where people can say those three words in a positive way.”
‘I AM BLACK’ was one of the most difficult records BERWYN has ever written as it draws on his experience of leaving his father in Trinidad at age nine and moving to Romford, London to live with his Grandmother.
Speaking on the experience, he explained: “I left a country where colour doesn’t matter so much, [so] moving from blackness to Romford – you’re forced into corners of survival.”
The 28-year-old has yet to announce a release date for his first studio album, but ‘I AM BLACK’ is also expected to feature on the record. According to a press release, BERWYN’s recent songs are “an enticing taste of the rumoured debut album” he has been hinting at online.
It’s unclear whether his previous singles like the reggae-inspired ‘Path To Satisfaction’, the sombre ‘3450’ and the upbeat ‘Chasing Lights (Demo)’ or last year’s ‘Bulletproof’ will appear on his highly-anticipated LP.
BERWYN rose to fame in 2020 after releasing his Mercury Prize-nominated debut mixtape ‘DEMOTAPE/VEGA’. His soulful tone has earned him numerous accolades, including winning the Best New Act In The UK Award at the 2022 BandLab NME Awards. He also ranked third on the BBC Sound Of 2021 list.
Most recently, BERWYN and UK rap star Young Teflons featured on ‘Magazine’ from North London rap star Rimzee’s fourth mixtape ‘Feed The Streets’. The Londoner also lent his vocals on Steel Banglez’s ‘Things Change’ last May.
