EMEL releases new album ‘MRA’

EMEL is a Tunisian-American singer-songwriter, composer and producer who’s traveled across continents and artistic boundaries with her music, staking her claim as a powerful voice in the global music scene. Rising to fame with her protest anthem “Kelmti Horra” during the Arab Spring, EMEL has continued to evolve her sonic output, blending electronic elements with North African influences and experimental textures.

Her latest offering, the brand new full-length record MRA offers an incredible showcase of EMEL’s artistic evolution and her mission of amplifying the voices of women worldwide. Released on her own label, Little Human, MRA is a twelve-track exploration of ethereal hip hop, heavy beats and hook-focused melodies, featuring collaborations with all-female and queer artists. Each track serves as both a call to compassion and a call to action, reflecting EMEL’s feminist perspective and her desire to challenge the male-dominated music industry.

Commenting on her artistic endeavours, she shares, “I’ve come to discover the true meaning of sisterhood. I’m not interested in the inherited feeling that other women are my rivals anymore. I want us to change the system from within, by and through women.”

Opened by “Massive Will,” bold vocalisations are met with the lively thud of the beat as EMEL’s soaring lead voice rises above the beat-driven arrangement to cast an intense alternative pop soundscape. Developing with piquant instrumental touches, the song erupts into a cinematic flurry of driving instrumental tones, punching drums and theatrical vocal layers to craft a truly enveloping music experience that grab your attention and sets up the wild ride the album offers.

Recent single “Nar,” featuring Mali’s first female Mandinka rapper Ami Yerewolo delivers a moody alternative hip hop sound brimming with gripping rhythms and constantly shifting vocal expressions. Snapping trap-style beats, pounding bass and warbling processed vocal textures serves up a stunning display of EMEL’s creativity and Ami’s slick vocal flows on this spectacular collaboration wrapped up in exquisite sound design.

On “L’amour,” EMEL links with Iranian artist Justina for a deep cut of electronic instrumentation, powerful beats and dynamic vocal performances. It’s an energising and enthralling sound full of attitude, memorable writing and immersive production that shakes you from start to finish.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Souty” with its elegant melodic writing and dreamy arrangement peppered with moments of danceable beats. “Mazel” sees EMEL collaborate with Camélia Jordana on an atmospheric piece led by ethereal vocal stretches and a subtle arrangement of graceful flowing textures to create a blissful listening experience that showcases another side to EMEL’s extraordinary sonic vision.

The album closes with “Nar II” where shimmering synth tones swell below smooth vocal lines and soft percussive clicks. Developing with a laid back beat and capped by the silky flutter of layered vocals, it’s a dazzling final moment to conclude EMEL’s sensational new record in superb fashion. With a one-off UK show at the Jazz Café in London on the 21st of May, fans will get the chance to see EMEL bring the music from her new LP alive on stage with tickets available here.

Listen to MRA below