Alternative Pop from OKARO

Stockholm-based artist Delia Okaro, who performs under her surname OKARO, has established herself as a pioneering force in the Swedish music scene. With a background from her Swedish-Assyrian culture, OKARO has consistently pursued creative freedom, crafting a unique musical identity and a compelling sound to match.

Her genre, which she describes as “cyber,” is a fusion that sits at the crossroads of R&B and pop, while drawing influences from Afrobeats, hip hop and dance music. This distinctive sound has been cultivated alongside her friend and collaborator Giuliano Cotta and it’s one that’s begun to turn heads for its boldness and originality.

OKARO first made an impact with her 2020 debut single, “UNBTHRD,” a track that marked the arrival of an artist unafraid to deconstruct musical influences and rebuild them in a completely new way. This was followed by her sophomore single “MOBAYAN” the following year, further confirming her tatus as an artist with a clear vision and the talent to back it up. However, after these initial releases, OKARO took a step back, pausing her creative output and leaving her growing fanbase eagerly awaiting her next move.

That wait came to an end in July of this year when she returned with new material, beginning with the single “FOREIGN.” This track marked her re-emergence into the music scene, kicking off a new chapter in her musical journey. Now, with an EP on the horizon, OKARO has continued to build on this momentum with the release of her latest single, “SUMMER,” a laid back alternative pop anthem that explores the theme of surprising and spontaneous love, set against a backdrop of vibrant, sun-soaked beats.

From the soft guitar plucks and warm bass slides, OKARO’s airy vocal dashes at elegant melodic brush strokes as the delicate patter of percussion adds a steady rhythm. Flowing with drifting sonic textures and intricate synth tones, OKARO lays down hushed vocal flutters to craft a blissful listening experience that’s intimate yet subtly energising.

With catchy vocal lines hovering above the immersive arrangement, “SUMMER” offers a truly mesmeric sound delivered via a charming vocal performance and smooth instrumentation. It’s another stellar single from an artist who’s made a welcome return to the music world and with her upcoming EP set to drop later this year, OKARO shows no signs of slowing down.

Commenting on the single, she shares, “Summer is about unexpected love. When you decide to have fun, enjoy the warmth and single life, but the universe has other plans. Suddenly, you fall for the person you were just going to have a fun adventure with, and you start thinking about a future.”

Listen to SUMMER below