Hot on the heels of upcoming US tour dates that include an LA stop at The Peppermint Club, Dutch-Sudanese singer-songwriter Gaidaa is keeping it cool and making R&B look easy when it comes to her take on modern soul music.
Known primarily through various collaborations with a wide-ranging list of other artists, such as rapper Saba and electronic musician Moby, the Netherlands-based vocalist excels at narrowing the gap between soul singers today and those of years past. Her most recent solo release, “Figures,” only proves that distinction and shows she’s more than capable of making a mark in the contemporary landscape.
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With help from Hollywood Cole—a hip-hop producer who supplies a beat that would’ve been perfect for the neo-soul movement of the early 2000s—Gaidaa rides over the velveteen instruments like nothing. The way she approaches the song is not unlike Erykah Badu in the sense that she exudes leisure in the verses while matching the type of soulful quality in the chorus that’s only ever heard in classic singers.
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“Figures” was the first and only release from last year, seemingly signaling a change in prioritization for touring over new material for the time being. That’s far from an issue, considering Gaidaa already has a great project under her belt in the form of 2020’s Overture. But it was her guest spot and first official release on producer Full Crate’s track, “A Storm on a Summers Day.”
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From all the way back in 2018, Gaidaa delivered a soulful contribution and brought sunny optimism over tropical percussion true to the song’s title. It’s no surprise the single still sits as the biggest track in terms of streams to date. And while a significant chunk of her catalog is made up of features, she’s got just the right voice and singular taste in production to continue bringing a much needed relaxed composure into R&B.
Words: David Sosa
“Figures” by Gaidaa is out on all streaming services. For more on new music and US tour dates, including a show at The Peppermint Club on October 11, follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
