Jamilah still boasts the X Factor
Challenging themes of identity, migration and compassion pace a Jarrow-based songwriter’s new single. Simon Rushworth caught up with Jamilah Hassan ahead of African In New York's release.
Remember the last time you heard a future RnB classic, conceived in South Tyneside, that leans on a recurring Swahili proverb? Me neither. And yet Jamilah Hassan, never one to follow convention, has somehow combined her Zanzibarian heritage with a North East upbringing to develop a deeply affecting narrative around an earworm of a tune. There’s so much to unpack where new single African In New York is concerned.
“This is probably my most personal release to date,” admits a truly talented artist who, in the late noughties, came within touching distance of mainstream success as a member of hotly tipped X Factor finalists Desire.
“The record explores themes of identity, migration, displacement, compassion and coexistence in the world we’re living in right now. At its heart, it’s really a wish for a more understanding and humane society.
“One where we look beyond borders, colour, culture and difference and learn to see each other with more empathy, more kindness and more of all the good things in life.”
Spend time in Jamilah’s company and even the worst of days becomes brighter. A beaming smile and an infectious personality radiate joy and yet African In New York’s story can, at times, feel somewhat despairing. Reassuringly, some truly thought-provoking lyrics are set against a more positive — and purposefully familiar — soundscape.
“Although the subject is heavy at times, I intentionally wanted the music itself to feel uplifting and hopeful,” explains Jamilah. “Sonically, the record also draws inspiration and samples from Sting’s classic, Englishman In New York, which follows a similar thread of identity, difference and navigating the world as an outsider.
“One of the recurring lines throughout the song is ‘Fuata mto uone bahari’, which is a Swahili proverb translating to ‘Follow the river to find the sea’. The phrase is a nod to my Zanzibarian heritage but also reflects the wider themes of movement, hope and humanity that inspired the record.”
These days Jamilah splits her time between dual passions — property development and making music. The dynamic business leader is just as comfortable networking alongside equally inspirational female role models in the corridors of Westminster as she is mixing songs rooted in culture and community.
In April Jamilah was part of a 50-strong delegation of entrepreneurial North East women invited to meet with Chancellor Rachel Reeves in Downing Street but summer sees her focus turn to music and the first track lifted from August’s EP release.
“The visual campaign complementing the EP has been built around the same themes of roots, identity, movement and belonging,” adds Jamilah. “I’m organising a launch party at The Grove, in Newcastle, and I hope everything will become clearer then!”
In 2009 Jamilah and her Desire band mates reached the boot camp stage of X Factor and she went on to tour with JLS, Lemar and Taio Cruz. “I eventually moved to London to pursue a solo career and I loved it down there,” she adds. “It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I was surrounded by some of the most incredible singers I’ve ever heard.”
That Jamilah comfortably held her own in such company says it all. African In New York further cements the reputation of an artist who firmly believes her best years are still to come.
African In New York is available to stream and download from today (June 5).