Serena Isioma is a Black Indie Artist to Look Out For
By Nia Tucker
Non-binary Nigerian-American artist Serena Isioma has a signature youthful tone that lends to their unique indie rock-r&b crossover tracks. After releasing their debut EP Sensitive earlier this year, they're back with two new tracks, “Blue Sky” and “King,” the latter of which just had a video drop this past week.
Over a spacey, synth-filled backtrack, “Blue Sky” finds Isioma singing in their raspy timbre, “I told you I’m straight / Or hella gay / Maybe both sides / I know I’d love to kiss a pretty bitch.” There is an air of bliss as they dismiss the gender binary, and sing what they please, reveling in their youth. The song also features distorted sections of their voice, adding a psychedelic atmosphere which is emphasized by the final, fully instrumental minute of the track. Holistically, it’s effortlessly cool — which can be said about Isioma’s entire discography and style.
“King” is a darker, egotistical track that shows Isioma exploring life in excess. This song matches the cocky nature of a lot of their other tracks, but simultaneously oozes sex appeal, marking a new era for the artist. It’s music video features Isioma lougning in an oversized button-down shirt and boxers before what seems to be another night of partying in their luxurious apartment. Each scene matches the tone set by their first line of the track, “1,2,3. Get Sexy.” What follows is a repetition of head-bopping basslines and beachy guitar. It’s reminiscent of a deepcut that would absolutely rock a basement show of teens and alt young adults. In the chorus, they sing the following lines, layered over one another with an addictive, honey-like ease: “Hey king me/ (Shorty give me faith) / I’m the king of me / (Shorty give me faith) / Hey king me /(Shorty give me faith).”
It’s rare that we get to see a non-binary, Black artist taking up this much unapologetic space in their queerness and Blackness. From the opening lines, it’s clear that Isioma intends to stake a claim in the industry and prove that there’s talent to back up their motives.
Both tracks are produced by frequent collaborator and fellow Ilinoian, Saint Lewis, who provides the electronic, r&b, rock blend that flows behind Isioma’s smooth, irreplicable lyricism and melodic voice. Their music isn’t bedroom rock, it’s not neosoul, and while comparisons to Willow Smith can be made, Isioma is charting into new territory. In an industry inundated with strict aversions to Black gender fluidity, Isioma is a breath of fresh air. Their material contains both a reclamation of gender autonomy and Blackness, without adhering to specific genre binaries.
In a tweet on October 7th, they called “King,” “Track 1,” perhaps hinting at their next project of this year.