LAVI$H shares debut EP You Made a Big Mistake

30 Jun 2023 - 11:42

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Canada-based Zambian singer and songwriter LAVI$H has released his debut seven-track EP You Made a Big Mistake. The release comes before he heads to South Africa as a supporting act for Tamia in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria on 4, 7 and 8 July.

LAVI$H.

Released on Def Jam Recordings, the EP is available for steaming and download and is accompanied by a new video for the track ‘Big Mistake’. The project showcases LAVI$H’s magnetic and multidimensional approach to R&B. Icy piano sets the tone for ‘Big Mistake’ as his pleas give way to gospel-style harmonies on a swooning hook. On ‘Seventeen’, a hummable clean guitar creaks beneath his breathy vocals as nostalgic lyrics captivate. A twinkling starry-eyed melody glimmers through ‘Piano Man’.

“You Made a Big Mistake is the name of my debut EP, but in reality, the time for revenge has passed,” LAVI$H said. “My sentiment is that our time for war will never be over for them, but it’s over for me ... it applies to so many areas of my life.

“This body of work is best illustrated by the words ‘success is the best revenge’, and I know my growth will haunt some people – but I think there comes a time when you realise it’s time to become timeless. My time is now and forever. When I came across all these other genres, it was crazy. I couldn’t stop searching for more.”

LAVI$H was discovered by Chubbs from Drake’s OVO Sound, who heard his music and was captivated. Before long, LAVI$H had decamped to Los Angeles – by way of Zambia to Toronto – where he began recording at OVO Studios and working with top producers. Chubbs said: “LAVI$H is an artist with undeniable talent, that you can’t fit in a box. I’m truly happy to be a part of his journey.”

LAVI$H served as support for Jessie Reyez on the UK leg of her tour. Returning to North America, he lit up the stage in Toronto, opening for Canadian R&B duo Dvsn. He also graced the stage at Sirius XM Presents: PARTYNEXTDOOR & Friends, shining alongside Canadian artists Drake, Smiley, Roy Woods, and PARTYNEXTDOOR, among others.

LAVI$H’s parents immigrated to Winnipeg to provide a better future for their seven children. As he listened to the new music in this new land, he was struck by the stark contrast in climate and culture to his home in Zambia. LAVI$H cut his teeth by recording songs on a computer with headset mics and using the family’s soundbar as a makeshift studio monitor. Seeking validation from listeners, he continuously uploaded songs online.