Liberia: J Slught releases first single off upcoming EP

Published last Friday, 'Lorpu' arrives three months after the release of Home & Beyond, his debut EP. It is also his latest in a steady stream of well-received singles that also include ‘Tempting', 'No Money', 'Mio Ran' and 'Amazing'.

A smooth Afrobeats number, 'Lorpu' was conceived and self-produced during a late-night studio session. It finds its narrator in the throes of unrequited love. “Why can’t you, why can’t you believe me when I say I’m in love with, in love with you my darling?” he inquires of a female interest in one line, cautioning shortly after: “If you don’t love me today, don’t love me tomorrow.”

Over time, the winning formula for the singer has been his sleek vocal delivery and catchy melodies. J Slught is also a beneficiary of an array of truly golden beats that complement his silky voice and place him as a contender of a highly competitive field.

In March, speaking to Music in Africa, he described his sonic approach as a "unique" style that "speaks to individuals in different ways. It is a mix sound wherein I blend Afrobeats, R&B, soul, Gbema, highlife, solo, rap all in one to bring out the best and to show the diversity." That diversity bares itself on 'Lorpu', which marries dance and soul beautifully.

Born Joseph Wessah Tah III, the singer currently holds the trophies for the Best R&B/Soul Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration awards at the TunesLiberia Music Awards. Active since 2016, he shot to nationwide acclaim as a member of the Dreams Come True collective. As a solo act, he established his place among Liberia’s pop elite with records like ‘Can’t Believe’ and ‘Don’t Jek’.