West London’s Rukhsana Merrise announces headline show at Omeara on July 18th (Tickets) and reveals a new music video for ‘Die In Vain’ featuring British rapper and visual artist Kojey Radical, out now via Communion Records.
Pulling no punches, Rukhsana places human nature under the microscope on her latest release. The highly stylised visuals for Die In Vain, directed by creative team ‘dem’ lot’, which consists of longtime collaborator PRGRSHN, Rukhsana and Photographer Darkhorse Vinn, shows Rukhsana in a series of cutaways – from a bird’s eye shot on a bed of flowers, to performing in a church setting in front of lifeless spectators all symbolising the connect and disconnect with life.
The video see’s Rukhsana team up with young London designer A Sai Ta (and his label ASAI). Known for his work at The Row and Kanye West’s Yeezy, and for dressing the likes of Solange, Kelela and Erykah Badu.
A sultry blend of acoustic and orchestral production by Pantha (Emeli Sande, Wretch32) and PRGRSHN, Rukhsana Merrise tells the story of the freedom that comes from finding a new perspective. “This single is a confessional song written at a time when I was really seeking new perspective,” Rukhsana explains. “I felt a little lost, ironically it was the final song I wrote on my album and in turn became a bit of motivation record that can almost be received as inspirational. It’s become my current favourite off my album.“
Having already toured with James Bay and Michael Kiwanuka and Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, Rukhsana is set to headline Omeara on July 18th.
Rukhsana makes her music unbound by genre restrictions, making her certainly one to watch out for in 2018. All we can say is, take a listen for yourselves…
