Red faux fur. Studded belt. Pink stiletto mani. Heart on her sleeve. South London’s Ms Banks is back at it again and she’s got a lot to say. Why, you ask? Just listen to her new single Why? and it’ll start to make sense.
Born to Nigerian and Ugandan parents, Why? poignantly dives into her experience as a Black woman living in South London, sinking to depths she’s never explored before, reconfirming and solidifying her reputation as an introspective storyteller.
“Why am I told it’s better if I was light? That I would have global appeal as if my dark skin just isn’t right”, we hear on the track. “Say I’m ‘pretty for a black girl’, that isn’t a slight? Then they want me to show ‘em grace as if they’re being polite”. Speaking on Why?, Banks says, “It’s the most honest I’ve been in a long time, and to make it a single was pivotal”. These lyrics aim to prove it.
A decade into her career, Why? is the second song to be released from her upcoming album South Ldn Lover Girl, releasing February 13. The album is set to mark a defining chapter for Ms Banks, a manifesto of softness, strength and honesty blending razor-sharp rap, melodic choruses and deep introspection.
This versatility is nothing new to the UK rap trailblazer, who has performed alongside the likes of Megan The Stallion, Stormzy and Cardi B, taken to the stage at the Queen’s Jubilee in 2022 alongside Duran Duran and appeared on the Forbes 20 Under 30 list. Just take it from Bank Statement, her most recent mixtape, which quickly landed more than 300 million streams and hit No. 1 on both the official UK hip-hop and R&B charts.
Having dropped on Friday last week, Why? arrived alongside the news of Banks’ South Ldn Lover Girl tour, which will take her to Amsterdam first – where she will kick off the headline run on April 10 – then to Paris, Birmingham and Manchester, wrapping things up at London’s Islington Assembly Hall on April 23. It’s set to be a boundary-pushing, jaw-dropping taste of South London sounds for the North London crowd.
Still wondering Why? Don’t worry, here we chat with Banks and ask the questions for you, finding out about everything from her signature glistening claws, to how she deals with writer’s block and where that unapologetic lover girl confidence that keeps us coming back for more comes from.
1. What is your favourite thing about being Ms Banks?
That I’m living and answering prayers and I get to be me! I really chased my dreams and I’m sure my younger self would be proud of me.
2. What inspired your latest single ‘Why?’?
I think there’s many struggles that Black women face in the western world and I’ve never given my thoughts on those feelings and been so vulnerable in a single, I felt it was pivotal.
3. You always have your claws buffed and glistening, describe your personality through the perfect set.
Definitely would be a pink cat eye base, stiletto shape, with a white tip.
4. What is the best place to grab some post-studio food in South London?
The younger me would say Bagel King, but I don’t really eat takeaway no more. I do like a doner kebab box from GDK though, SE17 to be specific.
5. How do you feel your dual-heritage has informed your discography so far?
My mum and my dad are both very patriotic, so I’ve always infused African culture into my music, whether that’s through the beats or my delivery, diction or melodies. Also speaking on my experience as an African woman growing up in the UK.
6. What’s your go-to cure for writer’s block?
Funny enough I experienced this the other day but I just give myself time and I have a rule of thumb, that I just write whatever comes to mind. It could either be great or not so great but it’s definitely gonna be… something lol.
7. What’s the best South London activity for a Galentines day out with your girls?
This isn’t deep South but a cute trip to the Borough market could actually be nice if you’re a foodie like me.
8. What are you most excited about for your upcoming UK/EU headline tour?
Performing all the songs off my album and bringing them to life. I feel like I’m one of those artists you’ll only fully grasp once you see me live; I love who I become when I’m on stage.
9. What’s a moment in your career so far you’re proud of?
All the amazing artists I’ve had the pleasure to work/tour with, whether as support or a special guest. I feel like they’ve all prepped me for this moment.
10. If you could leave a voice note for the next generation of Black female rappers in the UK, what would it say?
Stay confident, be true to you, delay is not denial and no matter what just keep going. With everything being so algorithm based nowadays, your best bet is to just keep dropping even if it isn’t perfect, keep putting it in their faces!
‘Why?’ is available to stream on all major platforms now. Pre-save ‘South Ldn Lover Girl’ here. Photography courtesy of Ms Banks.
