May 8, 2026 |
The only way is up for Namasenda. While the title of her debut album, Limbo, suggests an artistic sensibility in flux, the release is an unapologetic declaration of sonic intent. A formidable figure in Sweden’s underground, DIY scene, Namasenda finessed her sound after connecting with A.G.Cook and releasing her 2021 mixtape Unlimited Ammo on his pioneering label, PC Music. Here, the high-voltage artist brought a melodic touch to the label so often associated with the crashing electronic experimentations of the late-2010s and beyond. The vinyl sold out in days and Namasenda hopped on a plan to tour Europe and North America. Now signed to Swedish label Year0001, the artist is ready to build on this further and take her career into the stratosphere.
Boasting contributions from Sweden’s finest, including singer-songwriter Noonie Bao and powerhouse producers Linus Wiklund, Medium and Minna Koivisto, Limbo is set to be a summer soundtrack. On the track Cola, Namasenda takes the blinking Noughties energy of PinkPantheress to punchier, more elastic heights. But it’s on Miami Crest where she puts her foot fully on the gas, as a luxuriously layered techno beat builds to a cathartic, trance-like peak, capturing an artist fully self-affirmed. By reflecting on the past decade that led her here, and designing a sound with these mediations at its core, this rising star is going to go far.
Here, we chat to Namasenda about the lessons she learnt while recording Limbo, her favourite thing about Sweden and what else we can expect from her.
1. Describe your sound in three words?
Pop, pop, pop.
2. What’s one thing you learnt about yourself whilst making your debut album, Limbo?
I learned to trust my musical instincts. They have always been there but I never fully trusted them before.
3. If you had to save one track off Limbo from a burning building, what would it be?
It’s always going to be Alright. That song is the truest glimpse into who I am.
4. Top three dream dinner party guests?
My three best friends. Sorry for this boring answer but those are the people I have the most fun with. The Swedish King can come though, I think he could match my energy.
5. What’s the best thing about Sweden?
The month of May (and free healthcare).
6. Why did you choose to lead with Cola as the first single to drop from the album?
It was the first song I was like insanely excited about that we made for the album, it instantly felt like a lead single to me. It’s so different from my previous work and it really marked a new era.
7. The second track is called Madonna – what’s your favourite Madge track?
It’s incredibly hard to pick only one song but Confessions on a Dance Floor is the one album of hers that I know inside and out ’cause I got it for my birthday in 2005 and I listened to it until the CD literally broke. Let It Will Be brings back so many memories.
8. Go-to break-up anthem?
Lmao this is soooo…my break-up songs are always songs that hype me up. Migos are really good for getting over someone. Trust me. Their song Hannah Montana has helped. Versace also goes crazy.
9. Where is on your bucket list to perform?
Coachella. I also really want to go to Brazil. Both will happen. Watch this space.
10. What’s coming up for you?
I obviously have my album coming out and I’m doing a couple of shows this summer that I am super excited about. But also so excited about new songs I’m making that will come out, and the future in general!
Photography courtesy of Namasenda and Hannah Diamond. ‘Limbo’ is available on all major platforms now.
