British/Nigerian singer-songwriter Gabzy returns with a double single release in the form of ‘Round 1’. This marks a creative venture that explores dual aspects of his artistry, offering both high-energy confidence and emotive introspection.
The project reintroduces us to two personas, Gabzy and Malone, embodying contrasting emotions and experiences. On ‘Don’t Play with Me,’ produced by Puffy, Gabzy channels Malone, capturing a self-assured, unapologetic spirit. This track is all about luxury, self-worth, and an untamed confidence that resonates with anyone embracing a limitless approach to life. It’s a bold anthem for those unafraid to flaunt their success, perfectly suited for vibrant, high-energy settings. In contrast, ‘Summer Nights’ sees Gabzy delivering a soulful exploration of longing and memory.
With its nocturnal, neon-lit vibes, the song dives into the bittersweet struggle of moving on from a past lover, using alcohol as a temporary escape yet finding the memories persist. This reflective side of Gabzy reveals a vulnerability, balancing the bravado of his Malone persona with a more intimate, emotional perspective. Both singles highlight Gabzy’s signature sultry, textured vocals, affirming his role as a leading voice in the UK’s R&B, Alté, and Afro scenes. ‘Summer Nights’ sees Gabzy reconnect with multi-instrumentalist and producer Melvitto, whom he collaborated with on fan favourites ‘In Fact’ and ‘Stay’.
Hailing from Peckham, South East London, the 28-year-old vocalist was nurtured in a Nigerian household and experienced the vibrant tapestry of New York for two transformative years. Gabzy’s rich cultural immersion has seamlessly woven a fusion of genres and influences, propelling him swiftly into the multifaceted artist he is today. Gabzy’s musical journey started at 9, harmonising in the school choir, and his exploration of diverse styles and sounds continued into his teenage years. The turning point came with his collaborative EP, ‘Summers,’ alongside Melvitto, whom he had met and collaborated with in New York. The ‘Summers’ project thrust him into the spotlight and cultivated a dedicated fan base (2.8 Million monthly listeners), in the UK and beyond. Gabzy then unveiled his debut solo EP, ‘Malone,’ a stellar release that paved the way for a triumphant headline show at North London’s prestigious Islington Assembly Hall, which sold out in seconds.
Throughout his career, Gabzy has carved a niche as the king of melodies, solidifying his status as a hitmaker through notable collaborations with Darkoo, Blanco, Abra Cadabra, King Promise, JayO and Odeal. Gabzy’s remarkable career boasts co-signs from tastemakers such as BBC Radio 1, MTV Base, BBC 1Xtra, Complex, Notion, Wonderland, and Guap magazine. His last solo EP, ‘At The End of the Night’, was followed by a UK tour culminating in two consecutive sold-out nights at the iconic KOKO in London. Undeterred by a busy studio schedule last year, he released two solo singles, ‘Hear Me Out’ and ‘Jambazz’, the latter has accumulated over 8 million streams and peaked at 18 in the official UK Afrobeats radio charts. Renowned for his live performances, Gabzy orchestrated another sold-out spectacle for his fans at the esteemed Somerset House, followed by a sold-out East African tour. Gabzy has started 2024 as he means to go on, his most recent efforts, ‘Piano’ alongside Lekaa Beats and ‘Too Fine’ alongside Odeal and JayO have both garnered over 1M streams since release and created growing anticipation and excitement for more music from Gabzy. He also announced that he will perform in New York on 14th November. For more information on Gabzy, please visit Spotify Instagram Tiktok