Layla Rhule, a Jamaican-born artist, has recently released her captivating new single, “Magic,” a song that uniquely blends R&B and Afrobeats. With a career that has been steadily ascending since she began making waves in Jamaica in 2018, Layla is now set on conquering the global stage, starting with her latest hit.
Layla’s musical journey began at a young age. “I’ve been playing the piano since I was 10 and I’ve always loved music,” she shares. “The older I got, the more I realized I just can’t live without it and decided to become an artist to do what I love all the time; music.” This passion has driven her to explore and blend various genres, creating a sound that’s as vibrant and diverse as her cultural background. Like Rihanna, Layla’s music encompasses a mix of Pop, R&B, Caribbean music, and other Black music in the diaspora, including Afrobeats and Bossa Nova. She even loves incorporating Asian sounds into Hip Hop and Dancehall.
In 2022, Layla’s career took a significant leap when she recorded a song with Makeba Woods, Rihanna’s first vocal producer. Reflecting on the experience, Layla describes it as transformative. “It was a great experience! Just the professional way she handled the whole session and the input she gave to make the song better!”
“Magic” is a song about the hopeful and exhilarating feeling of new love. Layla explains, “Sometimes you feel a spark with someone and you have to try to convince them to take a chance. It doesn’t always work out though, sometimes no matter how hard you want it to.” The song’s infectious rhythm and heartfelt lyrics showcase Layla’s ability to weave personal experiences into her music, making it relatable and emotionally resonant.
Although the music video for “Magic” is still in production, Layla draws inspiration from her idol Alicia Keys, aiming for an abstract and tastefully done visual representation. Fans can expect a video that captures the essence of the song’s theme while highlighting Layla’s artistic vision.
Currently based in Hong Kong, Layla is actively promoting “Magic” and has her sights set on making her debut on MTV Africa and in London later this year. Her international aspirations are a testament to her dedication and ambition. “You’ll be seeing me a lot in Africa and London soon, so heads up 😉 I really wanna shake up LDN now that I’m totally free to be who I really am as an artist,” Layla enthuses.
Despite her deep love for Jamaica, Layla acknowledges the challenges she faced in being accepted outside the traditional Reggae and Dancehall genres. “Although I love my country dearly, it wasn’t a place where I could do more than Reggae and Dancehall and be easily accepted or really supported. I’m totally myself these days and I feel so good about it!”
With upcoming features in notable publications such as the Gleaner and the Observer in Jamaica, and various blogs in Nigeria, Layla’s presence is expanding rapidly. Her next release promises to be a funky Hip Hop or AfroSoca tune, further showcasing her versatility and commitment to pushing boundaries.