Ethiopia-born, British Columbia-based artist ZADA's most recent single, "Leave The Show," is a liberation anthem made for the stage, packaged with the kind of heat that will have you wanting to groove, feel, and become a part of it. "Leave The Show" combines influences as diverse as reggae rock/dub, alt R&B textures, and some bold electric guitar rock riffs, with a striking intensity.
ZADA's powerful vocals float above with authority, demanding to be heard while allowing you to enter her realm. The upshot is a sound that requires space, on festival stages and in headphones. Written when she was 19, ZADA held on to "Leave The Show" for years before quietly unleashing its force on the world when the time was right. Now 22, she returns to the song with a renewed sense of freedom, a connection to the song's meaning deeper than ever, and the wisdom of maturity on her side.
"So much of this record is rooted in embodying liberation," ZADA says, and the liberation in every note is palpable. The single was produced by powerhouses Chin Injeti and Brian West, frequent collaborators who significantly contribute to bolstering ZADA's vision through slick production that isn't afraid to add a touch of grit here and there. Together, they've made something that occupies the space between studio polish and the seething excitement of live performance.
Holding the upbeat cut as a demo for years, ZADA realized its potential when she played it live at festivals like the Harmony Arts Festival and Phillips Backyard Music Festival. The crowd's response reaffirmed that this was a record meant to be shared, shouted, and celebrated in real time. "Leave The Show" is a defining chapter for ZADA, who moves from holding onto the songs close to her chest to uncorking them with unapologetic force. It's contagious, fearless, and designed to resonate far beyond the studio walls. With this release, ZADA is stepping into the spotlight.
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