Plush verdant landscapes. Palpable waves of heat in the air. The thrum of island life. What we would give to be there right now. And thankfully, one artist is transporting us to balmier climes with the drop of her brand new music video.

Introducing Canadian-Nigerian newcomer Falana, whose vibrant fusion of hip-shaking Afrobeats and stirring R&B has been creating a sonic palette that makes us think of warmer and better times ahead. Aptly named “Joy”, her new single is an anthem of optimism – born from her eye-opening travels to Africa, North America, Europe and the Caribbean – leading to a creative burst and her subsequent self-discovery.

Her almost instructive lyricism, “no stress, I’ve got pure intentions / I count my blessings one day at a time,” dances playfully upon the staccato melody. Close your eyes and feel your troubles melt away.

“It’s crazy that the song was written two weeks before the world went into lockdown,” explains Falana. “Over the last ten months, the song’s sentiment surfaces all the time, whether it’s in everyday conversation, on the news or at social media. It feels like the song was birthed right at the time that the world needed it.”

Jamaica is the dreamy setting of the music video, with the colourful visuals helmed by director Mykal Cushnie, whose culture-centric narratives have resulted in collaborations with Popcaan, Sean Paul and Damian Marley. As well as showcasing some of Port Antonio’s incredible natural beauty, the video also shows how Falana’s style and signature braid pom-poms are an extension of her identity and artistry.

“I think the video is such a beautiful visual representation of ‘Joy’, the song and the feeling,” she adds. “The energy on set matched the song, and I was so grateful for that.”

Watch the music video for “Joy” below…