Throughout The Power In Us – whose campaign was launched with a profile via the iconic UK publication, THE FACE – Ajudha brilliantly addresses the need for a society that nurtures us instead of bringing our demons to life. Her songs speak of today’s global unrest, the on-going pandemic and social injustice which undoubtedly has put a heavy weight on young people in particular, and affects their mental health dramatically. Her powerful vocals have been therapeutic in these times and she’ll be performing those stunning tracks live in the coming months including her announced upcoming UK & EU tour dates (see below) and North America dates to be announced for this fall.
Poppy recently performed at the Venice Biennale’s British Pavilion where she features in the exhibition created by Sonia Boyce OBE; has performed for the likes of fashion royalty including Naomi Campbell and Virgil Abloh, among others; and recently performed several SXSW showcases that included Rolling Stone and the NPR Music Day Stage.
Poppy is an artist unafraid to stand up for what she believes in, addressing feminism, colonialism, gender politics, and other current social issues that she studied and grew up with in her lyrics. She addresses mental health in songs like “Demons,” while “Mothers Sisters Girlfriends” highlights the pressures faced by women to live up to societal expectations and norms. Another notable track from the album includes early single “London’s Burning,” a commentary on the impact and importance of immigration on British Culture and is a testament to Poppy’s ever existing and impactful voice present throughout her stunning debut. Most recently, “PLAYGOD” was playlisted across BBC Radio 1 and landed her Track of the Week on Greg James’ breakfast show. The track, inspired by the Alabama abortion bill, speaks up about women’s rights and questions a weaponized God complex among men. Poppy was also named Deezer’s Focus artist in April as well as landing the cover of Gay Times.
The 12-track album features an impressive range of musical collaborators, including a feature from British Jazz icon Nubya Garcia and production credits from the likes of Wyn Bennett (Janelle Monae, Goldlink, Haim), Karma Kid (Dua Lipa, Arlo Parks, Shygirl), Wesley Singerman (Anderson .Paak, Kendrick lamar, Pink Sweat$), Joel Compass (FKA Twigs, Jorja Smith), Grammy nominated Itai Shapira and Taylor Dexter (Joji, Ray Blk)
Speaking on The Power In Us’, Poppy says:
“This album is made up of all the things swimming in my mind, from women’s rights, to the right to cross borders, to the power of young people to inspire and be unafraid to rock the boat in the name of progress. Women don’t have to be just what they are taught to be, there is so much more to us than Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, Girlfriends and our relation to men. I want men to engage more heavily in feminism and really see how their defiance against it only holds both women and men back. There are so many boxes we put ourselves in; I want us all to break out of them. We are in an era of so much information and I feel the weight that young people take on because we are the generation bombarded with global politics and a million causes that need fighting for. This calls for better understanding around mental health and a society that nurtures us rather than demands of us everything we have until all that is left is our Demons. Every song on this album touches on these issues because they are all I think about everyday, all I see around me in my friends and my family. I hope it flips a switch in your mind, like it did for mine.”
