VIII, the latest EP from rising vocalist and songwriter Wafia, and features singles “Bodies,” “Only Love” and “83 Days.” Named for the atomic number of oxygen, the new music explores themes of transparency, necessity, simplicity, and intangibility through the lens of Wafia’s experience as a young, queer, Muslim in today’s world. “Writing this EP, I got really obsessed with the realization that nothing I ever make will be tangible,” says Wafia. “Even my voice, the only instrument I use, is intangible but so are any feelings and emotions that I write about. VIII is an exploration of that, as well as necessity and transparency.” The 24-year-old, whose full name is Wafia Al-Rikabi, gained recognition after posting a Thrupence-produced cover of Mario’s “Let Me Love You” online.
B-Sides spoke with Wafia during her recent tour stop in San Francisco, to talk about VIII, songwriting and aspirations as she grows as an artist. Check out the interview:
