The debut album ‘Promised Land’ from singer/songwriter Wafia was released last month to much anticipation. The album was executive produced by singer/songwriter Sabrina Claudio and features previously released tracks including “Something” and “Big Thoughts”. ‘Promised Land’ follows up her EP ‘Good Things’, which was released in 2020.
Speaking on her collaboration with Wafia, Claudio stated, “Within a month we created Promised Land. We spent everyday working together. We laughed, cried, ate (a lot), spilled piping hot tea, danced, flea marketed, the girls were bonding!!! I knew we’d inevitably become close during this process, but this is a bond I’ve not experienced as a woman with another artist… Wafia, thank you for trusting me.” Wafia noted that Claudio brought her own individual experiences with making albums, sharing how she “did a great job checking with me, like are you sure do you love this but also challenging me. This song has to be on the project. I think you’re making a big mistake if you’re not and it was nice to have that kind of push back. I hadn’t really experienced it before.” Wafia also valued the discipline that it takes to make an album, which Claudio stressed, “I could write forever, I could be in the studio forever,” she stated, “just like tinkering and thinking maybe it goes in this direction and having her be like no, if you want this to be finished, if you want to put out this project you need to set yourself a deadline. You need to lock in and within this month you’re going to have it done and I remember that being a radical concept to me.”
Overall, ‘Promised Land’ reflects Wafia’s journey through displacement, survival, and the migrant experience. “Promised Land is defined to me by what is meant for you will be, and nothing that’s meant for you can be taken away. It’s the seeds of hope that comes with immigration and major change,” says Wafia. “It looks like a place of optimism and bounty and nourishment – like stepping into your older sister’s garden or home, where you’ll be comforted and mothered and tended to. It’s a hopeful sanctuary for when you need it most.
Wafia spoke with B-Sides host Pete Mar about how familial tension, traumatic relationship experiences and questioning if such events of life are pre-determined helped direct her debut album, ‘Promised Land’.
