Adjua’s music is all about creating a connection. Growing up, she remembers being mesmerised by Terence Trent D’Arby’s ‘Introduction to the Hardline.’ “That album,” she says, “could really make you feel things, and even today it gets to me. That’s what I want to do with my own music – create a real emotional experience for the listener.”
Her music, which draws inspiration from her Ghanaian and Welsh roots, her spirituality, and her passion for self-growth, mixes influences from various genres, including alt-R&B, Latin, and funk in order to create a sound that is unique to her. “Although these days,” she explains, “it leans more towards indie/grunge R&B, there are still those Latin and alt influences coming through, especially in my new stuff.”
Songwriting for Adjua is a deeply personal process. “It’s like meditation for me,” she confides, “a chance to be honest with myself and bring things to the surface that I might not usually face.” Interestingly, the instrument she uses plays a big role in shaping the sound. “With the bass, the Latin and funk vibes come through a lot more,” she says. “But with the guitar, it’s very indie-R&B.”
Her prowess in songwriting can be seen in her debut EP, “Self,” which she describes as a labour of love – and a bit of pain – created during a trip to Thailand.
“It was an amazing experience to create something like that. The truth is, When I write, it’s like meditation, so I just trust what comes out. It all ties together.”
She describes the sold-out album launch party at the Old Porters as a dream come true though, as ‘Power’ remains her favourite track.
The singer’s career has been hit with a lot of highs, including being selected for the Forté Project 10 and receiving funding from Horizons Launchpad, which helped increase her visibility within Cardiff and beyond. “Forté helped so much with getting ready for the EP launch,” she says. “They sorted out rehearsal spaces for the band, which was a lifesaver.” She also attested that the Horizons funding allowed her to create professional photos and a live studio session recording, which were a lot of fun.
Adjua shines on stage, whether it’s with her full band or in a solo/acoustic setting, even I can bear witness to this, as I had kept her Horizon sessions performance on replay for an hour after first listening to it. “With the band,” she explains, “the music takes on a whole new life. It’s bigger, more dynamic, they do things that I just can’t do on my own.” Solo performances, on the other hand, offer a more intimate experience. “It’s just me and the guitar, the songs remain exactly how I write them. So, It’s really raw and personal, a special way to connect with the audience.”
The onstage chemistry between Adjua and her bandmates is undeniable. “We’ve been playing together for a long time now, so we really understand each other and how we all play. They’re so supportive of my songwriting, even when I bring them something a little experimental. They’re always up for putting their own spin on it, making it their own.”
Another highlight in the artist’s career was the Horizon Sessions. “It was great hanging out with the band and chatting with Huw Stephens,” she remembers. “The production was pretty straightforward, really. It was all about capturing the energy of the band and having fun with it.”
Despite all of her career peaks, Confidence hasn’t always been easy for the singer, “This year it’s been a bit of a struggle, Believing in myself can be tough sometimes. But I’m working on it. And I’m trying not to compare myself to others, which can be a real trap.”
Challenges have only served as motivation for her though, with airplay on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio 1Xtra under her belt, Adjua’s got her sights set on even bigger things. “A dream collaboration with Ego Ella May and NaI Palm would be amazing,” she admits. And then there are the ultimate bucket list items – a Colours episode, a Tiny Desk Concert, and a performance on Jules Holland.
As festival season approaches, Adjua’s schedule is packed with gigs at Clwb Ifor Bach, Focus Wales, In It Together Festival, and Out & Wild Festival. To ensure they’re ready for the stage, Adjua and her band prioritise regular rehearsals and meticulous planning. “We try to rehearse as much as possible, especially when we have upcoming shows,” she explains. “Logistics are crucial, especially with more gigs outside of Wales.“
For aspiring musicians just starting out, Adjua has a simple but powerful message: “Be yourself, completely and authentically. That’s the most important thing.”
If you can’t get enough of Adjua, Don’t miss her upcoming show at Clwb Ifor Bach on June 14th! It’s sure to be a night to remember.
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Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo
Photography by Joe Andrews
