Jessica Nwokike, formerly of the R&B duo VanJess and now known as AMAKA, has released her debut solo EP, Oasis.
The six-song set includes the previously shared songs “Cruisin’,” “Leave it Behind” and the title track. All the material was produced by Kaytranada, who previously collaborated and produced for VanJess.
The former track was released as the lead single from Oasis. She dived into the song’s inspiration with Rated R&B.
“‘Cruisin’ was the first song that I wrote after my dad passed away in 2021. I really wanted to write something to empower myself and overcome. That was really the theme of it — to keep going,” AMAKA told Rated R&B.
She added, “‘Cruisin’ is kind of a substitute of saying like, ‘Keep going on. Keep cruisin’ on. I just wanted to write something that made me feel powerful, made be feel strong, made me feel like I could do anything at a time where I felt the complete opposite.”
On “Unfamiliar,” AMAKA scans the room for her clique. Not seeing them, she quickly heads for the exit to avoid those she considers beneath her.
AMAKA gives a former suitor a second chance after abruptly ending their relationship on “Hold Tight.” She knows that although they may abandon her due to commitment issues, they will eventually return with sweet nothings.
AMAKA reunites with her sister, Ivana Nwokike, to co-write “Undercover,” the EP’s closing song.
Discussing the concept of Oasis, AMAKA says, “An oasis by definition is a place you find and this oasis is one we can all find together; a vibe, an energy and a place people can escape to and let the music takes them into feeling their most confident, free and thriving self.”
She concludes, “I wrote these songs on the journey to finding that place within myself and I hope listening to Oasis brings people to it too.”
Listen to AMAKA’s new project Oasis below.
