Sultry and sensual new single, “Waiting Up for You” is the perfect introduction into the world of Nigerian innovative artiste, LunaLovesYou.
For UK based, Nigerian singer and model, LunaLovesYou (birth name – Alina Abdullahi), music has certainly always been a huge part of their nomadic and ever-changing life. Practicing to learn the piano since the age of 3, it seems fated that LunaLovesYou would eventually find their way into the music scene. Their musical journey truly began with classical training at the prestigious MUSON School of Music, where she further excelled in music theory and piano exams, becoming one of the youngest to sit for the Grade 8 piano exam at 17. Alongside the piano, she received classical voice training, and performed at notable concerts.
Luna’s music tends to mostly swim within the alternative RnB waters, using their extensive knowledge of music to craft out the hypnotic and all too chilling harmonies, featured across their entire discography. They express their heartbreak, love and pain, through melancholy beats and soft vocals, in hopes of winning over listeners who can relate to their authentic lyricism. An all-round non-binary creative, she certainly possess a penchant for trying out new things, developing herself not just as an artiste, but a refreshing and deeply interesting human in the process. Asides being a musician and full-time model, she is also a creative director, writer, graphic designer and a maker of mixed media and eclectic art – inspired by true West African spiritualities. Bringing things to life is purely natural for Luna, and she constantly seeks to express this gift for creation in all forms. An avid fan of the Harry Potter novels and movies, their stage name was conjured using one of the most beloved and deeply underrated characters, Luna Lovegood.
Acting as a follow-up to 2023’s release, “Hesitation,” brand new single, “Waiting Up For You,” finds the budding innovative act reminiscing about a past fling, whose bedroom moves ticked all the right boxes for Luna.
The track starts out with distorted vocals filling up the soundscape, slowly making way for Luna’s airy vocality. She soon gets vulnerable, opening up about what their thoughts have been saturated with for a couple of months, admitting that the memories with their past fling have failed to fade away. The simple accompanying piano melodies at the start, transform into a full-fledged RnB production, as Luna continues to dive deeper into the intimacy she experienced. Their confidence and boldness is unmatched, as she willingly and unashamedly describes the memories with much fondness. Luna’s polished vocals further enhance the song’s delivery with the lyricism needing no interpretation as to what she’s expressing. Lines such as, “I’ll be waiting up for you, I think my body’s calling you,” signify where the singer’s head is currently at – a situation most of us have found ourselves, but might have been a bit hesitant to share. Despite the sultriness and overtly sensual nature of the song, there seems to be a slice of true yearning and connection, painted by Luna with the lyric, “you finally see that I’m the one for you.” This little phrase shines a light on the fact that Luna might actually have wanted something deeper than what she eventually got. Nevertheless, she seeks to forge on, accepting that it’s okay to look back every now and then, to a “fun and special time” in one’s life.
As a performer, Luna enjoys creating intimate sets, making their performances raw and pushing listeners to look inward, opening up their hearts in the process. With new single, “Waiting Up for You,” the rising star truly hopes listeners will catch the “Luna” bug and jump on the singer’s ever-growing wave, as she strategically prepares to release a body of work soon.
Links:
Spotify
Apple
Boomplay
YouTube Music
We spoke to Luna about their introduction to music, career goals, creative process and the symbolism of “Waiting Up For You.” Watch it all below!
Follow LunaLovesYou on IG: @alina.abdullahi