Chiedu Oraka explores a new sound on ‘Damned’
Chiedu Oraka returns with ‘Damned’, the latest single from his forthcoming EP 'Kwechiri', due 18th November. Following ‘Cocoa Butter’, which opened the project’s rollout with “The Black Yorkshireman” stepping into a cowboy-inspired visual, the Hull rapper takes a more stripped-back approach, signalling another shift in his evolving sound.
Where ‘Cocoa Butter’ brought a more immediate, dancefloor-focused energy, ‘Damned’ moves at a different pace. Built around a jazz-influenced instrumental, the track gives Chiedu’s bars room to breathe, pairing his direct delivery with an old-school texture that brings a fresh dimension to his music. The change in direction reflects an artist willing to experiment beyond the sound that first established his name.
Following a significant year, ‘Damned’ feels both like a moment to reflect on his progress and an opportunity to explore new creative territory. The accompanying music video adds another layer to the release, confronting racial profiling and the experience of being targeted by the police. It also includes a subtle tribute to Christopher Alder, a Black British man who died in police custody in Hull in 1998. His death was ruled an unlawful killing, and the case remains a significant part of the city's history and discussions around institutional racism and accountability.
That reference carries particular weight given Chiedu’s previous work exploring the experiences of Black, working-class communities in Hull. He worked closely with Alder’s sister, Janet, on 'Black Kings Upon Hull', a documentary examining the city’s Black history and the people who have helped shape it.
With 'Kwechiri ' approaching, Chiedu Oraka continues to expand his creative range without losing sight of the experiences and communities that inform his work. ‘Damned’ introduces a more restrained musical direction while delivering a visual statement rooted in a history that remains important to acknowledge.
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