inQUIZitive: Amahla

Hackney-born, Guyanese-Jamaican singer-songwriter Amahla returns with 'Only Yours For The Moment', a new single that leans into the complicated, sometimes irrational sides of desire. Produced by WAVSDNTDIE, the track pairs her soulful songwriting with rich jazz influences, live horns and an eight-piece string section, bringing a grander scale to a feeling sparked by a moment of uncertainty.

Following September’s 'Sticky', Amahla continues to explore the messier realities of relationships without dressing them up. For her, songwriting is a way to process intense emotions, unlock new parts of her mind and turn personal experiences into something that can connect with others.

With 'Only Yours For The Moment' arriving on 16 October, we caught up with Amahla for the latest instalment of inQUIZitive, discussing the story behind the single, her evolving creative partnership with WAVSDNTDIE, the influence of reggae storytelling and the importance of keeping her music a reflection of her own imagination.

Your previous single, Sticky, explored the pull of a relationship you know you probably should leave, while Only Yours For The Moment captures the uncertainty of not knowing where someone's attention lies. What draws you to the more complicated, sometimes irrational sides of desire, and how important is it to be honest about those feelings rather than dressing them up?

I really love this question, thank you. Relationships are so confusing and I’m always striving for more than a straight love song. The complications are the most interesting parts. Writing a song is like unlocking a new part of my mind. My songs feeling raw and real is important to me, without that, they wouldn’t feel like mine.

Sonically, Only Yours For The Moment leans further into the jazz and soul influences that have become synonymous with your sound. With live horns and strings also forming part of the production, what did you want to achieve sonically, and what did bringing that arrangement to life with WAVSDNTDIE allow you to explore?

We really wanted the sonics to feel grand, to match the sentiment of my words. For the first time I’ve been able to include a 8 piece string octet of violins, violas, and cellos alongside trumpet which is a whole new scale for me. I can’t be singing ‘he’s only yours for the night’ and it not feel audacious!

Both Sticky and Only Yours For The Moment were produced by WAVSDNTDIE, with the pair of you continuing to develop a distinctive musical language. How has your creative relationship evolved, and what do you value in working with a producer who can help translate your experiences into sound?

I’ve loved working with WAVSDNTDIE, we spent six months working on six songs for my upcoming project this year. He’s kind, diligent and really great at translating groove. He’s made my production much cooler :) Classic but contemporary, and he’s helped carve a sonic that allows my voice to shine.

You've spoken about being involved in every stage of your creative process, from producing early demos to writing your own lyrics. At a time when AI is increasingly being introduced into music-making, you've also been clear about keeping it out of your process. What does creative integrity mean to you, and why is it important that your music remains a direct reflection of your own experiences and imagination?

I make music because I want to be great at it, the songwriting, the direction, concepts, performance, all of it. I want to know what my mind is capable of, just like the artists that I adore did.

Growing up in Hackney in a large Guyanese-Jamaican family, you've been surrounded by a rich mix of Caribbean and Black British culture, music and community. How have those influences shaped your identity as a songwriter, and are there particular sounds, stories or experiences from your upbringing that continue to find their way into your music?

If I had to choose one I’d say the storytelling in reggae music. For me, reggae tells the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Growing up with those songs generations later taught me through song, stories can live forever. It’s shaped my understanding of the purpose of music.

Beyond music, you're passionate about arts and culture, regularly visiting exhibitions and photography galleries, while reading widely and sharing book recommendations. How do these interests feed into your creative world, and do you find that inspiration often comes from places outside of music?

One thing I’ve tried to do while pursuing music as a career, is keep learning. My favourite artists are all great thinkers, their creativity isn’t limited to a song, I wouldn't want mine to be either.

You've already received Ivor Novello recognition, while continuing to develop your sound on your own terms. As you look towards the next chapter, what are you most interested in exploring creatively — and what would you like people to understand about Amahla that they might not yet hear in the music?

I’m grateful that my music tells my story. If I told you anymore I’d be sharing too much!

First song you remember writing or producing

I remember writing my own words to Bing Crosby’s White Christmas at age 7.

First artist or record that made you fall in love with jazz or soul music

Stardust – Nat King Cole.

First moment you realised songwriting could help you make sense of your own experiences

Probably after I wrote my song ‘Enough’.

First exhibition, photograph, book or piece of art that left a lasting impression on you

Franz Kafka – The Trial (Book).

First moment you felt that your music was connecting with people beyond your immediate circle

In 2019 I met a girl who said listening to my song ‘River’ was the first time she’d heard soul music.

With 'Only Yours For The Moment', Amahla continues to turn the complexities of human connection into music that feels honest, considered and distinctly her own. Working alongside WAVSDNTDIE, she expands her sound through a more ambitious live arrangement while holding onto the raw emotion at the heart of her songwriting.

Rooted in the storytelling traditions of reggae and guided by a desire to keep learning, Amahla’s approach reaches beyond any one genre or experience. And while she might be keeping some things to herself for now, her music continues to tell its own story.