Galway-raised, South African-born artist Sweetlemondae is entering 2023 with new music, reinventing herself with her new single 'Higher State.'

The song features Irish/Zimbabwean rapper and singer-songwriter Jafaris. Sweetlemondae was working on the single with Diffusion Lab producer Benza when the hip-hop talent popped into the session.

Jafaris helped the rising musician smooth out the "trippy sonic elements," with the collaboration and resulting verse from the encounter a direct result of the two clicking creatively.

'Higher State' feat Jafaris cover, courtesy of Diffusion Lab

Sweetlemondae says that she read a lot of self-help books over the years, learning about how to reach a 'Higher State,' which influenced the track.

"I’ve always been interested in self-improvement and doing any shadow work in order to get to a better place, whether it be mentally, physically, or emotionally.When I was around 14/15 I feel like I had an enlightening moment where I realised my existence. I didn’t like anything about myself so I decided that I wanted to figure out how I could change that. "

"I did that by opening up my mind to new ways of life.  I love reading self-help books or books on spirituality or natural medicine. I feel like music is my therapy so I always push myself to word anything I feel as best as I possibly can."

Sweetlemondae moved to Dublin at the age of seven. Now 23-years-old and storming the spotlight, Sweetlemondae is working hard with Diffusion Lab.

With her debut single, 'Never Gonna Be,' released in 2022, she drew the attention of music tastemakers of the Irish scene.

Now, she's made RTÉ 2FM's list for Rising Class of 2023.

 

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Her music is a vital connection between her inner self and what she wants to vocalise to the public.

"That’s why lyricism is very important to me because it’s really about me using this outlet to really delve deep into what I want to say at that specific time. I don’t think I have personally reached a ‘higher state’. But I can definitely hear the progression in my storytelling from the music I’ve put out over the years."

"I think ‘Higher State’ is more of a journey than a destination."

It isn't just self-help books that Sweetlemondae reads. She just finished her Law degree and is studying for her exams.

"I’ve always enjoyed reading and learning about new things whether their of my own interest or not. With music, I always want to push my limit in terms of the depth of what I’m saying and how it feels to a listener. I can’t share anything beneficial or new if I as an artist don’t expand my mind’. "

Check out Sweetlemondae's 'Higher States' feat Jafaris here: