2 months ago
15
The daughter of a Jamaican father and Jewish mother, London-bred singer Morgan credits her background for what she described as an appreciation for diversity, adding that her unique upbringing also gave her a broader outlook on life.
It is a mix of influences that is quite evident on her latest work.
Morgan recently released the song Bum Bum, a tribute to old-school deejay Sister Nancy’s iconic and often-sampled hit Bam Bam.
“It was a unique and enriching experience. I got to see the world from two very different cultural perspectives, which I think has really shaped me as a person and an artiste. My dad introduced me to the vibrancy of Jamaican culture — the music, the food, the traditions, while my mum brought in the values and traditions of her Jewish heritage,” Morgan said in a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer.
Much of her Jamaican heritage is heard in her music.
“My Jamaican heritage plays a core part in the creation of my music. You can hear it in the rhythms, the melodies, and the overall vibe. Growing up, reggae and dancehall were always playing in the background, so it naturally seeped into my sound. It’s not just about the music; it’s also about the spirit, the energy, and the storytelling that’s so integral to Jamaican culture,” Morgan explained.
Morgan added, “Jamaican music was always present in my home, thanks to my dad. From a young age, I listened to legends like Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, and Gregory Isaacs. These artistes, with their powerful lyrics and soulful sounds, left a lasting impression on me. As I got older, I also started exploring other genres, but those early influences have always stayed with me. I’ve also been inspired by my cousins Ken Boothe and Mr Vegas — music runs in the family!
It was at the age of 15, when she decided that music was what she wanted to pursue as a profession.
“I’ve always been passionate about music, but it was around the age of 15 when I realised that it was more than just a hobby — it was something I wanted to pursue seriously. I started writing my own songs, performing whenever I could, and just immersing myself in the craft. From then on, there was no turning back.”
But what was it about Bam Bam that made her decide to sample the track?
“Bam Bam is such an iconic track that has transcended generations and genres. The energy, the vibe, and the cultural significance of the song are undeniable. When I was creating Bum Bum, I wanted to capture that same essence — something timeless and universally loved. Sampling Bam Bam felt like the perfect way to pay homage to the roots of reggae and to connect my music to a broader cultural narrative,” she said.
Morgan continued, “I’m a massive fan of Bam Bam! It’s one of those tracks that you can’t help but move to, no matter where you are or what mood you’re in. The rhythm, the lyrics, everything about it is just infectious. It’s a song that’s always been a part of my life, and to have the chance to bring it into my own music is truly an honour.”
“My style of music is a fusion of different influences — reggae, dancehall, pop, and soul. I like to think of it as a reflection of my diverse background and experiences. It’s music that makes you feel good, that you can dance to, but also connects on a deeper level. I’m all about blending the old with the new, creating something fresh yet familiar,” Morgan reasoned.
Asked what she brings to the table musically, Morgan shared, “I bring authenticity and a unique blend of cultural influences to my music. My journey has been about embracing all parts of who I am — my Jamaican heritage, my British upbringing, my love for different genres — and melding them into a sound that’s distinctly mine. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, learning, and evolving as an artist.”
Morgan recently signed a recording contract with London-based Red Bull Records.
“Being signed to Red Bull Records has been incredible. They’ve really embraced my vision and are committed to helping me grow as an artist. The support from the label has been amazing, from marketing and promotion to creative development. They’re helping me reach new audiences while staying true to my sound and identity,” she stated.
Morgan has also written or co-written songs for established acts in the United Kingdom.
“Songwriting has been a huge part of my journey. It allows me to express myself in different ways and connect with other artists on a deeper level. Writing for others has also helped me hone my craft and find my own voice. Some of the songs I’ve written or co-written have gained significant attention, but more importantly, they’ve contributed to the evolution of my own music and brand. I think a couple of my proudest moments so far have been writing Rudimental’s hit Be The One, which featured myself and Digga D; it was my first charting song and those boys are my brothers; and K-pop sensation Jaehyun’s [from the band NCT] recent single Roses,” said Morgan, who also hinted at working with a Jamaican artiste in the not too distant future.
“Collaborating with a Jamaican reggae or dancehall artist is something I’m really excited about. There’s so much talent coming out of Jamaica, and I would love to fuse our sounds and create something special. It’s all about building those bridges and celebrating our shared heritage. And a collaboration is coming sooner than you think!
Morgan will be releasing her Emotional Gangster EP on October 25. She recently released a second song from the project, Wheel up, a collaboration with Byron Messia.
English (US) ·