A bold voice meets a blockbuster chorus on ‘Body Knew’, the second single from Toronto-based writer and performer LU KALA.

KALA moved to Canada from the Democratic Republic of Congo with her family at age three. Having achieved some success as a songwriter – landing a song on Jennifer Hudson’s third studio album JHUD (2014) – KALA has since focused on building her career as an independent artist. “With me being both black and plus size, I think people expect a very specific voice and style. And while I can sing those songs, I express myself differently,” she explains. Her debut single ‘DCMO (Don’t Count Me Out)’ was an anthem of honesty and self-reflection: ‘I know I’m a big girl and you are afraid to claim me.‘

On ‘Body Knew’, the orange-haired songstress sings of the frustration of trying to move on from an unfaithful partner. ‘I wish my body knew you lovin’ on someone new,‘ she cries. KALA’s vocal – squeaking, rasping, and belting – is an outpouring of raw emotion.

Image copyright: LU KALA