THE BACK STORY: For anyone reading this in Norway, Lil Halima – full name: Lillian Halima Anderssen – surely needs no introduction. Since debuting in 2018 with her delightful first EP ‘Love Songs For Bad Lovers’, the singer, producer and visual artist has firmly staked her claim as Scandinavia’s next big pop sensation. Still only 21, Lil Halima has already been nominated for two Norwegian Grammy’s and the much-coveted Nordic Music Prize.
Born and raised in Bardu, a small village in Norway with a population of 4000, Lil Halima’s passion for music began at the age of 5 when she started learning the violin. Inspired by everything from traditional Norwegian music (thanks to her grandmother) to American hip-hop (her father’s big passion), she was raised with an eclectic, open-minded approach to music – something clearly reflected in her wonderful, tough-to-pigeonhole songwriting. Her songs are as inventive as they are accessible – think Lorde’s electro-pop futurism given an R&B makeover – and her lyrics, full of soul-searching and romantic turbulence, have the raw intimacy of personal diary entries.
After signing to Universal in 2017, she’s spent the past few years establishing herself in her native Norway. It’s only a matter of time, though, before the rest of the world becomes acquainted with Lil Halima’s considerable talents. Last year’s stunning COLORS session – during which she performed her single ‘Hold Me’ – has so far chalked up over 800, 000 views on YouTube. Her first 2020 release, ‘Glue’, should only enhance her reputation as Scandipop’s finest new exponent.
KEY TRACK: ‘Glue’ – a stirring neo-soul track on which Lil Halima examines her commitment issues with typical insight and candour.
FOR FANS OF: Erykah Badu, Mahalia, Jorja Smith.
