This year’s BBC Introducing 'One to Watch' award winner Laughta shares captivating new single ‘Ain’t The Same’
Meet the trailblazing British-Lebanese rapper and producer Laughta, whose star power is undeniable, evidenced by her BBC Introducing 'One to Watch' award win at the 2023 AIM Independent Music Awards.
Laughta’s forthcoming single 'Aint the Same', released 12th October is built upon a distinctive fusion of cultural influences and was crafted with Grammy-nominated producer GG. ‘Aint the Same’ encapsulates the very essence of her diverse background, solidifying her position as one of the UK's brightest talents.
A global deal with MDLBEAST Records sets the stage for her upcoming 2024 EP release which showcases Laughta’s talent for uniting diverse musical landscapes into a harmonious fusion. During her tenure as the inaugural 'Artist in Residence' at the Music Hub in Riyadh, Laughta collaborated with regional and international talents, culminating in an upcoming EP that gracefully blends cultures and genres into a captivating sonic tapestry.
Laughta says, “For the longest time, I've kept my music and my culture kinda in their own lanes, you know-being a Lebanese woman, rapping and producing music, well, that's not exactly the typical path, you know? But when I was working on my upcoming EP, it was like a magical discovery for me, I could blend my musical roots with my heritage, and it was like the universe was giving me a wink. Instruments like the Oud, Ney & Darbuka started dancing alongside my beats, and Arabic lyrics flowed naturally through my verses, telling stories of my cultural roots and my adventures.
"It's not just about creating cool tunes; it's about strengthening my connection to my origins, my heritage, and embracing who I truly am. It's a celebration of all the beautiful diversity out there.”
Laughta's musical prowess shines brightly through international collaborations, seamlessly connecting cultures and genres. Standout collaborations include with Sudanese artist Agineri, viral sensation Mo Al Sahli, bilingual artist Poe Leos from Mexico, rising star Kali B and Riyadh-based rapper Beast, who joined forces on 'Lat Loom'.
This dynamic female duo performed the track at the Emerge 100 fashion streetwear show during Paris Fashion Week at the iconic Place Vendome. Production on the EP comes courtesy of Laughta, DJ El Fuego, Ramii (renowned for work with Kid Cudi and Machine Gun Kelly), Lebanese producer Sleiman Damien on ‘Layla’ and Grammy-nominated producer GG.
Following a triumphant UK tour with Marshall Live earlier this year that captivated audiences in Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, and London, Laughta's innovative music has garnered widespread acclaim. Her recent project received radio support on Abbie Mac & Jess Izatt BBC Introducing shows and a coveted Next Generation feature on Sian Anderson’s show on BBC 1Xtra.
Laughta's natural charisma and ability to spot emerging talent have earned her a presenter spotlight on BBC Radio 1’s Soundsystem and her 'Laughta Gas Show' on Reprezent Radio. Through these platforms, she champions up-and-coming artists, making a commitment to feature at least 50% women and non-binary artists. Self-taught in music production in Jan 2023 she became the first woman to secure a weekly music producer residency with Serato. Her passion for encouraging more women to venture into music production has led her to conduct producer masterclasses in partnership with Roland at Metropolis studio, along with collaborations with LCCM, Family in Music, Women in CTRL, and more.