We Speak Music

Rare London shows with awesome Franco-Japanese artist Maia Barouh

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2023

Don Reed

Off the back of critical acclaim for her recent album release ‘Aida’, Franco-Japanese singer, rapper, producer, and musician Maïa Barouh will be heading to London this April for a string of solo dates across the capital which will show her performing both a full electronic and acoustic set.

“Aida” means “between” in Japanese: between France and Japan, between the mainland and the islands, between the ancient and the modern. The character for the word is 間, a sun caught between two doors and it also means “silence”.

Written, arranged, and produced by Maïa over the past few years, she has built a distinctive soundworld around her two main instruments, flute and voice. The resulting album is raw, spacious, and thought-provoking whilst also being playful, quirky, and sometimes disconcerting, for example when she explores anti-Asian racism and feminism.

Tracks like ‘TOKYO ONDO’ and ‘HAFU’ are fierce, bass loaded, explorations of unconventional beats and tasty Asian motifs that twist and turn embedding more and more in the psyche on each listen. Elsewhere on the album, Maia moves into more ambient cinematic territory with the intriguing & surreal ‘RINGO’ and the experimental flute-bounce of anti-Brexit anthem ‘EXIT’, with its loaded Theresa May sample and hook line “Do you wanna Brexit with me?”.

Embracing the challenge of combining her two native languages, Maia collaborated with rapper Elea Braaz to find the perfect French lyrics for traditional Japanese melodies and to find a Japanese rhythmic flow when rapping in French.

Daughter of French film composer Pierre Barouh, Maia comes from a rich creative lineage. Her lyrics and production take inspiration from the eccentric Tokyo underground scene, traditional folk singing, tribal grooves, French rap and electronic elements: a sonically and culturally blended album which fluctuates between roots and reinvention.

Maia Barouh April 2023 London tour:

21^st April- Finnish Church

22^nd April- Brave Poets, Cromwell Place

23^rd April- The Tent At The End Of The Universe (with surprise full band show)

We Speak Comedy

Lil Duval & Cupid Drop Hot New Anthem “Go Auntie” Today- A Celebration for the Culture

Published

5 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Adavie Gutierrez

Los Angeles, CA– Today, Comedian and entertainer Lil Duval teams up with the reigning king of line dance himself, Cupid, to release their latest singles “Go Auntie,” available now on all major streaming platforms. The infectious new track is a celebration of the stylish, confident, two stepping aunties that keep every family function lit – from weddings to backyard BBQs.

The release comes on the heels of a major honor for Cupid, who the State of Louisiana officially recognized as the Line Dance King of the World. With classic anthems like the multi-platinum “Cupid Shuffle,” “Flex,” and “Pop That Fan,” Cupid continues to shape culture, bring generations together, and fill dance floors across the globe.

But he’s not done yet.

On May 26th, 2025, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, Cupid is back again with another summer banger, dropping “The Cookout (Remix)”, featuring southern hip-hop legends Bun B and Paul Wall. The remix is poised to be the go-to soundtrack for every grill master and family gathering this summer.

With being a 7x multi-platinum artist, Cupid proves yet again why he holds the crown – blending music, movement, and moments that bring people together.

“Go Auntie” is more than a song – it’s a vibe, a celebration, and a tribute to the unsung queens of the cookout,” says Cupid. “And we’re just getting started.”

Stream “Go Auntie” now on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and all digital music platforms.

Follow Cupid: @officialnewcupid | Follow Lil Duval: @lilduval For Interviews, appearances, or press inquiries, contact: Erin Fleeks, [email protected]