OneDa, the Manchester rapper and poet, continues her ascent with the announcement of her latest single, ‘Set It Off,’ across all major platforms.
In ‘Set It Off,’ the follow-up to ‘Major Pay’ with Renee Stormz, OneDa teams up again with Fat Budha on production. Together, they blend bombastic drum and bass with her sharp lyricism. Encouraging listeners to embrace their own ‘Pussy Power’ and assert their independence, she urges, “Let go of doubt, control your destiny, keep firing shots until you hit.” Fresh from supporting Kneecap and Baxter Dury, her enigmatic performances at The Great Escape, and the success of her acclaimed ‘Pussy Power’ EP, OneDa cements her status as one of the UK’s most dynamic hip-hop artists.
Refusing to be boxed in, OneDa’s music speaks for itself. Beginning with her intrepid demeanor and dexterous wordplay, her tracks incorporate elements from the hip-hop and drum and bass scenes of her home city of Manchester, while also adding an eclectic mix of afro-trap and afrobeats that reflect her Nigerian heritage. Oneda’s expertise transcends mere lyrical skill; it involves effortlessly merging her chicaning poetic verses with the ever-changing rhythm of shifting beats. Her boundless linguistic talent distinguishes her as a unique force of nature and a master craftswoman. Named by The Face as one of the key MCs at the forefront of the drum ‘n’ bass renaissance, OneDa is a multihyphenate dedicated to empowering others.
OneDa’s evolution includes exceptional live performances: headlining with Angélique Kidjo to launch Aviva Studios (Factory International) in Manchester alongside Layfullstop and Ellen Beth Abdi, supporting Baxter Dury and Kneecap on their UK tours, and headlining Manchester Pride 2023. At press and radio she continues to earn acclaim from BBC Radio 6, DJ Mag, The Face, NTS, Wonderland, UKF, and The Line of Best Fit.
Beyond music, OneDa is deeply involved in community initiatives, spearheading hip-hop therapy for Manchester youth and championing projects like Herchester, which amplifies marginalized voices in music. Her vision transcends chart success, aiming to establish a hip-hop therapy school for all ages, showcasing music’s power for positive change. Her dedication and self-starter spirit propel her forward, embodying empowerment as a lifestyle. Rejecting societal norms, she encourages authenticity, inspiring others through her music and message of liberation.
This summer, OneDa is set to perform at multiple stages at this year’s Glastonbury Festival and Gilles Peterson’s We Out Here weekend, and with more music on the way, 2024 looks set to be the year OneDa turbocharges her career. Fasten your seat belts, put the pedal to the metal, and try to keep up with this Boss Bitch, the Leader Yano.
• ONEDA SUMMER SHOWS •
8 June – GRRRLS The Yard, Manchester
26 June • Glastonbury Festival, Common Stage (Greenpeace)
27 June • Glastonbury Festival, Rum Shack
26 – 29 July • Deershed Festival, Baldersby Park, Topcliffe
15 – 18 August • We Out Here Festival, Dorset
28 September • Float Along Festival, Sheffield
14 – 17 October • SWN Festival, Cardiff
16-18th October • MaMa Festival, Paris
