Back with a brand new single earlier this month; following on from his previous 2021 release say i’m sorry, Indonesia’s biggest star Afgan linked up with K-Pop superstar Jackson Wang on the smooth and seductive R&B led single M.I.A that is an unquestionable hit! And adding to the release, last week, the pair also delivered a stunning new music video to accompany the track in what will no doubt be one of the hottest collaborations of the year.
A result of the organic chemistry and energy between the pair and the close friendship they have developed after meeting backstage at an event in 2019, M.I.A. serves as a bold new direction for Afgan and marks the second official single from the artist’s upcoming English album. Co-written with Benny Mayne and Emily Vaughn, the track is a sultry, slow-burning trap flavoured R&B number that delivers an intoxicating and throwback 2000’s kind of vibe, as they pour out devoted confessions of love over smooth and utterly impossible to resist instrumentals.
Speaking on the track, Afgan shared:
“My producer, Tha Aristocrats, were showing me a selection of beats, and the intro of “M.I.A.” came across and it instantly felt like my sound. It’s a feel-good song and I think at this time in the world, we need more songs like this. It was a dream come true to be able to collaborate with Jackson on this song. I’m a big fan of his, he really inspired me as an Asian artist to step up my game. I love how organic the collaboration came about; we met backstage at an event in Seoul back in 2019 and we had a conversation about the possibility of us working together. I sent him over “M.I.A.” and he loved it. I hope that one day we get to perform this song together. The MV shoot was so much fun, we got to play out fantasies and we showed a more seductive side in this video, which is something I’ve never done before.”
And adding to that; when talking about the track and the collaboration, Jackson Wang explained:
“Afgan and I met in Korea and then we linked and we talked about stuff on the phone. It was a very natural conversation, we thought it would be interesting and fun to make music together and Afgan is such a great artist, he’s dope. After hearing the final version of M.I.A, I personally think it’s perfect and very smooth, that everyone should listen.”
Adding to the release, the pair also delivered some striking new visuals last week to add a new layer and flavour to the single. With expertly crafted cinematography, the video sees the duo performing the song under the warm glow of vibrant red filters as they showcase their seductive side. Playing out their fantasies and displaying a different side of themselves, the video is vibrant and simple, yet utterly striking, and the perfect accompaniment to the bold and dazzling new track.
The latest taste of his highly anticipated debut English album, which is set to drop soon, Afgan is poised to make waves all around the world and explode on the international music scene with his soulful brand of artistry that is impossible not to love. An absolutely incredible collaboration, make sure to keep up with the pair on all their socials to see what they have in store for us next!
Afgan – @afgan__
Jackson Wang – @jacksonwang852g7
BUSK MUSIC 