NUMA EDEMA’s exquisite single reveals the city’s soul / OSLO
The arrangement and vocals have the hallmark of a classic.
NUMA EDEMA pens a song inspired by Motown and dedicated to the city he calls home – Oslo with sublime storytelling.
Blending vintage soul into a modern sound Numa sought an authentic recreation of the retro Motown style, and recorded Oslo live with a 10-string orchestra and a full band.
The difference is an enriched sense of scale, loads of detail and enhanced dynamics. The strings are gorgeous! In addition, Numa’s rich soulful vocals and presence draw comparisons to artists such as Gregory Porter and Michael Kiwanuka. And just like both, a humble, and lived honesty reverberates in Numas’ every word.
‘Remember how you hated me / Contempt in your face‘ makes a striking opening statement.
Oslo is the town Numa grew up in and loves. Walking the city’s deserted streets in lockdown gave him time to reflect and experienced a genuine pride in who he is and what he has – that being both bad and good – and he wishes the same for his city.
“I’m so proud of my city. So much of my identity relates to Oslo. In times where I’ve struggled to see my own identity, the city has always been there. I know it so well, it knows me” – Numa.
This website is dedicated to revealing music reflective of Nordic life and expressed through a soulful prism. Oslo by Numa Edema is a perfect example. It’s a stunning soul single.
