Zimbabwe-born, Australian pop and R&B trailblazer Tkay Maidza has just dropped her second single of the year, and it’s a mesmerising explosion of sound titled “Pressed.” Released on May 8, this new track solidifies Tkay’s reputation as one of the most dynamic and innovative female R&B and rap artists in the industry today.
Following her engaging first release of the year, “Must Be,” Tkay returns with “Pressed,” a club-ready anthem driven by a hypnotic Afrobeat groove crafted by the talented Maths Time Joy, known for his work with Nao and Mahalia. The song is a declaration of empowerment where Tkay asserts her dominance in relationships, business, and fashion. With sharp and staccato delivery, she boldly proclaims, “I’ve been that bitch since flip phones and beads,” before launching into the irresistible siren chorus of “I just want my pay now.” It’s a statement of intent that showcases her duality—both defiant and commanding.
artwork: @uynairda_
“Pressed” marks another significant milestone in Tkay’s rapidly rising career, following her acclaimed album Sweet Justice, which recently secured the 2024 ARIA Award for Best R&B Soul Release. The track continues her upward trajectory and builds from her powerhouse collaboration on Adekunle Gold’s “Attack” and her inventive Spotify Singles rework of “Electric Feel.”
Now based in Los Angeles, Tkay Maidza channels her artistic influences while bringing a fresh and personal touch to her music. The fusion of styles evident in “Pressed” echoes her multifaceted artistry, defined by boundary-pushing collaborations with high-profile acts like Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Kaytranada, JPEGMAFIA, and Charli XCX. With over 300 million streams under her belt, Tkay’s ascent in the modern music scene is nothing short of remarkable.
On “Pressed,” Tkay expresses her excitement about exploring her roots and influences: “House music is a big part of my artistic DNA, and I’ve been really excited about amapiano lately, as it originates from South Africa like me. I just wanted the opportunity to explore different types of vocal styles, but also come back to the house flows that I was always really excited about.”
With “Pressed,” Tkay Maidza not only elevates the conversation in R&B and rap, but she also invites listeners into her vibrant world—a place where creativity reigns supreme and authenticity shines through. It’s a must-listen that reinforces her status as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary music.
