Alewya – ZERO album coverWith the words “We live in a city of symbols,” Alewya opens her new single and a fresh chapter in her artistic journey. Following her tour with Little Simz and performances at Glastonbury and Pitchfork Festival, the London-based Ethiopian-Egyptian singer, producer, and visual artist announces the impending release of her debut album, “ZERO.”
Set to drop on June 26, 2026, through Because London Records, the album features contributions from her long-time collaborators, Craigey Dodds, Dean Barrett, and Busy Twist, with renowned English DJ Shy FX serving as Executive Producer. Alongside the album announcement, Alewya is releasing her dynamic new single “City of Symbols,” complemented by a stunning music video.
“City of Symbols” – A Journey Through Heritage, Identity, and the London Underground
CITY OF SYMBOLS FT @eejebee
@iamvraell 🎸
prod by Alewya + @craigiedodds @deanjamesbarratt
Blending Ethiopian rhythms with London underground beats, “City of Symbols” reaffirms Alewya’s distinctive style, which catapulted her into the international limelight with tracks like “Play.” The layered ambience of the track, featuring drums from ejeebee and guitars from Vraell, beautifully showcases Alewya’s vulnerability and determination.
Lyrically, she reflects on origins, family, and the passions that shape her identity today. The song strikes a powerful balance between introspection and energy, offering a sneak peek into the sonic landscape of her forthcoming album, “ZERO.” Alewya explains the album’s title: “Zero is the beginning, the middle, and the end. Zero is the twin of infinity.”
Alewya represents a new generation of artists redefining global music. As an Ethiopian-Egyptian artist raised in West London, she weaves diverse cultural perspectives and artistic disciplines into a singular vision. Her artistic identity is rooted in authenticity, cultural depth, and spiritual energy. She describes herself as “a painter who makes music.”
Her creative journey began in the visual arts: transitioning from painting and graffiti to animation and, ultimately, music. To translate her visual ideas into sound, she started producing her own beats, a method that continues to influence her work today. For Alewya, sound isn’t merely structure; it’s texture, emotion, and instinct.
From the Underground to Touring with Little Simz
In 2021, Alewya released her first project, “Panther in Mode,” establishing herself as a fearless new voice in the British alternative music scene. The project garnered acclaim for its fusion of afro-electronic percussion, intense energy, and a striking visual aesthetic. Since then, she has captivated international audiences.
She has delivered memorable performances for COLORS, collaborated with Moses Boyd, and graced festivals like Pitchfork Paris and Glastonbury. Alewya has also made multiple appearances in Germany, building a growing fanbase through festivals such as Fusion Festival and HipHop Open.
As a new fan of both Alewya and her captivating track “City of Symbols,” I can’t help but draw parallels between her music and that of artists like Neeka and Ayo. Her sound resonates deeply, blending rich cultural influences with an undeniable contemporary flair. I love it!
