KABBA

Aminata Kabba (born 13 December 1994), also known by her stage name Kabba (stylised as KABBA), formerly A*M*E, is a British singer and songwriter.

In 2011, A*M*E was scouted and signed by Take That frontman Gary Barlow to his label, Future Records. On 9 December 2012, the BBC announced that KABBA – then A*M*E – had been nominated for the Sound of 2013 poll. In January 2013, A*M*E signed to Sony Music's Epic Records after Barlow closed Future Records to focus on his own career commitments. The Duke Dumont single "Need U (100%)", featuring A*M*E and MNEK, topped the UK Singles Chart on 7 April 2013.

Biography

1994–2011: Early life Kabba was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone. At the age of eight, she moved to England after her mother's hair salon was burned to the ground and life in Sierra Leone became too dangerous. Growing up in the Catford area of south-east London, A*M*E was introduced to fellow teenage prodigy MNEK.

2012–2018: Career beginnings: A*M*E In 2012, A*M*E released a string of promotional singles called "City Lights" (featuring Bartoven), "Ride or Die" and "Find a Boy", which she co-wrote alongside Emeli Sandé and producer Naughty Boy. Produced by Electric, the track attained positive reviews, with Digital Spy listing the song as one of its 'Top 10 tracks You Need to Hear'; commenting on "[its] insanely addictive choruses and K-pop inspired melodies" and that "it feels fresher than anything else on this week's chart."

On 9 December 2012, the BBC announced that A*M*E had been nominated for the Sound of 2013 poll alongside the likes of Angel Haze and The Weeknd.

KABBA announced the first single from her self titled debut EP on 12 July 2019. It is titled "Glue" and features Bartoven, who previously appeared on her song "City Lights". The song was first premiered on COMPLEX on 24 July 2019. In the article, KABBA explained the reasons behind her rebrand, stating: "KABBA is a Sierra Leonean name and part of my identity that is so precious to me. Now that I'm entering a new phase in my career, I'm free to fully embrace KABBA."

Her debut EP KABBA was released on 14 February 2020.

Artistry Influences KABBA has been heavily influenced by K-pop, saying "I love my K-pop, but I haven't really done anything with that sound yet. There's influences from it in my music – I've got some fat, solid, six-part melodies which are very K-poppy." KABBA cites Beyoncé, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Big Bang as her influences, she also cites Janet Jackson as a major influence calling Jackson her idol.

Discography Extended plays Title Details KABBA Released: 14 February 2020 Label: Self-released Format: Digital download Note to Self Released: 29 October 2021 Label: Self-released Format: Digital download

Singles As lead artist

As featured artist

Promotional singles Title Year Album "Find a Boy" (A*M*E featuring Mic Righteous) 2012

Guest appearances

Songwriting credits

Music videos Song Year Artist Director Reference(s) "City Lights" 2012 A*M*E (featuring Bartoven) Ashur Yelda, Aram Antabil,Ashley McDermott & Chantelle Fiddy "Ride or Die" A*M*E "Play the Game Boy" Patrick Killingbeck "Heartless" 2013 "Rather Be Single" 2021 KABBA Amaka Lin "Mood" Oliver Marshall

Awards and nominations Year Organisation Award Result 2012 BBC Sound of 2013 Sound of 2013 2014 Grammy Awards Best Dance/Electronic Recording: "Need U (100%)"