ONE TO WATCH: NAÏKA - 'LOST IN PARADISE' EP

The best kind of music is the kind that has the ability to transport us to another time or place. Lost In Paradise is the new EP by soul-pop sensation Naïka, and through her dreamy voice and rich background, she achieves exactly that. Naika is influenced both musically and personally by a life of moving through European, African and Caribbean cultures. This diversity is evident in her music, which she describes as a blend of pop and soul with a World Music influence.

A standout track from the EP is 'Vultures'. At first a contemporary pop song, this track evolves to include a blend of world music and a hard-hitting theme. In 'Vultures', Naika maintains an upbeat vibe while also confronting her inner demons - "you want me to be weak so you can have a feast?"

Another standout track is 'African Sun', a powerful tribute to Naika's Haitian descent. The track includes lyrics of the native Haitian tongue, Creole. This one takes us to summer sunsets in exotic places, but it's true intent, which Naika successfully achieves, is to capture the strength of Haitian people - "I'm strong like the African sun." Naika succeeds in creating the kind of addictive pop music that is in high commercial demand in today's musical climate. At the same time, she sees to it that this music does not fall flat in terms of substance, sophistication, and multifaceted talent. Not unlike Brika’s take on pop music, Naika redefines the genre with a personal edginess without sacrificing it's addictive hook and commercial appeal.