Writing about Shooqa 22 just over a few months ago, we were very clear about the eclectic ethos behind the project: “while their roots might very well be planted in the jazz tradition, the talented and bold creatives behind Shooqa 22 embrace a wider outlook within a variety of genres, blending DIY indie-pop ethos with striking hip-hop influences.” Our observation turned out to be correct, as the French outfit has extensively showcased in recent times. 2025 closed with ‘Birds (she could have written this song)’, a luscious ballad-driven improv drenched in poetic allure and heightened melancholia.
That alone would be enough to impress even the most picky of listeners. Yet, the bar has now been moved even higher, with Shooqa 22’s latest effort, ‘Waaa (you make me slow)’, showcasing the Paris-based collective commitment towards blues-stricken, soul-powered influences, all carrying the same jazzy elegance that’s foundational to the whole project. The proactive listener might even identify pockets of neo-soul allure here and there; the truth is, the stylistic borders are so blurred with Shooqa 22 that every attempt to categorise what we are hearing falls flat. Eventually, we cannot help but listen carefully, in awe, gently lulled by the talented six-piece group’s musical charisma.
Karla’s luscious, hypnotic vocals are right at home in such settings, right next to the tender sax solo and the dreamy piano harmonies. Delving deeper into the ethos behind ‘Waaa (you make me slow)’, Shooqa 22 explain: “It is about time slowing, just like in the movies, when you catch sight of your crush. The music begins like a jazz ballad before sweeping us into this cinematic track in multiple scenes, with neo-soul touches and enhanced by an original production (mixed by a beatmaker).”
Recommended! Discover ‘Waaa (you make me slow)’ now: