Naomi Cowan tapped by Idris Elba and Toddla T for new single
Jamaican singer Naomi Cowan features on a new single by British actor and disc jock Idris Elba and his DJ colleague Toddla T.
The song, We Run The Area, has been billed as a “summer heater” and also features English deejay of Trinidadian descent, General Levy. It has been released via Elba and Toddla T’s labels 7Wallace and Bell Brothers, respectively.
According to a release, the track draws influence from Jungle and drum and bass sounds with an accompanying visual featuring all four artistes shot in both Jamaica and London – all filmed and edited by directors Notty Cuts, Desmond Dakura and Abo Raj mostly via an iPhone 14, reflecting the DIY, collaborative nature of the four creatives.
Speaking on We Run The Area, Toddla T said, “This is the posse cut I never knew I needed.”
Elba added: “Big up all junglist massive! Literally.”
DJ Toddla T is credited as one of the most pivotal music industry tastemakers in the UK. A linchpin of industry collaboration, the producer has released tracks with a rollcall of names that includes the likes of Skepta, Avelino, CASISDEAD, Stefflon Don, Roots Manuva, Skream, Andrea Martin and Craig David.
Actor and longtime DJ turned label-head Idris Elba founded 7Wallace in 2015 to break boundaries in hip hop and dance music. The label has released a slew of cuts with the likes of Elba, Che Lingo, Little Simz, Q-Tip, Chip, Kah-Lo and Kojey Radical.
Cowan, the daughter of gospel singer Carlene Davis and impresario Tommy Cowan, launched her career in 2015 and is known for songs such as Paradise Plum, Kingston Traffic and Peace Of Mind.