Libë Shares Her Story of Music, Style, and Self-Discovery, Issue 16 Featured Artist

For rising artist Libë, the decision to pursue music full-time wasn’t a snap judgment but rather a gradual realization that, for her, music was more than just a hobby. “Honestly, I can’t recall one defining moment,” she reflects. “For as long as I can remember, making music is what I’ve wanted to do.” Her journey might sound unconventional to those who expected her to follow a more traditional path, but the connection was always deeply rooted.

Photo credit RAPHYART

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Music was a constant presence growing up, often taking center stage during family drives. “Sunday drives to church with my mum listening to classics,” she remembers, “artists like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Anita Baker, and Prince, whose music filled our car and left a mark on me.” Her early musical influences became the foundation for the sound she would later create, blending Neo-soul, R&B, Gospel, and Afrobeats into a unique fusion she’s proud of. “A lot of my love for music was shaped by those drives,” she says. “Those artists still inspire me today.” But translating that love of music into a career was another matter altogether.

As a young teenager, she struggled to tell her family of her ambition. “I remember the first time I tried to tell my mum,” she shares. “I was 15 and didn’t have the guts to say that I wasn’t going to be a lawyer or a doctor, like I thought she wanted me to be.” In that moment of teenage uncertainty, she admitted, “I know what I want to do, but I won’t because you won’t like it.” To her surprise, her parents were fully supportive when she finally revealed her plans. “That support from my parents gave me the courage to take this path,” she reflects. “It felt like I’d been holding my breath and could finally exhale.”

Libë’s music journey started from the most humble of origins—writing songs in her bedroom as a teenager, using music as a form of expression for themes close to her heart. “I talk about love a lot, but mainly the problems that come with it!” she laughs. “Heartbreak, trust, unrequited love, compromise, and control—these are things I experience and fear, and writing about them helps me make sense of them.” She calls her music a mix of “the human and the alien,” with the human side cringing at vulnerability and the “alien” side studying these emotions with fascination. By embracing both sides, she taps into something raw and relatable. “It’s interesting to see how people interpret the story or message in their own way,” she adds, admitting that her goal is to craft lyrics with layers of meaning that listeners can explore over time.

Her debut single, *“Never Been (Bad Boy),”* is no exception to this philosophy. The song delves into the allure of forbidden love—the kind where, as Libë puts it, “you know pain or disappointment is inevitable, but you just can’t help yourself.” It’s a relatable narrative that many can connect with, and Libë says it’s drawn from her own life experiences. “It’s relatable, and I’ve put myself in that position too. We as humans can’t help but put ourselves in situations where we know there’s a good chance we’ll get hurt.”

A huge part of her creative process comes from reflecting on the music she grew up with and what resonates with her in the present. Alongside the greats of R&B and Soul, she finds inspiration in contemporary artists like Snoh Aalegra, DESTIN CONRAD, Erykah Badu, Smino, and Lucky Daye. “I’m drawn to lyrics with hidden meanings and layers,” she says, “and I’d love for people to listen to my lyrics and think, ‘How did she think of that?’ or ‘I wish I’d written that.’”

Yet her journey to releasing *“Never Been (Bad Boy)”* wasn’t without challenges. “The only thing that went smoothly was when I first wrote it in my bedroom at age 16,” she shares. “Since then, so many things went wrong at almost every stage.” Between technical issues, unexpected delays, and moments of doubt, she was tempted to shelve the song entirely. But she was determined to make it her debut single. “I was adamant that this song was going to see the light of day, whether it liked it or not,” she says with a smile. When asked if she’s ever felt like giving up, her response is firm and unwavering: “Giving up isn’t an option.”

Libë’s resilience is partly rooted in the words of wisdom her mother shared with her and her brother: “I don’t mind what you do, as long as you give it your best. If you sweep roads, make sure yours are the cleanest in the country.” This advice has become a personal mantra for her, reminding her to push through obstacles with everything she has. She’s also had to learn a few practical lessons along the way. “After a painful lesson of losing work, I now make sure I have my own backups of everything,” she admits with a wry smile. “Believe me, if I don’t laugh about it, I’ll cry.”

In terms of her own sense of style, Libë is influenced by the 90s and early 2000s, an era she describes as having a “Y2K aesthetic that’s fun to experiment with.” For day-to-day, she leans toward streetwear, with hats as her favorite accessory. “Hats, I love hats. Fitted caps, beanies, bucket hats, ushankas—they can transform a basic outfit into something that feels uniquely me,” she explains. Beyond hats, she emphasizes that it’s the little details—rings, layered necklaces, a cool pair of sunglasses—that can elevate even a simple look. “For me, it’s all about finding what works for you, and that takes time and a willingness to experiment.”

Her vision extends beyond personal success. Libë has ambitions not just for herself but for the UK R&B scene as a whole. “Worldwide recognition of the UK R&B scene is something I’ve always dreamt of,” she says passionately. She sees the incredible talent coming out of the UK and hopes her music will contribute to a wider global awareness of the scene. “There are so many amazing, talented artists here, and I intend to join that list.” She’s confident that her music will reach those who need to hear it, even if that’s a small, dedicated audience. “Whether it’s one million or one thousand, I’m a firm believer that my music will resonate with the people it’s meant to reach.”

Libë’s advice to fellow dreamers is simple yet profound: “Don’t be afraid to dream big, but be prepared to push through the doubt.” As she continues to develop her craft, she’s excited to explore hidden meanings, metaphors, and clever wordplay that will challenge her listeners and showcase her growth as an artist. With her debut single making waves, she’s well on her way to creating a lasting impact. “This is just the beginning,” she says, describing this chapter in her life as “The Butterfly Effect.”

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