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14 December 2023 10:51 AM

Behind the scenes with Bellah at THE CONCEPT A.I. ALBUM launch party

In partnership with BACARDÍ

By Dale Fox

R&B singer Bellah performed a world-exclusive set at the launch party of the Boi-1da-produced THE CONCEPT A.I. ALBUM in London on 6 December, with Rolling Stone UK going behind the scenes ahead of her stunning four-track show.

A host of stars turned out to party along to an exclusive playback of the brand-new EP, presented by BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Nadia Jae. We spotted Professor Green, Cuppy, Tigerlilly Taylor, Lady Leshurr, Ghetts, and fellow THE CONCEPT A.I. ALBUM star Savannah Ré on the night.

Our first time hearing Bellah’s exclusive track from the album in full, ‘Something to Prove’, was during her sound check, at Shoreditch’s Village Underground. The room stopped in its tracks as Bellah’s sweet yet powerfully soaring vocals filled the entire venue, proving exactly why she’s a part of this project.

A camera crew stands around Bellah with a stage behind her while she has her makeup done. Two dancers stand onstage behind her with the BACARDÍ logo behind them
Behind the scenes with Bellah at the launch of THE CONCEPT A.I. ALBUM (Image: Aaron Parsons photography)

“My song on the album is a fun little pop/R&B vibe. It’s about a man that didn’t see your worth and now he does and he’s trying to spin the block, but we’re saying ‘no’,” Bellah told us on the sidelines, holding a customised bottle of BACARDÍ rum. “A.I. helped bring the vibes, the drums, the atmosphere – along with boi-1da, obviously.”

Uplifting emerging global talents

Developed in partnership with BACARDÍ as part of its Music Liberates Music campaign uplifting emerging global talents, THE CONCEPT A.I. ALBUM sees Boi-1da training A.I. systems on his signature production style, making it accessible to upcoming musicians.

“I was definitely wary of A.I. and it did take a little bit of convincing, but using the tool was mad fun” (Image: Aaron Parsons photography)

Bellah, known for 2022’s Adultsville, is representing the UK on THE CONCEPT A.I. ALBUM. As well as Bellah’s track, the EP also features Floyd Fuji with ‘Apollonia’, Kyle Dio with ‘All You Wanted’, Blackway with ‘Ebony’ and Savannah Ré with ‘Hall of Fame’.

A camera crew stands around Bellah with a stage behind her with the BACARDÍ logo
Behind the scenes with Bellah at the launch of THE CONCEPT A.I. ALBUM (Image: Aaron Parsons photography)

“I was definitely wary of A.I. and it did take a little bit of convincing, but using the tool was mad fun. A.I. is here to stay. We might as well incorporate it into everything that we do,” Bellah explained.

“Confidence – I’m manifesting it”

Joined by Nadia Jae, Bellah formed a prayer circle backstage before her set, with her band, dancers, and crew wishing for a stunning performance – and it worked.

Bellah and her bandmates and crew join Nadia Jae in a prayer circle before the show (Image: Jon Dean)

“I’m a little bit nervous to perform the song but I know I’m going to smash it. Confidence – I’m manifesting it. I think the performance is going to be great and I think the party is going to be lit,” Bellah said ahead of her performance.

She was right. Taking to the stage to wow with a setlist of ‘Something To Prove’, ‘In The Moment’, ‘Garden’ and ‘Evil Eye’ with a full band and jaw-dropping backing dancers, Shoreditch was brought to its knees in a scene of sheer fabulousity.

THE CONCEPT A.I. ALBUM is available to stream on Spotify now – click here to listen.

 Live Passionately. Drink Responsibly.

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