Drawing us in with an atmospheric and dimensional soundscape featuring breathy ad-libs and intricate percussion, Zipporah opens Sugar Daddy with intrigue and exquisite dynamics. The track expands into a surrealist Afrobeats energy as Zipporah takes us on a thought-provoking journey.
In essence, Sugar Daddy is about embracing the universal desire to be taken care of. It’s a poignant commentary that explores hurt from previous failed relationships, and toys with the idea of becoming the villain society has portrayed as the gold digger.
At the same time, the song embraces a woman who has realised her worth and her standards is now wanting more than she has been allowing herself to receive. The nod to a lack of a father figure is also meant to highlight a childhood wound. The song is about discovering one self, raising your standards, and empowering women. In that sense, the song is rather philosophical and self-realized. It is intelligently written and also pushes back against the criticism that she is a gold digger. Essentially, it says that she knows what she wants, and is unapologetic about demanding financial security and being treated like the queen that she is.
We love the way Zipporah turns a provocative subject into something playful and empowering. There is a knowing sense of humour at play here, too. She is assertive and setting her own terms, whilst inviting us to question the expectations placed on women in relationships.
As a British-born, Anguillian-raised artist and singer, Zipporah draws on Island Pop and Caribbean influences, with foundational inspiration from Michael Jackson and Bob Marley. Sugar Daddy is taken from her debut EP, HNY SCKL, a project centred on feminine power, girlhood and reclaiming the narrative. We can imagine the track landing a sync placement in films like Hustlers, Zola, The Bling Ring, Queen & Slim and Magic Mike XXL, or a series like Insecure, Rap Sh!t, Harlem, Gossip Girl and Beauty in Black. Fans of Ayra Starr, Tems, Tiwa Savage, Rihanna and Doja Cat will find plenty to connect with here.
Needless to say, we are obsessed, and have added Sugar Daddy to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream I Like and Good Girl from HNY SCKL, and anticipate future releases from Zipporah. You can explore more from Zipporah on her official website.