Live Report: Zeinab on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions’ Y&E Series

Dublin-born R&B singer-songwriter Zeinab announced herself as a remarkable emerging force in Irish music with the release of her latest single, 'Forever', earlier this year. Blending elements of neo-soul, jazz, and melodic R&B pop, the track finds Zeinab enlisting the skills of Berlin-based producer Magro – and offers a thrilling taste of what to expect from her upcoming EP, out later this year.

Zeinab, who is of part Sudanese heritage, draws inspiration from the like of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, as well as the more contemporary sounds of Frank Ocean, Adele and Beyoncé. In addition to her string of well-received singles – winning the Glen Hansard Bursary for her song 'Dream Come True' – she previously showcased her captivating charisma as a presenter on Christmas FM.

"Young Zeinab and current-age Zeinab are losing their minds," the vocalist said of taking over the Hot Press Instagram on Tuesday night, May 4. From her living room-turned-studio; the ever-charismatic artist kicked off her Y&E set with a cover of Daniel Caeser and H.E.R.'s smooth, romance track 'Best Part'.

With honey-toned, soulful vocals and simple guitar instrumentation, Zeinab can put her spin on any cover. With R&B voice reminiscent of Ashanti, Aaliyuh, Faith Evans and Ireland's Loah and Gemma Dunleavy; the rising act shows impressive control over her vocals on the sunny, loved up track.

Mentioning that she was singing 'Zombie' by The Cranberries from the pram as a toddler, Zeinab has been performing since a young age. Delivering a stripped back version of her 2018 dance single 'Love Me Too' with D Sharpson, the singer-songwriter alters the dimensions of the song with great results. Up next is her recent single 'Forever', which is now available on vinyl. As a Christmas present to her boyfriend, Zeinab inserted the words 'orange', 'fluorescent' and 'spicy' into the track - fun fact.

Her take on Frank Ocean's 2011 contemporary R&B track 'Swim Good' arrives next. A notoriously difficult song to sing, the heartbreak number is given a new lease of life by Zeinab. Concluding her action-packed set with a cover of Ariana Grande's 2018 Sweetener hit 'God is a Woman'; the rising star has plenty of potential to offer.

Future collaborations and single releases are in the mix this summer, so stay tuned for some neo-soul R&B at its finest from the artist.

Watch Zeinab's full, enchanting Y&E Series performance below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hot Press (@hotpressmagazine)

Watch Meghan Ali on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, TONIGHT – Thursday, May 6 – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm.