Hot For 2023 Irish Acts: Winnie Ama

Winnie Ama

The Belfast-based musician reached No.7 in the UK Urban Club Charts via her appearance on ‘I Swear’, the hit song from Francis Groove. Last November, meanwhile, Ama followed up her own ‘Here I Go’ single with ‘Don’t Worry’, another honey-toned groover, redolent of Patrice Rushen’s classic ‘Forget Me Nots’. Infusing jazz with electronics, the funk-driven number is dripping with Nina Simone-type power. Blending conscious lyrics and soulful R&B vocals with dance, house and pop rhythms, Ama’s distinctive sound is inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder and Amy Winehouse, whilst remaining gloriously her own.

Hear: ‘Don’t Worry’

Watch: Her performance of 'Awe Of You' for BBC Music Introducing at Latitude

The Hot Press Hot For 2023 special issue is out now: