On a crisp October evening at Toronto’s Lula Lounge, something special happened. The venue’s signature lilac lighting cast a warm glow over a crowd dressed to the nines—swarms of black in true Toronto fall fashion, people who knew they were about to witness something worth remembering. This wasn’t just another album release show. This was Ṣẹwà celebrating Detox, and everyone in that room could feel it.
For those just discovering her, Ṣẹwà is a Toronto-based Nigerian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and budding producer whose music is a captivating fusion of afrosoul, afrobeat, jazz, and pop. Her sound is a reflection of her journey from the rich musical landscape of Lagos to the dynamic scene in Toronto, blending traditional African rhythms with modern influences to create music that speaks directly to the heart.
The pre-show atmosphere was pure vibes. Brymo’s soothing sonics filled the air paired with a generous portion of The Cavemen’s discography on repeat; setting a contemplative mood that would define the night. The menu featured Lula’s classics alongside a specialized Detox album release selection, because when you’re celebrating purging emotional toxicity, why not do it with good food too?
Ṣẹwà’s relationship with music goes deeper than genre classification. “It might sound cliché, but music saved my life,” she shared openly. During a difficult time in her younger years, specifically the passing of her beloved father, she turned to the guitar for healing. What began as a distraction became a lifeline, and eventually, a calling.
“Music means the world to me.”
Following opening acts, Seke and Chinelo, Ṣẹwà serenaded her audience mostly with tunes from the Detox album, immediately establishing the evening’s introspective tone. There’s something about her vocals that feels like aftermath, like the quiet clarity that comes after the storm passes.
Having spent over six years honing her craft (officially and otherwise), Ṣẹwà’s sound is distinct; deeply personal and emotive. She classifies her music as afro-soul, sometimes afropop, but jokes that she prefers to call it “afro-dembreakmyheart.” The name is fitting. Her songs are often based on real-life experiences, layered with a strong sense of emotional vulnerability much like her noted influences; Asa, Brymo, Waje, and Beautiful Nubia.
Upon arriving in Toronto after selling out her debut Nigerian concert in 2021, she found the music scene tough to navigate. “Hip-hop dominates here, likely because of Drake,” she observed. “In Canada, people are more open to soul music,” she observed. It’s that openness that’s allowed her to build a dedicated following of 68,500+ monthly listeners on Spotify and a community that shows up dressed to the nines on a Tuesday night in October.
The Lula Lounge show wasn’t just a celebration of Detox—it was a homecoming of sorts. Ṣẹwà has come full circle: from struggling to find her place in Nigeria’s afrobeat-dominated landscape, to building a devoted following in Toronto, to now preparing to return to Lagos this December for a concert that will bring her journey full circle.
