Mahalia Returns With Dancehall-Inspired Single 'Pick Up The Pace'

British R&B star Mahalia is back with new single “Pick Up the Pace”. The track, which sees her team team up with Jamaican artist Bayka, incorporates elements of dancehall and reggae – a sonic evolution for the 26-year-old and her typically soulful sound.

“I wanted to celebrate artists like Bayka – those incredible voices from Jamaica – and give the UK a moment to reconnect with the dance and reggae that helped shape our sound,” Mahalia said in a press release. The singer added that the track also serves as an ode to her Afro-Caribbean roots, having grown up with a Jamaican mother in Leicester.

Explaining the meaning behind 'Pick Up the Pace', he continued, 'I love love. But lately, I've been embracing the fun, non-serious side of it all. There's so much gravity in the world, so I just try to find those moments of joy and play in my music.”

Writing on her InstagramMahalia spoke in the fitness-inspired music video. “I've held onto a lot of insecurities about my body that were born in school that I haven't been able to shake as an adult,” she shared. “And being an artist/maybe a role model for some has forced me to keep those insecurities tucked away in Pandora's box so no one can see that I'm even a little bit broken.”

“Broken by the thin beauty standards of Western society. Broken by all the men and women who tell me my boobs are too big or my belly isn't toned enough,' she continued. “Distracted by my own sleepless thoughts about my body every time I go through a depressive phase.”

The single marks Mahalia's first offering of new material since her second studio album, IRLwhich was released in July 2023 via Atlantic Records. The LP reached No. 31 of the United Kingdom Official Albums Chart and was supported by a string of UK headline shows, including a night at London's iconic Hammersmith Apollo. In the following year, he has also toured Europe, North America and Australia.

IRL featured a host of featured guest artists including Stormzy, Joyce Wrice and JoJo. The latter appeared on the single “Cheat”, one of the lead singles from the album. Talking to you Bulletin boardMahalia explained the significance behind choosing JoJo as a partner. “I wanted her very, very much. There was nobody else I wanted on that record, to be honest,” he said.

“I think I had ideas for backup plans if he said no. But I hit her [up] and he said, “Would you be willing to do that?” He was like, “Absolutely. Send it to me.” I sent it and we made it in a few weeks. We had a great time.”

Over the course of a 12-year career, Mahalia has been nominated for multiple MOBO and BRIT Awards, as well as a Grammy nod for “All I Need,” her 2020 collaboration with Jacob Collier and Ty Dolla $ign. In 2019, she released her debut album 'Love And Compromise', featuring Burna Boy, Ella Mai and New Orleans singer Lucky Daye.

Watch “Pick Up the Pace” below: