Rahim Redcar's creative prowess is not only awe-inspiring in its prolificacy, but its shape-shifting vastness. Today, the French musician has released a new song under his Christine And The Queens moniker called "Ah Ya" featuring longtime friend and collaborator Thee Diane. You might recognize Thee Diane, a classically trained musician who combines afrobeats and alt-pop, from the cover for Christine And The Queens' 2022 album Redcar Les Adorables Étoiles.
In a press release, Rahim shared this poetic statement on the new collaboration:
From our friendship, the legacy is music
We’ve been singing together for several years - now, our voices answer each other, melt into one
In the writing, too, things come to us harmoniously, in one breath -
Where the music goes, we go without thinking
The melody then unfolds to bring us its sweet, sweet relief
Find a sister,
Find a brother
In the night of the world
Conversations, late at night ; the pact is sealed :
We built our sound,
We protect our sound.
Ah ya is the collaboration of two rebels, and I say this without flaunting,
Since we still dare to love in the night of a world so fragile
Since we dream ourselves free,
Total emancipation of our fortresses“The place in which I’ll fit will not exist until I make it.” James Baldwin
Thee Diane also added that the duo "wanted to break free, following the example of other artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Kool & The Gang, Kate Bush… who created long, cinematic musical landscapes where emotion takes precedence over structure." She explained that: "This song is an invitation to tune into a higher frequency. It’s a freer, almost instinctive format. A way to reconnect with oneself, to follow our heart and let the body speak as much as the voice. To listen to your heart and create from a truer place."
Watch the Calixte Lenka-directed video for "Ah Ya" below.
