Chiedu Oraka shares new track, “Damned”

“Damned” follows previous single “Cocoa Butter” released last month, offering a look into the more stripped-back side of Oraka’s sound.

The track arrives alongside a music video that captures the reality of racial profiling at the hands of the police, incorporating a tribute to Christoper Alder, who died in police custody in Hull in 1998 — with his death ruled an unlawful killing. Oraka has worked closely with Alder’s sister Janet on the documentary he produced, Black Kings Upon Hull which explores the working-class experience of Black people in Hull throughout the city’s history.

Speaking about the track, Oraka says: ““‘Damned’ is another new lane for me. The sound is smooth and my delivery is softer, but the bars are still punchy and potent. There’s a lot of live instrumentation in there too, which gives the track a different feel, but I think it really works. Ben Foden led on production, he's very talented and it’s been great to build on that relationship, it was also great to work with Oliver Rees again and bring his influence into the track. It still feels like a very northern collaboration and close to home. I hope everyone enjoys listening to ‘Damned’ as much as I enjoyed making it.”