South East London’s Laolu uses music as a form of spiritual healing. Writing songs since she was a child, the young R&B artist took a break from her craft in 2015 to focus on her mental health – a 3 year hiatus which gave her the strength to explore her self-doubt.
Following her break from music, her debut EP All In Me was released in 2018 – a candid analysis of her depression which allowed her to find inspiration even in her darkest moments. Returning with her late night groove “Indulge”, Laolu embraces her sensual side as she details “a relationship with someone that is almost forbidden. You know the person is no good but you are craving them because of how they make you feel when you’re together”.
Articulating lust and desire with refreshing honesty and candour, Laolu has blossomed with every release. As well as finding peace with her musical narratives, we asked Laolu to provide us with 5 things she does everyday to keep happy and healthy.
5 Things I Do for Myself Everyday
1. Meditate
I’m still fairly new in practicing meditation but I’ve found it to be a good way to start and finish my day. This allows me to begin my day grounded and clear mentally and then also release everything before I sleep. This helps me to be positive and even dream more clearly. I believe meditation helps to clear your mental space and realign yourself especially if you’re feeling anxious or down.
2. Give Thanks and Words of Appreciation
I start my morning by saying what I am grateful for, what I am grateful for receiving and show gratitude for what’s to come. This is just how I communicate spiritually with my spirit guides, ancestors and angels. It allows me to see what I have been blessed with and also affirm what I want to happen in my life and in the lives of my loved ones.
3. Exercise
I don’t actually exercise everyday but 3 times a week I believe is good enough! Exercise releases endorphins which make you feel positive, even when I don’t want to work out I still do because after I feel like I’ve overcome a small hurdle and achieved something. I work out in the mornings around 5:30-6AM as the gym is quieter and more peaceful, so I can really get in the zone and focus. Working out just makes me feel good about myself and is also another way to clear any negativity that’s clouding my mental space.
4. Sing
I don’t think a day goes by where I don’t sing, even if I’m sick and my voice isn’t 100% there I’m singing something. I love to sing around the house, when I go for a run and just when I’m chilling. Music really is good for the soul and no matter your mood or what you’re going through, music will heal you.
5. Be Mindful
I am very mindful of what I say and what I do. I really believe in “if you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all”. Social media is really full of negative comments and trolls and I just try to share love and encourage everyone. We never know what people have going on in their personal lives and it costs nothing to be kind. I know when I’ve been on the brink of giving up, someone’s small act of kindness has always encouraged me to carry on and not be overwhelmed by the darkness. I try to continuously uplift those around me and those that I don’t even know but interact with online etc just so they know “yes I see you, working hard and just being amazing”.
CONNECT WITH LAOLU
photos / Clare Setian
story / Bryony Holdsworth
