LONDON, UK – Emerging South London artist Yiigaa has unveiled her powerful new single, “Tourguide,” a deeply personal record that serves as both a love letter to Brixton and a reflection on the changes shaping one of London’s most culturally significant communities.
Drawing from her own experiences growing up in Brixton, Tourguide explores the complex emotions of watching a place you love evolve in real time. The track balances feelings of pride, nostalgia, and hope with a thoughtful examination of the effects of gentrification and the challenges faced by long-standing local communities.
For Yiigaa, Brixton is more than a hometown—it is a fundamental part of her identity. Her father, master drummer Henri Gao Bi, met her mother while teaching drum classes in the area, creating a lifelong connection to a community rich in creativity, culture, and social history.
“Tourguide is a really personal record for me,” says Yiigaa. “It’s a love letter to Brixton, the place that raised me. I wanted to capture the mixed emotions of seeing somewhere you care about change over time while also celebrating the people who continue to create, connect, and keep the culture alive.”
The single shines a light on the young creatives who continue to build and thrive within Brixton despite ongoing social and economic changes. Through its storytelling, Tourguide highlights the enduring strength of community and the importance of preserving cultural identity.
Co-produced alongside longtime collaborator Jarj, the track combines soulful electronic textures, Afro-inspired rhythms, neo-soul influences, and the sounds of South London’s UK garage and funky house scenes. The result is an immersive and emotionally resonant record that reflects Yiigaa’s diverse musical influences and heritage.
“My music is deeply connected to where I come from,” she explains. “It blends my Ivorian heritage from my dad’s side with the Caribbean influences that are such a huge part of Brixton, alongside my love for UK garage and funky house.”
The creative partnership between Yiigaa and Jarj is rooted in emotion-led storytelling. Beginning with a feeling, memory, or lived experience, the pair carefully build a sonic landscape that transforms those emotions into music that feels both uplifting and authentic.
The release is accompanied by a compelling short film directed by emerging South London filmmaker Zillah Rauter and produced by rising producer Embla Conneely. Together, the creative team brings Brixton’s story to life, capturing the character, culture, and resilience of the community through a visually rich and emotionally engaging narrative. The film expands on the themes explored in Tourguide, celebrating the people and spirit that continue to shape Brixton amid ongoing change. A dance-focused companion film is also set to be released later this year.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Yiigaa recalls some of her favourite Brixton memories, from hearing music echo through the streets on sunny days to attending swimming lessons at the local recreation centre and stopping for a beef patty afterwards. These everyday experiences continue to inspire her work and reinforce her connection to the community.
The release arrives at an exciting moment in Yiigaa’s career. Following four sold-out headline shows, she is preparing to release a larger music project later this year while continuing to grow her audience and establish herself as one of South London’s most promising emerging voices.
With its blend of personal storytelling, cultural reflection, and genre-defying production, Tourguide offers listeners an intimate portrait of Brixton and a celebration of the communities that continue to shape its future.
