Today, French-Senegalese artist anaiis releases her mini-album anaiis & Grupo Cosmo. Created in collaboration with Brazilian artists Sessa and Latin Grammy-nominated singer Luedji Luna, the project captures a profound fusion of global influences that explores themes of Black identity, motherhood, and the natural world. anaiis describes the album as “a sonic emergence of the person I was becoming,” reflecting her journey of self-discovery and artistic evolution.
The album, born from an immersive experience, features Grupo Cosmo’s vibrant blend of Brazilian musical traditions—rock, bossa nova, and ’70s psychedelia—adding depth and dimension to anaiis’s sound. “We spent days on the beach, sharing meals, stories, and creating together. Every track was recorded live to tape—no computers. By the end of the week, we had an album that truly captured the spirit of that moment.”
Alongside the mini-album release, anaiis shares the video for “B.P.E.” Directed by anaiis, Ronan Mckenzie, and Tayo Rapoport, the video draws from a place of nostalgia, collective memory as well as a place of longing. “I wanted the film to explore the ways in which tradition and culture are passed down in this very universal and iconic way but also to invigorate the viewer with joy. The song is a celebration of Blackness, and it was important for me that the film captured the power of our spirit as a collective,” says anaiis.
The origins of anaiis & Grupo Cosmo trace back to 2020 during an artist residency in Salvador, Brazil, where anaiis first connected with Luedji Luna. They wrote the song “Toda Cor” as an homage to their Trans-Atlantic bond, inspired by shared cultural experiences as Black women from opposite sides of the world. Each track on the album reflects anaiis’ exploration of identity and self-discovery. “Honeydew,” the album’s centerpiece, captures the complexities of motherhood, while “B.P.E.” celebrates Black identity and draws inspiration from global liberation movements. With roots spanning Dakar, Oakland, London, and Brazil, anaiis’ music seamlessly blends influences from her multicultural life. anaiis & Grupo Cosmo stands as a testament to her transformative journey—a richly layered blend of culture, identity, and artistry that invites listeners to explore connection, self-discovery, and creative freedom.
Inspired by visionaries such as Nina Simone, bell hooks, and Zanele Muholi, anaiis’ work merges the personal and political, challenging societal norms through both sound and message. Her debut single, “Nina,” and her self-released album This Is No Longer A Dream, which features collaborations with Chronixx, Sjava, and Topaz Jones, established her as a powerful voice in music. Known for her dynamic live performances, anaiis has shared stages with artists like Erykah Badu and Daniel Caesar, including a sold-out show at London’s Barbican.
anaiis’ multidisciplinary talent has also led to collaborations with major institutions such as the V&A, White Cube, and Palais de Tokyo. Her short film OPENHEARTED, a tribute to her Senegalese heritage, has been featured on platforms like WePresent and Nowness, adding a cinematic layer to her artistic journey. Now, as a new mother, she is entering a new phase, with her evolving life experiences continuing to inspire her future work.
Her name, written in lowercase as a tribute to feminist icon bell hooks, symbolizes her commitment to challenging norms and celebrating self-empowerment.
