The Hackney artist’s latest single is an impassioned appeal to be more “present in life”, due 28th Feb. “Wasting Time” comes just hot on the heels of the acclaimed single/video, “Look Back”.

Appiah will also open for Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka on his UK/European concert tour, performing songs from his EP ‘That’s the Thing About Time’ over a 12-date spring 2025 trek.

On 28th Feb, East London’s J Appiah offers his latest single, “Wasting Time”, the first salvo from his forthcoming second EP, ‘That’s the Thing About Time, Part 2′ (VERO Music x 19FIFTY7), which is due this spring.

The beautiful, guitar-etched tune was written at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, during a time when Appiah was pondering the direction of his life. “It was written from the perspective of how much we fill our day with stuff. I was deeply reflecting on how we always seem to be onto the next time, the next thing, the next whatever. It feels soulless. Writing this song helped me get back to the person I wanted to be – a person who is truly present for every aspect of life.”

“Wasting Time” follows a thematic thread of his acclaimed 2024 hit, “Look Back”, which is a battle cry to “wake up and experience life.” Appiah weaves his words around a potent blend of psychedelia and raw funk to bring instrumental movement and illumination of the song’s message. The track was made with producer Barnabas Poffley who provided its other-worldly synth sample, and draws upon J Appiah’s varied influences across electronic, indie, soul and beyond.

As Appiah introduces “Wasting Time” to the world, he continues to collect accolades for the stylish concept video for “Look Back”. The clip is directed by South Londoner Yasmine Godo, lauded for her work focusing on narrative stories that champion “other” and underrepresented groups (Disabled, Queer, Diaspora stories).

J Appiah notes, “The message behind the visuals is making this point that we are all acting on some level. We all play some sort of role while we’re here doing life. Life is the stage and it’s our show. I like the idea of breaking that fourth wall. The “Look Back” visual is about me playing ‘Jesse the cowboy.’ Cowboys have always been intriguing to me. The idea of being a bandit or an outlaw; someone who operates outside of the norm and isn’t afraid to break some ‘rules.’ Being that the song “Look Back” was written in Ghana, this idea of journey was central. “Look Back” is a song about moving forward with your life, regardless of the bumps and bruises you may pick up along the journey.”

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East London’s J Appiah also proudly joins Michael Kiwanuka for his 12-city UK/European concert tour, which begins on 24th February at Amare in Den Haag, Netherlands. Appiah is currently promoting his critically acclaimed debut EP, ‘That’s the Thing About Time’ (VERO Music x 19Fifty7).

“Michael and I have always been good friends,” Appiah says, “He’s a beautiful guy. So innovative. He’s done so much for Black British music. I appreciate him and his support in giving me an opportunity to share my art with his audience. It’s validating and exciting.”

The 12-date run will be Kiwanuka’s first headline dates in the UK/Europe since 2022, and the first opportunity to hear tracks from the Mercury Prize winning artist’s fourth album, ‘Small Changes’, which was released to widespread plaudits on 22nd November 2024. The dates will include March dates in Wolverhampton, London’s Eventim Apollo, Edinburgh and conclude on 13th March at the O2 Apollo in Manchester. Tickets are currently on sale. All dates are listed below.