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New York-based Afro-R&B artist Akili has released the new single “Desaparecida,” taken from his upcoming sophomore album, “Tobago Nights.”

The song originated during a collaborative writing session Akili had with his university friend and colleague Eric Turner. Inspired by Turner’s line “Time was our enemy,” Akili originally wrote the song as a funk-pop R&B track titled “My Baby’s Gone” and performed that version for several years.

Akili later reworked the song while developing “Tobago Nights,” shifting its focus from a fading romantic relationship to the loss of creative inspiration. “Desaparecida” explores the experience of becoming attached to a creative spark and then struggling to recover it after it disappears.

The song is part of the narrative of “Tobago Nights,” which Akili has described through themes of loss, longing and artistic identity.

“Desaparecida” is available on streaming platforms.

New York-based Afro-R&B artist Akili has released the new single “Tortured Soul,” a track that explores passion, artistic expression and the tension between two different perspectives.

The song began with lyrics written by Akili’s friend Z, who is from Tobago. Akili incorporated the lyrics into the broader narrative of his “Tobago Nights” project.

“Tortured Soul” presents an internal dialogue between two people. One becomes increasingly absorbed in their art and the reality it creates, while the other attempts to bring them back to their shared reality. The song examines the question of which person is experiencing the deeper sense of isolation.

Akili’s music combines Afrobeats and Soca influences with contemporary R&B songwriting. His work is also influenced by Caribbean music and artists including Olatunji and Fireboy DML.

“Tortured Soul” is available on streaming platforms.