iKeda’s Giddy Bubble Riddims Will Make You Dance
iKeda has been on a steady rise in 2026, from opening for PinkPantheress on her European tour to recording new music for her upcoming EP Bangs & Braces. Her music might recall Santigold or M.I.A., but iKeda’s fusion of electropop and dancehall is distinctly her own. On her latest single “Go!” the British singer-producer wines across a ridiculously brash thumper produced by Tailtiu. Check out the new music video, which just dropped today.
iKeda stopped by The FADER offices in late June for a quick chat about being a musical perfectionist, her friendship with Oscar Scheller, and why she calls her music “bubble riddim.”
The Evolution of a Sound
Reflecting on her journey, iKeda identifies her early track “Love Drunk” as the moment she truly discovered her voice. While she had long been humming melodies, it was this song that solidified her understanding of songwriting and toplining. She views her early work with a mix of nostalgia and critical distance, noting that while some tracks were rough around the edges, they possessed a charm that remains relevant to her current artistic direction.
Central to her identity is the concept of “bubble riddim,” a genre she coined to describe her fusion of Jamaican dancehall and electro-pop. Inspired by the cross-pollination of genres that defined the early 2010s, iKeda blends these influences to create a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Collaborations and Creative Vision
Her recent studio sessions with Oscar Scheller have been a highlight of her creative process. Having known each other for years—dating back to a modeling shoot for Baracuta—the two found a natural synergy in the studio. iKeda praises Scheller’s versatility and his deep understanding of her influences, particularly his grasp of the London music scene, which has helped shape the direction of her upcoming projects.
Regarding her upcoming EP, Bangs & Braces, iKeda explains that the title is a playful nod to her personal style and her evolution as an artist. Far from being a reference to dental work, the title reflects her affinity for preppy fashion and the “bangers” she has crafted for the record. The music itself draws heavily from childhood nostalgia, incorporating nursery rhyme-inspired melodies and themes from classic British children’s literature, all set against a backdrop of heavy, bass-driven production.
