British-Nigerian singer Sayo Popoola a.k.a. Sayò, may not have released a new single since her 2023 EP, Heartstrings, but the recent arrival of the unplugged version of that project generated so much excitement.

My attention was brought to that EP when I heard “Smile – Live”. This unplugged live version strips back the rhythmic afrobeat production of the original, allowing the artist to wow us with her soulful voice.

“Smile” is indeed a powerful song. Its message of hope and resilience is bound to resonate with many listeners. So, like the singer urges us, do remember to smile.

For more from or about Sayò, follow her on Instagram.