Ka Ma returns with ‘I Will Sleep When I Am Dead’, an uplifting contemporary soul single infused with the warmth and groove of classic Motown. Lifted from her forthcoming album ‘Picasso – The Art of Loving’, the track pairs infectious rhythms and rich instrumentation with a powerful message about embracing authenticity and living life on your own terms.
Inspired by the “Let Them” philosophy popularised by Mel Robbins, the song encourages listeners to let go of other people’s expectations and find the confidence to follow their own path. Blending vintage soul influences with a modern perspective, Ka Ma delivers a performance that balances emotional honesty with irresistible feel-good energy.
As she prepares to unveil her new album, Ka Ma continues to establish herself as an artist who combines timeless musicality with thoughtful, empowering songwriting. We caught up with her to discuss the inspiration behind “I Will Sleep When I Am Dead”, the making of ‘Picasso – The Art of Loving’, and why authenticity remains at the heart of everything she creates.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
Music has always been a part of who I am. I grew up in a family of musicians, where creativity and culture were deeply valued. Singing became a way to transform the atmosphere around me, connect with people, and feel closer to my family and my ancestors. Over the years, it evolved into the language through which I understand both myself and the world.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
My influences come from different worlds. I admire artists like Lalah Hathaway, Gregory Porter, Stevie Wonder, Florence+the Machine, Kings of Leon, Lorena McKennitt, and Aretha Franklin. I always state that my heart speaks world music languages, my mind thinks in jazz, my voice breathes and releases soul, and my body moves to rock. They’re not different identities—they’re different languages/parts of the same person, and I need to let them all exist together. I’m equally inspired by jazz complexity, soul attitude, rock energy and traditional/folk music depth from different cultures(indian,japanese…) . Rather than fitting into one genre, I enjoy blending soul, jazz, world music, electronic textures and cinematic sounds to create something emotionally honest.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
There wasn’t just one defining moment—it was a series of experiences. Studying and performing in the UK, working with extraordinary musicians and mentors, and witnessing music’s ability to genuinely connect people made me realize this wasn’t simply something I loved doing. It was what I wanted to dedicate my life to.
For me, music is a calling. There are days when you love it and days when you hate it, sometimes it’ a blessing other time a curse. I don’t think you choose to become a musician. It’s an inner urge—like giving birth to a baby, or falling deeply in love with someone. It goes beyond choice. It’s something you feel compelled to do, follow, even when the path is difficult and impossible. My career has become a reflection of both my artistic vision and my personal journey, guided by that calling every step of the way.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
Every song begins differently. Sometimes it’s a melody, sometimes a single sentence or even a situation – I can’t quite explain. I usually improvise vocally first, allowing melodies to emerge naturally, and then I build the harmony around them. My lyrics often come later, once I understand what the music is trying to say. I don’t own Music, Music owns me. I like leaving room for intuition because some of the most meaningful ideas appear when you’re not forcing them.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
I’m deeply fascinated by psychology, philosophy, and human relationships. I read constantly, observe people and the dynamics between them, and spend a great deal of time reflecting on myself. Much of my recent work has been inspired by the books I’ve read, the people I’ve encountered, and the struggles I’ve experienced. Rather than avoiding those challenges, I try to embrace them and transform them into something empowering.
The ideas of Erich Fromm and Carl Jung have had a profound influence on my songwriting, particularly their reflections on love, identity, the shadow, and personal growth. I also draw inspiration from visual art, nature, spirituality, and everyday conversations. I believe that ordinary moments often reveal extraordinary truths, and that’s where some of the most honest songs begin
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope my music encourages people to embrace vulnerability rather than hide from it. Many of my songs explore self-acceptance, courage, healing and the complexity of human emotions. If someone finishes listening feeling a little less alone or a little more connected to themselves, then I’ve achieved what I hoped to do.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
Like many independent artists, balancing creativity with the business side of music has been one of the biggest challenges. You’re expected to be a songwriter, performer, marketer, content creator and entrepreneur all at once. It can be overwhelming, but it has also taught me resilience and the importance of building a genuine connection with people rather than chasing trends.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
The most rewarding part has been hearing that my music has helped someone through a difficult moment. Awards, playlists and recognition are wonderful, but knowing that a song has genuinely made someone feel understood is something far more meaningful. Collaborating with outstanding musicians has also been an incredible privilege and has helped me grow as an artist.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
I try to remember why I started making music in the first place. THE WHYS are important,more important than the WHAT and HOW. Trends come and go, but authenticity lasts. I enjoy experimenting with new sounds, yet I never want to lose the emotional honesty that defines my work. Every project has to feel true to who I am, otherwise it simply doesn’t resonate with me.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I’m currently releasing a series of singles leading up to my new concept album, Picasso – The Art of Loving. Each release explores a different aspect of human connection, identity and love through a blend of soul, jazz and world influences
There will also be live performances where painters, actors, dancers and other artists create alongside the music in real time, turning each show into a shared artistic experience rather than simply a concert.
My dream is for my Spotify catalogue to become a living art gallery, where every song is inspired by a different Italian painter, inviting listeners to travel through music and visual art at the same time. Every performance will bring together multiple art forms—music, painting, theatre, dance, poetry and storytelling—embracing the idea that the arts are strongest when they exist in dialogue with one another.
This vision is inspired by the ancient Greek conception of the arts, where music, poetry, theatre and dance were never seen as separate disciplines but as parts of one unified creative expression. Through this project, I hope to revive that spirit and create immersive experiences where every art form enriches the others
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
I hope to continue growing internationally, performing at festivals, collaborating with artists from different cultures and reaching audiences across Europe and beyond. More importantly, I want to keep creating music that remains meaningful and timeless. Success, for me, isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a body of work that people can return to years later and still find something new in.
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Listen to Ka Ma’s new single ‘I Will Sleep When I Am Dead’ below.
