LU KALA (@igobylu) is a Congolese Canadian singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, she returned with an alluring new single, “Criminal,” via LVK/Amigo Records. With a magnetic presence and lyrics that flirt with legality, KALA invites listeners to experience love that borders on the forbidden.
LU KALA – “Criminal” Single
“Everybody has someone who brings out their bad side and this (song) is about someone who brought out mine,” LU KALA stated. Love is the proposed crime and “Criminal” is her seductive manifesto. KALA passionately submits to a love so good, so intoxicating, it must be illegal.
With passionate lyrics echoing, “Boy, if your love is ride or die, I’ll give you 25 to life. You can lock me up, throw away the key, I’ll be your bad girl fantasy.” KALA paints a picture of romance so intoxicating, that surrendering feels like a deliciously reckless choice. “You can lock me up, throw away the key, I’ll be your bad girl fantasy. When I steal your heart, you’ll be calling me a criminal.”
“Criminal” is just a piece of KALA’s growing legacy, following a string of hit pop tracks that have resonated with fans on radio charts, streaming platforms, and social media alike. The song’s enticing lyrics—like “Loving on you feels like committing a crime”—capture the essence of thrilling, yet dangerous affection. Who doesn’t want to be a part of such a captivating love story? “I’d do anything, baby, put me in cuffs. Whatever you like, no, it’s never too much,” confirms that KALA is living life on the edge. If you haven’t yet tuned into her spellbinding sound, now is the perfect time. Dive into the extravagant whirlwind of emotions and let “Criminal” sweep you off your feet—just remember, love has its consequences!
LU KALA – “Criminal” Single
“Criminal” is just the latest in a string of hit pop tracks making waves across radio charts, streaming platforms, and social media. KALA’s last single “Who’s Gonna” just reached the Top 10 on Canadian radio’s Top 40 charts (currently #10) and is on the Hot AC chart as well (currently #31). Additionally, her hit “Hotter Now” remains steadfast building at radio, currently Top 10 on AC radio charts in Canada.
KALA erupted onto the scene with the release of the trending “Pretty Girl Era,” now with over 25 million streams, over 340K user-generated videos on TikTok including uses by Justin Timberlake, Eva Longoria, and Serena Williams, and an inclusion in Fortnite. A feature on Latto’s Billboard Hot 100 hit “Lottery” soon followed, as well as the fierce power ballad “Nothing But Love” with social media videos reaching over 1 million views. The fiery-voiced songstress–with signature vibrant orange hair to match–is redefining what a pop star sounds and looks like.
LU KALA
LU KALA has been busy this summer, performing her catalog of hits live at several high-profile events including Pride Toronto’s Opening Night main stage event on June 28, Mississauga, Ontario’s Canada Day Celebration on July 1st and Calgary Stampede’s Cowboy Music Festival on July 7th. Most recently, she took the stage at Vancouver’s VanPrideFest on August 4th and in Edmonton at MacEwan University’s Fall Fest on September 6th. More dates will be announced shortly.
Beyond the radio and streaming success, KALA’s talents have been honored and celebrated within the industry. Her latest notable industry recognition was Billboard Canada’s Women In Music who honored KALA with their “Rising Star Award” earlier this summer. She performed a medley of her hits at the ceremony prompting Billboard Canada to rave that the show was “an affirmation that this diva is ready for her spotlight.”
Also, this year, KALA was nominated for two Juno Awards–Single of The Year for “Pretty Girl Era” & Breakthrough Artist of the Year–as well as an Artist of The Year nomination at the 2024 Women in Music Canada Honours. Elsewhere, the SOCAN Foundation honored her at the Her Music Awards, in the US she was selected as an honoree “Industry Disruptor” for the TikTok 2024 Black History Month Visionary Voices List, in addition to being chosen to be a part of TikTok’s “Elevate” campaign, their first ever Emerging Artists Program, and dubbed one of VEVO’s DSCVR Artists to Watch 2024.
LU KALA
At the age of three KALA’s family immigrated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Canada, first living in Toronto’s Regent Park, and later Ajax. Gifted with a talent for writing striking pop tracks and memorable hooks, LU KALA has amassed over 100 million streams. Behind the lyrics was a voice waiting to be released, unwilling to vocally bend into the box Black female performers are often expected to exist in. She’s embraced her distinctive sound, transforming her trajectory as an artist, and a woman, in the process.
“I do music that is true to me, and it would be cool to see more girls feel like they can do the same, whatever the genre, no matter their race,” she shares.
LU KALA – “Criminal” Single
We recommend adding LU KALA’s “Criminal” single to your favorite electro-pop playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Please comment below and let us know how this song makes you feel. Remember, your feedback helps us bring you more of the music you love. As always, thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment. We’re your go-to source for new music and positive entertainment news. Remember, (P)ositive (E)nergy (A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.
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