Afrobaby

Coming Up For Air

Coming Up For Air

List Pick

Rachel Fryer

Rachel Fryer

June 1, 2026

Closing her deeply personal EP Are U Still Here?, Bradford artist Afrobaby’s 'Coming Up For Air' moves through the acceptance stage of grief with a sense of fragile hopefulness that never fully lets go of the sadness underneath. Beginning slowly before opening into liquid drum & bass-tinged alternative pop, the track carries an uplifting, almost spiritual energy, with gospel influences adding warmth to its emotional weight. Across the EP, Afrobaby explores the fragmented reality of losing her mother, tracing grief through confusion, longing, numbness and emotional exhaustion. 'Coming Up For Air' feels like the moment where the fog begins to lift slightly, even if the pain never fully disappears. Lines like 'don’t be scared to feel your tears' land with real tenderness, offering comfort without pretending healing is simple. Her voice still carries that ache and vulnerability, but here it’s met with release, reflection and a quiet sense of endurance.