Ahead of the releasee of her new ‘Elisa EP’ this autumn, Qbanaa is back with her first release of 2024, ‘Best Time’, which like the EP at large, leans into her Cuban roots. The project was shaped by a recent visit to Cuba after a seven year absence. ‘Best Time’ was initially recorded at several locations throughout Cuba with producer Rafino Murphy (aka Uly), with the finishing touches added back home in Dublin.
‘Best Time’ finds Qbanaa traversing the turbulent finale of a toxic relationship. “I was heartbroken and didn’t know how to be alone,” the singer says of the lyrics, “so I ran into another relationship within two months. I was anxiously attached to this new boy who still didn’t know me, but what I was really missing was the closeness I once had – but wasn’t willing to wait. It ended up being really toxic, we didn’t really have that much in common.
The only time I felt close to him was when we were both high, which was pretty much all of the time. He wouldn’t even hold my hand sober in public. But I unfortunately loved the chase for affection, because when he gave it to me it was like a huge reward. I ended up in a ‘healthier’ relationship shortly after (again), a boy who really loved me. But all I could think about was this one guy that had me in a chokehold for his attention. I had a lot of healing to do.”
Following a successful jaunt around Europe opening for Ruby Waters, Qbanaa is set for a busy festival season with appearances at All Together now, We’ve Only Just Begun and Another Love Story.