23-year-old extrovert London-based singer/songwriter Zarif has crammed a lot into a short space of time, already having made a name for herself on the underground London scene. Her unusual background helps explain her singular and eclectic approach. With the sass and excitement of Cyndi Lauper and the vocal ability and musical talent of Lauryn Hill, Zarif is really someone to watch.
Zarif has most recently been working with producers including Fraser T Smith (Kano), Blair Makichan (Lilly Allen), and Tommy D (Kanye West). Her songs run the gamut from the bluesy pop of Silence Room, with its nod to Stevie Wonder's Higher Ground, the echo of Young-Holt's Soulful Strut in the first single, Let Me Back, and the hint of her mother's Iranian culture found in the eastern-tinged Breakout. She counts the likes of Beyonce Knowles herself as a fan, and will be supporting the American songstress on her UK tour.
