Sabrina Francis - Cocoa Tea (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Afro-Caribbean singer-songwriter Sabrina Francis has released her new single ‘Cocoa Tea’, pouring her joyful personality in a blend of upbeat Pop and sleek R&B. Produced by Sabrina and Dieter Burkhalter (Music & Beyond, Pure Grenada Music Festival), mixed by Samuel Bauer (Audio Konzept) and mastered by Andre Pousaz, the track opens a new chapter in the rising artist’s journey to bring positivity and optimism to people all over the world. Fresh off a successful tour across the UK and Europe which included sold out shows at the Pizza Express Live event and a headline show at The Tabernacle, ‘Cocoa Tea’ is the first from a series of new material coming soon.

Channelling positivity and summer vibes, ‘Cocoa Tea’ is an uplifting reflection of the young singer-songwriter’s story. Sabrina Francis comes from the picturesque Caribbean island of Grenada, growing up in a humble family without the privileges many take for granted. In her simple yet joyful childhood, the only source of entertainment was singing with her family and friends, and naturally music became her second language and a means to cope with life. Now, bringing her fresh Caribbean sound and memories to a vibrant music video filmed in London, Sabrina pours her radiant soul into her new track and shares a message of optimism and inner peace.

Sabrina Francis sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My mom used to be a calypsonian and still is a great songwriter. Growing up around her creativity, singing and writing became a second language and an outlet for my sisters and I. But coming from a small island like Grenada, it didn’t really occur to me until much later that this could be a career path. That realisation I credit to my mentor/manager and pianist, Dieter Burkhalter. He shares my deep love for music and believed that we could use it to do great things for myself and for others people. So here we are, doing it.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

It’s such a looooong list. I’ll just name a few: Simi, Buju Banton, Berres Hammond, Aurora, India Arie, Eryka Badu. Right now I would LOVE to collaborate with Little Simz. She is a more recent discovery of mine, and I really love her stuff.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

At the moment I’m in L.A writing some new songs, which is really exciting, because new songs always open up the creative flood gates. And I’ll have a new single out in August of this year.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Afro - Caribbean Pop. I’m from Grenada, a small Caribbean island and a lot of our traditional music is rooted in African culture. In the very early stages of my life I wasn’t exposed to many things beyond my own community, but as I got older and my world started to open up, I’ve been able to develop this blend that now comes quite naturally to me.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I won a finalist prize in the John Lennon song writing competition in 2019 I believe. That was pretty cool. That kind of validation is not a necessity but it sure feels good 😝

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Keep creating until you have a sound that is your own and that you are proud of. Create until you form a bond with your work. You will face many challenges and have many doubts. It helps when you are at least sure of your music. Build yourself a team that you trust and that believes in your vision and keeps you motivated through it all.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Koffee, Aurora, Little Simz, Simi.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Gifted by Koffee

Dawn by Yebba.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I’ve really been falling in love with food lately. I like experiencing different cultures through their food. And when I’m not doing that, I try to RELAX, so I head up to the country-side and sit near or in a river.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Water

Neumann mic

My songbook (where I write my songs).