Lady Paradox - IKIGAI: Ordinary Moments (Album) + 10 Questions
Picture Credit: Jade Vowles
Lady Paradox returns with her first full length album in a decade, IKIGAI: Ordinary Moments, a deeply personal project arriving this spring via Noel & Poland Records.
The album lands first on 17 April 2026 through the label’s website, where fans can access digital downloads and pre order a limited edition 12 inch vinyl. On the same day, the lead single Unapologetic arrives on streaming platforms worldwide, with the full album following on 22 May.
Spanning 13 tracks and produced entirely by rising talent Kong The Artisan, IKIGAI: Ordinary Moments marks a clear evolution in Lady Paradox’s artistry. Shaped by her experiences of motherhood and adult life, the project explores love, marriage, financial pressure, friendship, the passage of time and resilience. She describes it as her most personal work to date, reflecting growth, honesty and acceptance.
The album also features collaborations with DAG FORCE from Tokyo, Confucius MCand J Littles, adding further depth to an already introspective body of work.
Known for her soulful soundscapes and sharp lyricism, Lady Paradox has spent over two decades building a reputation for authenticity and emotional depth. From earlier releases like Kind of Peace, Soulscapes and Jazz Breaks and Mood Swings, to international chart success and global touring, her work continues to resonate across borders.
With IKIGAI: Ordinary Moments, she steps forward not just as an artist, but as a storyteller shaped by life’s complexities and ready to share them.
Lady Paradox 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?
Poetry was my first love creatively. I was always drawn to words and the way language can make people feel something. Music became a natural extension of that. One of the first real turning points was hearing 36 Chambers (Wu-Tang Clan). I was obsessed straight away, the energy, the beats, the storytelling. Around the same time, I was also listening to a lot of jazz and gravitated to that sound.
By 16, UK hip hop was on my radar. I loved artists like Cappo, Ms Dynamite, Essa (then Yungun), Blak Twang and Rodney P. I'd written poetry from a young age, and I think hearing artists with a UK accent inspired me to write my own lyrics. Growing up, my dad played a lot of classical music at home, so I started experimenting on Fruity Loops, chopping up Bach and Beethoven so I had something to write to.
Later, connecting with Pat D on Myspace was another big moment, that’s when I really started to develop my own sound and that led to our first collaborative projects before later working with Gadget (founder of Jazz Jousters).
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I would really love to work with Kae Tempest, his ability to tell a story and connect with people on a very deep, human level is profound and Daudi Matsiko's honesty and vulnerability has really captured me. I'd love to work with Ms Dynamite as the little girl in me playing her album on repeat would be so proud!
3. What projects do you have coming up, and can you give us any info on them?
As it stands, I'm sitting with lots of incredible beats from producers and considering what's next. I've got a few things bubbling with Kashmere and Vice Beats. I'm keen to get in the studio with someone, as a lot of recent projects have been remote and I miss that opportunity to build a song together in real-time.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Warm, jazz-infused hip hop with rhythmic flows and reflective storytelling.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Performing at Blue Note Beijing when the audience recited the lyrics with me.
Picture Credit: Jade Vowles
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Don't try to play the mad game, you will either burnout or become inauthentic. Surround yourself with good people who support you and whose values align with yours. The rest will fall into place.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I'm loving Ariel J from the US, her latest album 'Close to the Sun' is beautiful. Definitely check out the artists releasing on Noel & Poland - J Littles is doing some great stuff. I also keep replaying Cappo's latest trilogy, Capstone and Confucius MC is phenomenal.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Tom Misch – Full Circle, Vila - Fabiano do Nascimento and Jaya - Happiness from Agony.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I love being outdoors and spending time with my family, I've got two boys (aged 5 and 8) so that keeps me busy. Good food and good friends are important to me.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Pen & paper (for obvious reasons). An alarm clock because I lose all sense of time and forget to do the school-run. And a decent cuppa (decaf tea or chai latte extra hot).
