ELESTEE Releases ‘Mentally I’m Here’ EP
Rapper, singer and songwriter Elestee returns with the release of her highly anticipated new EP, Mentally I’m Here, accompanied by its lead single “ON A LOW” featuring Grammy-nominated star Ayra Starr. The project arrives on the heels of her sassy and aspirational single “DESIGNER BABY” produced by Grammy winning pair Take A Daytrip.
Across six tracks, Mentally I’m Here explores the multi-layered dynamics of modern relationships—charting the highs and lows of love, vulnerability and heartbreak. The project is a vibrant blend of youthful angst, playful introspection and bold ambition, showcasing Elestee’s continued evolution as a genre-fluid artist. Opening track “ON THE ROAD” sets the tone as a hopeful anthem for dreamers everywhere. Produced by Salami with additional vocals by Faith Evans, the record captures the anticipation of brighter days and the resilience required to keep going. The EP’s lead single “ON A LOW” featuring Ayra Starr explores the tension between intimacy and privacy in a hyper-public world embracing the allure of a discreet connection—romantic, undeniable, yet intentionally kept off the radar. The EP concludes with “DESIGNER BABY”, a confident, aspirational record balancing grind culture with luxury. Produced by acclaimed duo Take A Daytrip with additional production from Sparrq, the track underscores Elestee’s ability to merge swagger with sharp storytelling.
The lead single “ON A LOW” is accompanied by its performance music video, available now. The visual presents both artists in a strikingly minimal yet luxurious aesthetic, exuding effortless allure and refined “video vixen” energy. With its sleek styling, intimate cinematography, and the pair’s undeniable on-screen chemistry, the video perfectly captures the sultry essence of the track—setting an irresistible mood as audiences head into the Friday weekend. Watch the video above or via: https://youtu.be/n3Jd6YvD9xY?si=rHJRvWFb-LrfLxGj
Elestee’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After spending three years developing her craft in the Mavin Academy—home to some of Africa’s brightest stars—she was officially unveiled as a Mavin Records signee in 2023. Her self-titled debut EP earned widespread acclaim, with The Guardian praising her “impressive range, artistic intelligence, and sonic talent.” She followed quickly with her sophomore project POISN, further cementing her reputation as a musical chameleon with a razor-sharp pen. Her rapid ascent earned her Rookie of the Year at the 2023 Galaxy Awards, and she was recently named to the prestigious NME 100 list of emerging artists to watch in 2025. As she continues to merge rap with a dynamic array of genres, Elestee solidifies her status as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary African music.