Self Esteem returns with her first new music since the release of her wildly acclaimed BRIT and Mercury Prize-nominated 2021 album Prioritise Pleasure.
Her new single ‘Big Man’ is a collaboration with South African trailblazer Moonchild Sanelly and explores the nuances of modern masculinity and gender roles.
‘Big Man’ was premiered as Hottest Record In The World on BBC Radio 1 and arrives with Self Esteem’s brightest and boldest music video yet; concept by Self Esteem, directed by Piers Dennis and produced by Ayomide Alli and Precious Mahaga.
Opening with a nod to Queen’s iconic ‘I Want To Break Free’ visuals, it sees the duo take on household chores historically regarded as ‘women’s work’ in style.
Self Esteem comments on the colab
“Me and Moon wrote a song from the perspective of a good boyfriend. The ones that are just chill and secure so they just leave you to it. The ones that don’t want a medal for doing the bins. The ones that see that you’re working your tits off so they go and get yet another thing you’ve ordered and missed the delivery of from the post office. The ones that don’t take your success as a direct threat to their existence. To me this is real masculinity.”
“We have both collaborated with Johan Karlberg on our records and I’m so grateful to him for introducing us, it was a joy to make this song together. In my head the video always needed to be an inverse ‘I Want To Break Free’ – Piers Dennis executed this gorgeously cos he’s a fucking Big Man. Self Esteem 3 lez go.”
Moonchild Sanelly comments on the colab
“We were in the studio bonding HARD, having the deepest conversation about relationships and how it’s hard to be bold, loud female artists in a relationship. How you can be the baddest bitch on any stage, but if you have an insecure man he can’t support your success as a woman.”
“Instead of celebrating and supporting you, he sees your success as a personal attack and uses it to pull you down and make you feel bad. And we thought… what would it feel like… to be ourselves, doing what we do, and have a man who properly supported all that we are.”
“So Rebecca and I wrote from the perspective of our ideal partner. The song is from the hypothetical perspective of a man who supports their partner and is happy for their woman. A man that is fully secure. A big man.”
‘Big Man’ follows a collaboration with Becky Hill on her recent song ‘True Colours’. Next week Self Esteem will be a special guest at Young Fathers’s huge outdoor hometown show in Stirling City Park, alongside Noname and Petite Noir.
More info about Self Esteem
Rebecca Lucy Taylor, known professionally as Self Esteem, is a UK artist who transitioned from indie rock to mainstream pop success. Her breakthrough came with the 2021 single “I Do This All The Time” and album “Prioritise Pleasure,” which garnered critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.
Taylor’s music addresses modern womanhood, combining important messages with catchy pop. After a decade in the indie duo Slow Club, she launched her solo career as Self Esteem in 2019. Her popularity has led to high-profile TV appearances and radio play across various BBC stations.
In 2023, Taylor expanded into acting, appearing in a Sky series and starring as Sally Bowles in the West End production of “Cabaret,” demonstrating her versatility as an artist.
More info about Moonchild Sanelly
Moonchild Sanelly is a pioneering South African musician known for her unique style and strong advocacy for female empowerment. Born Sanelisiwe Twisha, she developed her artistic skills from a young age, later immersing herself in various music scenes across South Africa.
Sanelly created her signature “future-ghetto-funk” sound, becoming famous for her electrifying performances and flamboyant outfits. Her music focuses on female sexual empowerment and personal experiences, which has garnered her international attention and festival appearances.
Her debut album “Rabulpha!” (2015) established her as a rising star, leading to collaborations with global artists like Beyoncé and Gorillaz. In 2020, she signed with Transgressive Records and released the mini-LP “Nüdes.” Her second studio album, “Phases” (2022), featured collaborations with various international artists.
Sanelly’s success as an uncompromising alternative artist in the commercial space is attributed to her fighting spirit and determination to stay true to herself.
Watch this space for updates in the Music Videos category on SA Music Zone.
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