Singer-songwriter Akili has released “Tortured Soul,” a new single that explores the psychological tension between creative obsession, personal fulfilment and the relationships left behind.
The song began with a set of dark, evocative lyrics written by Akili’s close friend from Tobago, Z. Inspired by the words at a pivotal moment in his creative process, Akili developed them into a story within the broader narrative of Tobago Nights.
“Tortured Soul” unfolds as a conversation between two contrasting perspectives. One is consumed by passion, gradually retreating into a reality shaped by the fulfilment of their artistic pursuits. The other watches this transformation from the outside, struggling to bring them back to the life they once shared.
Rather than offering a clear distinction between the two, the song leaves listeners with an unsettling question: who is the tortured soul? Is it the person lost in their own creative world, the one left behind trying to hold on, or both?
With “Tortured Soul,” Akili adds another layer to the narrative of Tobago Nights, using the song to examine the emotional complexities of pursuing one’s passion and the distance it can create between people.
“Tortured Soul” is available now on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music. High-resolution press photographs and official artwork are available to media professionals through the song’s Electronic Press Kit (EPK).
