Singer-songwriter Akili has released “De Bumper,” the vibrant lead single from the forthcoming sophomore album, Tobago Nights.
Following the sun-soaked energy of Akili’s debut album, Tobago Vibez, Tobago Nights takes a more introspective approach. The songwriting process became an exploration of self-worth, loss, and mental health, eventually becoming so emotionally intense that Akili felt the project needed a moment of release.
“It was beautiful, but suffocating,” Akili shares. “By track seven, the emotional gravity felt too overpowering. The album was bleeding, and it desperately needed air.”
That moment of relief came unexpectedly through a New York Times Connections puzzle featuring slang terms for the rear end. The idea immediately connected with one of Akili’s established creative traditions: reserving the eighth track of each project for pure whimsy, inspired by Section 8, a nod to the artist’s university a cappella roots.
Further research led Akili to the work of award-winning poet Diane DeCillis, specifically her poem “ASS.”
“The second I read it, the music bloomed in my head,” says Akili. “I saw the arrangement, cut a frantic demo, and reached out to Diane. She graciously blessed the track, and it is a profound honor to set her brilliant words to a groove.”
Akili then grounded the song in the cultural character of Trinidad and Tobago, transforming the title’s central word into the distinctly local “de bumper.” The result is a playful, rhythm-driven track that offers a sharp contrast to the heavier emotional themes explored across Tobago Nights.
For Akili, the song has already become a personal standout. “‘De Bumper’ is my favorite song I’ve released to date.”
“De Bumper” is out now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
