Wafia Al-Rikabi (born 4 August 1993) is an Australian singer-songwriter of Iraqi-Syrian origin. Originally studying biomedicine at university, she began to write songs to escape its monotony.
Career Al-Rikabi signed to indie record label Future Classic, releasing her debut EP XXIX in November 2015. The EP's lead single "Heartburn", produced by Ta-ku, received praise from producer Pharrell Williams being played during his Beats 1 radio show.
In March 2016, she released the single "Window Seat" in collaboration with the New Zealand artist Thomston. Later in August 2016, she collaborated again with the Australian producer Ta-ku, releasing the EP . The EP features a story about compromise in relationships, which both Wafia and Ta-ku experienced independently in of each other in their lives.
Wafia released a new single, "Bodies", in late 2017. It was written on the day her family members were denied refugee status for entrance into Australia, which influenced the track's lyrics. However, due to her dislike of pseudo-intellectual feeling music, the track was instead upbeat in contrast to the lyrics in an attempt to make the song accessible.
Wafia's single "I'm Good" was voted number 14 on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2018.
In April 2024, Wafia announced she had signed with Nettwerk and released single "Background". In February 2025, Wafia will released her debut studio album, Promised Land, preceded by seven singles.
Discography Albums +List of albums, with release date and label shown Title Details Promised Land Released: 7 February 2025 Label: Heartburn Records, Nettwerk Formats: Digital download, streaming
Extended plays +List of extended plays, with release date and label shown Title EP details XXIX Released: 20 November 2015 Label: Future Classic Formats: Digital download, streaming (m)edian Released: 5 August 2016 Label: Future Classic Formats: Digital download, streaming VIII Released: 19 January 2018 Label: Future Classic Formats: Digital download, streaming Good Things Released: 21 August 2020 Label: Atlantic Formats: Digital download, streaming
Singles Charted and/or certified singles +List of charted and certified singles Title Year Peak chart positions Certification Album AUS "Love Somebody" 2016 74 (m)edian "Better Not" 2018 88 ARIA: Platinum RIAA: Platinum Kids at Play
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