Creative blocks come to the best of us, but it’s safe to say Natanya Popoola hasn’t been met by one yet. In just over the span of a year, the north Londoner has seemingly tapped into a boundless well of lyric and verse, spouting not one, but two EPs: ‘Feline’s Return’ and ‘Feline’s Return Act II’. Now, with her latest mixtape ‘Attitude Era!’, the singer, songwriter and producer debuts her most authentic self with a pose, wink and hair flip to boot.

Collaborating with hit-making producer Oscar Scheller (PinkPantheress, Charli XCX, Rina Sawayama) is a no-brainer, and in keeping with her confidence, ‘Attitude Era!’ is very much a state of intent for what is to come. Album opener ‘Ticket Stop’ sweetly invites with its noughties nostalgia, punchy pop beats and angelic harmonies. “Hello Mr. Industry, it’s me – are you awake yet?” Natanya prods her makers once more to check they’re paying attention. “You can be a witness to this musical sensation!”

As for those witnesses, there are some impressive ones; to date, Natanya has found support from the likes of Doechii, SZA and one Janet Jackson, while ticking off support slots with FLO, PinkPantheress, Destin Conrad and Ravyn Lenae. Having just completed her first UK festival performance at All Points East, plus an upcoming appearance at Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw, it feels but a matter of time before Natanya is a household name.

A playful performer who leans into camp, Natanya similarly brings much charm to her songwriting, channelling qualities from the likes of Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child and the aforementioned Tyler. Recent single ‘Candyland!’ dips into honeyglazed euphemism atop chunky bass and Timbaland-esque beats; meanwhile ‘Fantasise’ further leans into crushing desire with thirsty daydreams: “Every morning I wake up / Here’s what my dreams are made of!”

While the throwback synths and groove of chart-ready ‘Play With A Kiss’ evokes a brighter and breezier inflection of Beyoncé’s ‘Sweet Dreams’, the latter half of ‘Attitude Era!’ shows a more introspective and experimental side to Natanya. From the chillout new jack swing of ‘Show Me Right’ to the fuzzy trip-hop of ‘Hush’, and the lo-fi R&B of ‘Save A Love Song’, Natanya opines on love, romance and all the lust in-between.

It is this multifaceted artistry which has Natanya’s ascent cloaked with an air of inevitability. While her formative years at Julian Joseph Jazz Academy helped fuel her experimental inclinations, her machinations for pop stardom have proven irresistible – just like her quirky yet nostalgic sound. With ‘Attitude Era!’, her time of being overlooked appears officially over; now is her moment to step centre stage.

Details

  • Record label: Human Re Sources
  • Release date: September 10, 2026

The post Natanya – ‘Attitude Era!’ review: nostalgic, playful, spunky pop for those who love life left-field appeared first on NME.