Paul Lupa’s latest single Soul Me, released on April 20, 2025, is more than just a smooth, genre-blending track — it’s a soulful dialogue that crosses oceans, cultures, and emotions. Built around a vibrant “boy-meets-girl” narrative, the song fuses elements of reggae, dancehall, soul, and pop in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Originating from the rich, creative energy of Hamburg, Germany, Paul Lupa brings a producer’s ear and a songwriter’s heart to the table. He initially composed the instrumental — dubbed the “Kampala Riddim” — for a Ugandan artist. When that collaboration didn’t come to fruition, the track evolved into something new and unexpected. Enter Jamaican dancehall artist Curtisay, whose distinctive vocal presence reshaped the song’s energy and direction. His verses pulse with charisma, delivering the emotional weight of longing, curiosity, and romantic intrigue.
But what truly brings Soul Me to life is the addition of a female Jamaican vocalist who, while choosing to remain anonymous, leaves an unforgettable mark. Her voice doesn’t just complement Curtisay’s; it transforms the track into a conversation. Her hook — repeating the haunting and memorable phrase “soul me” — becomes the emotional centerpiece, turning the song into a shared plea for something real in a world that often feels distant and digital.
The story of Soul Me is grounded in the serendipitous way artists find each other. Paul recorded all of the instrumentation himself in Hamburg, layering smooth grooves and subtle percussive touches that provide the perfect sonic foundation. Meanwhile, Curtisay and the female vocalist recorded their parts in Kingston, bringing an unmistakable Jamaican flavor that adds depth and authenticity. Despite being recorded in two completely different worlds, the final product feels seamless — proof that music is truly borderless.
There’s a soft warmth to Soul Me, a feeling of gentle yearning wrapped in rhythm. It captures the thrill and tension of a new connection: the hesitation, the hope, the vulnerability. The production is polished but never overdone — Paul knows when to let a voice breathe, when to let the rhythm roll, and when to pull everything back for emotional effect. This balance gives the track a timeless quality that can easily move across genres and listeners.
What stands out most is how intentional and heartfelt the track feels. While it’s undoubtedly catchy — thanks in large part to the chorus and the natural chemistry between the vocalists — Soul Me isn’t just about a melody you hum. It’s about the question underneath it: what does it mean to be truly seen by someone else? To be “soul-ed,” so to speak? The track doesn’t answer that outright — instead, it invites the listener to sit with that question and feel their way through it.
In a musical landscape crowded with flash and overproduction, Paul Lupa’s Soul Me is refreshing in its sincerity. It offers no gimmicks, no forced radio hooks — just honest music made by real artists with something to say. It’s a standout release, not just for its cross-cultural collaboration or rich production, but because it captures something real: the vulnerable, human search for connection.
As a standalone single, Soul Me is strong. As a glimpse into Paul Lupa’s artistic world, it promises much more to come. Whether live or in the studio, his work is proof that great music starts with a great story — and ends with the courage to tell it.
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