OK Naledi Shares "INtrlD" | Telling the Personal Story of Falling in Love at First Sight when Homosexuality was Illegal in Botswana

OK Naledi today shares her new single and video “INtrlD” ahead of the release of her debut album BONES on March 3rd. OK Naledi is an Afro House music project created by Queer, Motswana Canadian musician Naledi Sunstrum. “INtrlD” tells Naledi’s personal story of falling in love with a woman at a time when homosexuality was illegal in Botswana. The track is accompanied by a beautiful video created in collaboration with Quest from Dreamland Studios.

Watch: OK Naledi “INtrlD”

“”INtrlD” is really a story about experiencing that mysterious love at first sight feeling. I saw her standing across the dance floor. We made eye contact that lasted I’m sure for a solid 10 minutes [sic] seconds. At that moment I knew the only thing I needed to do was dance wherever she was dancing.

It seems so simple laying out like this but in reality at this time I was living in Botswana where it was illegal to be gay. There was no such thing as Queer representation and subsequently I stayed deeply in the comforts of the closet while I proceeded to pine after Maryanna for two years - meeting at the same club almost every weekend, dancing beside each other with the gayest subtle hand touches never daring to take it further. This is what “INtrlD” is about. “- OK Naledi

“INtrlD” is taken from Naledi’s debut album Bones which is set for release on March 3rd. When writing the album Naledi wanted to share her experiences and do so in a way that elevated her multidimensional communities. And more so, she wanted to bring a Queer, gender diverse presence to the Afro House genre - something that is still lacking in this genre.

“There is a lot of complexity when it comes to being a visibly Queer, biracial, womxn, artist who grew up predominantly in Botswana, while creating music in a Western demographic. It’s important for diasporic marginalised folks to stay connected to their heritage and roots and to push back from the ongoing pressure to assimilate and fit in. This pandemic and all its boil over moments exacerbated the importance of nurturing identity and infusing it in my music. OK Naledi is my way of doing this proudly, powerfully and consistently.” – OK Naledi

Emerging on the Ottawa music scene in February 2022, OK Naledi has already had incredible performance opportunities and support. From Bluesfest to a Pride Mainstage performance, opening for JulyTalk at HOPE Summerfest to an Axé World Fest performance at the National Arts Centre as well as a Nomination for Newcomer of the Year at the Capital Music Awards as well as a nomination for song of the year with YOU at the 2022 Cranium Arts Awards.

BONES is the first chapter of a Queer, Black, Afro House music creators’ storytelling journey. BONES is set to be released digitally on March 3rd followed by an album launch at National Arts Centre on March 4th.