Just released, the core message to take away from Mega’s third EP ‘Honour and Glory’ is to take a moment to reflect on your achievements.
And in that respect, Mega has plenty to celebrate.
The EP is powered by her winning vocal talent, a voice that was developed in gospel groups in her teens and that overcame career-threatening health issues on her way to the artist that she now is. Her songwriting is just as essential, with Mega exploring her inner fragilities and sourcing a deeper empowerment that will speak stridently to anyone who deserves a timely boost to their self-esteem.
Mega says: “‘Honour and Glory’ is a reminder to celebrate where you are at in your life and learn to honour it.
“Amongst all the madness of it all, stopping and giving yourself a pat on the back and saying, ‘I’m proud of you.’ Life is a JOURNEY and this EP takes you on a journey of all the emotions.
“Often, we are in such a rush to move on to the next thing or afraid that we are running out of time; and so it can feel like we can’t afford to stop, particularly in this current climate where everything is so fast paced. ‘Honour and Glory’ is a reminder that we are not running out of time.
“Whenever I’ve forced myself to stop and take a moment I've been able to gain some perspective and to appreciate my uniqueness and that I am. I hope this EP enables you to take a moment to pause and to celebrate yourself.
“Wherever you are in your walk of life, you deserve to be celebrated. Celebrate exactly who you are in this moment.” The EP’s previous singles - ‘Don’t Get Too Close’, ‘Let You Down’ and ‘Moment For You’ - have all played a big part in Mega’s current rise.
Recent months have seen her complete a UK and European headline tour, which included a sold-out and upgraded London show at Hoxton Hall, tour extensively as special guest to Self Esteem, and earn fresh Radio 2 airplay from Trevor Nelson. Mega’s new focus track ‘Learning (To Trust Myself)’ is a calling card that encapsulates everything that makes the ‘Honour and Glory’ EP so special.
It’s a devotional hymn that feels as familiar as an old friend, its laidback pop groove laying the foundation for Mega to praise the power of self-confidence. It’s an inspirational moment that really affirms that sometimes we only need a little gentle praise - whether that’s from ourselves or someone else - for the day to feel a little bit brighter.
The EP is completed by a second new song in the shape of ‘Who I Am’. The tone of the power-based ballad is deeper and more introspective, but the message comes from a similar place: we may make mistakes and have regrets, but how those things shape us says much more about who we are.
Mega co-wrote all five songs on the ‘Honour and Glory’ EP, which features collaborations with Tom Fuller (Tom Walker), solo artist Joel Baker, Nathan Boddy (PinkPantheress, Priya Ragu), Ed Riches (Bilal), Alex Davies (Galantis), Jez Ashurst (Maisie Peters), Jonny Hockings (Mimi Webb), Jojo Mukeza (Stormzy), Adam Argyle (Becky Hill) and Martin Brammer (James Bay).
Her first musical passions came from two different worlds: the authenticity of Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and Lauryn Hill but also the vibrant sounds from her parents’ Ugandan heritage. Perhaps music was always her destiny, as she loved performing with the gospel choir at the London youth club St. Mary’s, and then started working on her own original music in her teens.
But if music was her destiny, she would have to overcome a major challenge first. After experiencing nagging troubles with her voice, it seemed that the medical world had no real solution to her troubles and it seemed a blossoming career was halted before it had begun.
Instead, she went to university to study psychology, during which time extensive rest as well as steady recuperation with the help of a voice therapist got her back on track. Her first two EPs, ‘Future Me’ and ‘Colour My World’, instigated a first wave of attention for the north London artist, leading to airplay at Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 5 and most recently a live performance on Radio 4.
She has also played shows with further major names such as Angèle, Hozier and Nathaniel Rateliff. That story underlines the message of the EP. Everyone has their challenges and their regrets at how perhaps things could’ve gone better.
But life is a journey of overcoming obstacles, and our achievements, whether they’re big or small, are testament to our determination to carry on.
