Diversity in the music industry is an important topic in today’s conversations. Making sure all types of groups and people are represented in music is something that has been historically underwhelming, but it is improving every day. One area where music needs much more diverse and authentic representatives is within the LGBTQ community. One artist who is a trailblazer in creating unashamed and authentic queer music is Sakima.

This 26-year-old hailing from Northern London has been shaking up the airwaves with his pop-inspired music depicting unabashed and real accounts of gay sex and life. With songs like “Daddy” and lyrics like “Make it pour on me all night/ Imma pour it on his back” there can be no denying the queer nature of his songs. His music is a breath of fresh air in the sea of other gay artists. His music isn’t afraid to express his sexuality. He isn’t coy or suggestive about his queerness, he is loud and proud about it. Sakima doesn’t play it safe and use gender neutral pronouns in his music, which would make it more appealing to a mass audience. He is doing the exact same thing straight artists do all the same, but with a gay twist. His authentic and true voice within his music gives an accurate glimpse into gay life, and he doesn’t care if it makes straight people uncomfortable.

Even without the gay subject matter of his songs, which makes him a noteworthy artist by itself, the actual music he makes is very new and unique. His music has the essence of pop in it, but it goes much deeper than that. Fluid and soft EDM beats can be heard throughout his music, and elements of R&B give the songs a sensual tone, even without the lyrics. Sakima creates complex and mesmerizing music that makes him unique in the music industry. He isn’t afraid to experiment with new sounds and aesthetics within his music. The willowing melodies and harsh lyrics, are perfectly complementary contrasts that make for good music.

Already popular in the U.K., particularly London, Sakima has been breaking into the American music market little by little. As his popularity grows, so does his dedication to making queer stories heard by the populous. He is leading the charge of not trying to please mainstream music by being shy and safe with his sexuality. He is unapologetically himself, and that is what makes him such a noteworthy artist.