Editorial Note — Soraya Alcalá
The release of “Sugar” reflects how emerging artists continue to redefine collaboration and genre boundaries within today’s global music landscape. Simien’s partnership with Akon highlights the growing visibility of independent voices connecting with established figures, reinforcing the relevance of cross‑generational and cross‑genre creative alliances.
© Estilos Media · Nota Editorial Original
New York, NY –
Los Angeles-based electro-pop/R&B sister trio SIMIEN return with their new single “Sugar,” featuring multi-platinum global star Akon. Produced by Akon, the track arrives April 3 alongside its official music video via Konvict Kulture. Blending contemporary pop and R&B, the romantic single pairs SIMIEN’s lush harmonies with Akon’s unmistakable voice over warm basslines, airy textures, and dreamy melodies. Atmospheric yet emotionally charged, “Sugar” captures the longing and devotion at its core, with lines like “The stars in your eyes make me feel alive / Don’t wanna die if it’s not you and I.”
The accompanying music video expands the song’s romantic tone into a lavish Victorian-inspired fantasy setting. Set within an opulent masquerade ball, SIMIEN appear surrounded by candlelit feasts, ornate gowns, and swirling petticoats. Blending period elegance with a modern pop sensibility, the visual brings the song’s themes of desire, devotion, and heightened emotion to life through cinematic imagery.
Comprised of sisters Taédym, Jaiden, and Kamrein, SIMIEN is a pop and R&B trio whose sound fuses electronic textures with contemporary pop and R&B while reflecting their Creole, Louisiana, and Native American heritage. Raised in Los Angeles, the sisters grew up immersed in music, performing together from an early age and developing a songwriting style shaped by their shared experiences. Drawing inspiration from artists ranging from Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra to Sade, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Rihanna, Destiny’s Child, and Adele, SIMIEN crafts a sound that moves seamlessly between pop, R&B, and electronic influences while maintaining a cohesive identity.
Deeply involved in every aspect of their creative process, the trio writes, arranges, and produces their own music, often recording and engineering tracks from their home studio using instruments such as guitar, bass, and piano. As their artistry has evolved, SIMIEN have collaborated with some of the industry’s most respected figures, including Akon, Teddy Riley, Jermaine Dupri, Brian Michael Cox, Tommy Brown, and JR Rotem.
Beyond music, the sisters have built a strong foundation in performance and movement. Selected from more than 1,000 applicants, the trio trained at the renowned Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles under legendary choreographer Debbie Allen. During their time there, they performed in The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, gaining experience on a world-class stage. Mentorship from Vivian Nixon and Deja Riley further sharpened the synchronized performance style and stage presence that have become hallmarks of the group.
Akon is a Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and producer who rose to global prominence blending R&B and hip-hop with West African–influenced vocals. He broke through in 2004 with his debut album Trouble, featuring the hits “Locked Up” and “Lonely,” followed by the triple-platinum Konvicted in 2006. One of the most prolific collaborators in modern music, Akon has appeared on more than 300 guest features and helped launch the careers of artists such as Lady Gaga and T-Pain through his labels Konvict Muzik and KonLive Distribution. Over his career, he has earned five Grammy nominations, multiple Billboard Hot 100 records, five World Music Awards, and an American Music Award. In recent years, he has expanded his impact through philanthropic and business initiatives across Africa, including the Akon Lighting Africa project, which has helped bring solar-powered electricity to millions across more than 25 countries.
With “Sugar,” SIMIEN unveils a defining new chapter, blending their signature harmonies and pop sensibility with Akon’s unmistakable voice and production—the same visionary who brought them to Konvict Kulture. Supported by a high-budget music video, a TikTok following surpassing one million, and upcoming press runs in Los Angeles and New York, the release marks a bold step forward as the trio continues to refine their sound, expand their audience, and establish themselves as one of pop’s most promising emerging groups.
