R&B Trailblazer Aby Coulibaly Drops Powerful Single 'Big Pharma (Withdrawal)'

Credit: Zoe Ardiff

Brace yourself for the seismic impact of Aby Coulibaly's latest single, 'Big Pharma (Withdrawal),' as the fast-rising R&B sensation takes an unapologetic dive into the personal trenches of her struggles. Released today under the AMF Records banner, this standalone single follows hot on the heels of Coulibaly's genre-spanning debut EP, 'At The End of The Day… It’s Night,' unleashed just last month. The EP, featuring hits like 'Patience,' 'DYWS?' and 'Weekdays,' has already left an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

Aby's latest offering, 'Big Pharma (Withdrawal),' serves as a soul-baring exploration into her daily battles with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). This condition, a consequence of unknowingly ingesting harmful medication from a young age, propels Aby to share her raw and unfiltered emotions. With an aim to connect with listeners who may share similar experiences, the single unveils an intimate side to Aby's dextrous songwriting abilities.

Accompanying the release is a visually stunning illustrated lyric video that elevates the emotional depth of the song, providing a powerful visual narrative. In Aby's own words, "Big Pharma (withdrawal) is a song about a condition I have called TSW. It's something that affects me every day & the worst part is it was 100% avoidable. I was constantly given medication from a young age by my doctor not knowing how harmful it was."

The track boldly addresses the dual nature of the pharmaceutical industry, acknowledging its necessity while critiquing its potential exploitation. Aby remarks, "In so many ways, we need the pharmaceutical industry, but in many ways, it also takes advantage of us and makes us worse off, and that’s what this song is about." Despite the challenges posed by her condition, Aby remains resilient, determined not to let it hinder her artistic journey. She states, "It's a challenge doing what I do having this condition, but I'm determined to not let it stop me. Everything I go through ends up coming out through music. All of the good emotions but also the tough ones, and this is one of those."

Adding to the excitement, it was revealed this week that Aby will join Olivia Dean as the main support for her Spring 2024 UK and Europe headline tour, including two nights at London’s iconic Hammersmith Apollo. Aby Coulibaly, at the age of 24, is forging a dynamic musical path with a palette that seamlessly blends soul, R&B, and experimental soundscapes. Drawing inspiration from her Senegalese heritage and daily life in Dublin, she counts Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and James Blake among her influences. Since her debut in 2020 with 'Taurus,' which quickly racked up millions of streams, Aby has amassed over 5 million streams and performed for Boiler Room, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in the R&B scene.

Stay tuned for the resonating echoes of 'Big Pharma (Withdrawal)' as Aby Coulibaly continues to captivate audiences and etch her name in the annals of contemporary R&B.