BEMATA, which is Amharic for “by night,” is a songstress and producer based in New York. Motivated by her name, she’s driven by an exploration of truth and duality. Her songwriting explores these themes through the lens of relationship, with herself and others over driving, tribal bass lines and electronic beats. Growing up, her family shared an eclectic taste in music — ranging from soul, funk, reggae, jazz and dance music from around the world. As the daughter of immigrants who fled a war-torn Ethiopia, music was where they freely transcended cultural boundaries. Today, she makes music for people who want to dance and get in touch with the fire inside. Bemata and one of her frequent collaborators, SXRG (artist, producer, sound engineer), are bringing their cultural influences together to build an international sonic world that feels both familiar and transportive.