Fiona Amaka blooms with warmth and grit on Desert Flower

02/01/2026 23

When I hear songs coming out of London, I usually listen for how they hold up live. With Desert Flower by Fiona Amaka, that lived-in confidence comes through straight away. I hear an ease in this track that comes from people enjoying the process and trusting their instincts. The upbeat pace feels light and easy.

Where the song comes from

Fiona Amaka wrote Desert Flower with her daughter in mind, and that intention comes through without becoming heavy-handed. In the chorus, a simple image keeps coming back – pride, care, presence. Repeating like something you tell yourself until it settles in your bones: “Desert flower, you are my pride.” I keep noticing how the repetition works here, as reassurance.

Recorded in London with producer Kitch and featuring David Taro on vocals, guitar, and production, the track has an easy chemistry. Indie-pop energy goes hand in hand with pop-rock drive, with space left for Fiona’s voice to sit comfortably in the mix. Warm, controlled, unforced – her delivery does the emotional work. I like how the groove stays out of the way, letting the melody do its work.

From live rooms to release

2025 has been busy for Fiona. Gigging around London with the Fiona Amaka Band, alongside solo acoustic sets, and releasing Desert Flower as her fourth single of the year. It shows up in how the song feels. You can hear a song that’s been played live often, shaped by time on stage and by paying attention to what works in front of people. Desert Flower comes across as a song that’s been played live often and works well because of it.

I’ve been spending time with Fiona Amaka’s recent run of singles – No Daylight, Cowards and Shadows, Honesty (Psalm 139) – and Desert Flower stands alongside them. You can follow her work on Instagram, listen on Spotify, and find her performances on YouTube.