Having struggled with debilitating mental health issues for several years, the artist who was once named “the quintessential revival of the modern protest song in pop music,” by Afropunk went into hiding, unable to face the realities of the world. Fast forward a few years, and Charismata is ready to return in style – with a strong, feel-good pop tune in true Swedish fashion. She describes her latest single “Life Is Not About Control” as a celebration of life, but one which also warns of its pitfalls, and Popwrapped are delighted to premiere the fantastically fun and colourful video for this new mental health anthem.

A sultry and classic vocal introduces the verse, as Charismata speaks of herself in the third person, envisioning her healing process as a journey, walking through towards happiness and acceptance. The chorus hits with a wave of euphoria, Sa’ra’s voice acting as guru and guide as she repeats the mantra-like hook – ‘life is not about control’ – set to EDM beats and gospel-influenced harmonies.

Sa’ra Charismata is of Eritrean origin, born and raised in Sweden. Her parents fled the war in Eritrea and came to Sweden as refugees in the 1970s. During her teens, she lived in Eritrea for a few years. She then moved to the United States (Colorado and Brooklyn, NY) where she ran her own network of social activists and studied law. In 2014, she returned to Sweden to focus on her music and, after a few years away, has made another comeback in emphatic style – “Life is Not About Control” is nothing short of a triumph from an artist making a long-awaited return to the airwaves.

Check out the video for “Life Is Not About Control” below and for more information on Sa’ra Charismata, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.