Nectar Woode releases beguiling new single 'Only Happen'

Published: 12 May 2025

Rising British/Ghanian star Nectar Woode has been releasing music for just three years but in that time has attracted major critical acclaim, including support from Elton John who compared her to the legendary Nina Simone.

She has recently released her new single ‘Only Happen’. Co-written with and produced by Australian-New Zealand artist Jordan Rakei, it is a smooth, soul-pop track with an at times brooding feel as Woode sings of feeling constricted by society as she pursues her dreams: “All I wanted / To carry some self belief / But I’m haunted / In a world that won't set me free.”

“It’s been a journey to get to this point and it feels like a new chapter to re-introduce myself”, Woode said on Instagram. “Me and Jordan Rakei wrote this on our own experience being from mixed heritage and of feeling ignored sometimes, not being able to fit into either ‘boxes’ and we found our own instinct and kind words/people to get us through those doubts.”

Born in Milton Keynes, Woode’s father was a saxophonist and she grew up in an extremely musical household. While still at school, she started writing songs and attending open mic nights before being discovered on Instagram by producer Mom Tudie who asked her to collaborate on the 2021 single ‘Fear Leads Us On’. The following year she released her debut solo single ‘For The Best’.

‘Only Happen’ is Woode’s first new music since the release of her second EP Head Above Water last year and opens a new era in her career. With her stunning voice and a soundscape that is like a warm, comforting hug Woode’s is an artist that could quite easily become the UK’s next global superstar singer. Now is the perfect time to have her on your playlist.

‘Only Happen’ is out now via Sony Music. Can you download and stream here.
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