The debut album from sassy genre-mashing singer/ songwriter/ producer, MPHO is a modern odyssey into her colourful cultural and musical roots.

Born in apartheid South Africa and raised in Brixton, MPHO's sound is influenced by her bohemian, racially and politically mixed upbringing. Needless to say poignant anti-establishment lyrics pepper her pop, soul and R&B heavy songs.

With input from Switch (Santogold, M.I.A), the flair of Pop Art relies on MPHO's life experience to carry her message — experience that most conveyer-belt divas can only dream of. Stand out track, 'Box n Locks' boasts confident cords reminiscent of The Cure with a belting chorus and strutting vocals. However, there's also a divide of quality in Pop Art that echoes MPHO's freshness to the industry, and is reflected in her inability to permeate the Top 40.

MPHO may not quite pack the same punch as female soloists like La Roux and M.I.A, but with a little nurture, we could see this musical chameleon channel her pop art flavour into the mainstream. (Holly Wicks)