Legendary 80s and 90s soul vocalist Sybil returns with a vibrant new collaboration, ‘Cheers’, featuring afrobeats artist Trarius. Long celebrated for her unmistakable voice and timeless catalogue, including reinterpretations of Dionne Warwick classics “Don’t Make Me Over” and “Walk On By”, as well as UK favourites “The Love I Lost” and “When I’m Good & Ready”, Sybil continues to affirm her enduring place in contemporary soul and pop.
On ‘Cheers’, Sybil steps into a refreshed sonic space, blending soul, pop and afrobeats influences into an uplifting, celebratory record. Her rich, emotive vocals remain front and centre, gliding over a rhythmic, percussion-led production, while Trarius brings a vibrant counterpoint with a dynamic vocal performance that bridges melodic smoothness and modern afrobeats texture. The collaboration feels instinctive, anchored in shared energy and a clear sense of joy.
The single arrives with additional emotional weight following Trarius’s passing, casting his contribution in a poignant light and underscoring the track’s sense of legacy and celebration. His presence remains integral to the record’s identity, offering a final creative imprint within a track built around connection and uplift.
Sonically, ‘Cheers’ opens with bright acoustic guitar motifs layered over afro-inflected percussion, establishing an immediate warmth before expanding into a fuller, groove-driven arrangement. The production balances contemporary afrobeats rhythms with subtle nods to Sybil’s disco-soul foundations, creating a cross-generational sound that feels both familiar and forward-facing.
Produced by Red Squad and released via Media Square, an imprint founded by Hammadi Boujmal with credits across major screen productions including Breaking Bad and Limitless, the track reflects a deliberate fusion of classic artistry and modern production sensibilities.
Beyond the music, Sybil’s legacy continues to be formally recognised. She was recently awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Trinity International University of Ambassadors, received a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and was honoured by her hometown of Paterson, New Jersey, with Sybil Lynch Way.
With ‘Cheers’, Sybil reaffirms her adaptability and longevity, delivering a cross-genre anthem rooted in celebration, connection, and enduring artistry.