ESANDEM Turn Grief Into Healing on New Single “MISSING U”

With their soulful vocals, poetic rap verses, and Afro-influenced rhythms, ESANDEM—the dynamic duo of Lisa K and ABACHAA—have carved out a space for heartfelt, genre-blending storytelling. Their latest single, “MISSING U,” is both deeply personal and universally resonant: a tribute to loved ones lost, a song that turns pain into connection, and a powerful milestone in the pair’s evolution.

“MISSING U” doesn’t just mourn—it uplifts. Lisa’s rich, emotive vocals carry the weight of memory, while Samson’s razor-sharp lyricism grounds the track with honesty and rhythm. Together, they craft a sound that’s at once vulnerable and hopeful, reminding listeners that love outlives loss.

1. “MISSING U” carries a deeply personal message about loss and remembrance. Can you share the moment or experience that inspired this song, and how you translated that emotion into music?

ESANDEM: “MISSING U” was born from a very real place of grief and love. We’ve both experienced loss in different ways, and the song became a space to express those emotions honestly. The pain of losing someone you love can feel overwhelming, but music gave us a way to turn that heaviness into something healing — not just for us, but for anyone listening who has been through the same.

2. Your blend of soulful vocals and rap verses creates such a powerful emotional contrast. How do you approach balancing those elements to tell a story that resonates so universally?

ESANDEM: That balance is at the heart of who we are as a duo. Lisa brings a soulful vulnerability in her vocals, and Samson’s rap verses ground the song with raw truth and rhythm. Together, it feels like two sides of the same story — pain and strength, reflection and release. We never force it; it’s about letting each part have its moment and then weaving them together to make the story whole.

3. The lyric, “It don’t feel the same but I know you’ll live on forever,” is incredibly moving. How has writing and performing this song helped you process your own grief or memories?

Lisa K: That lyric came from me personally. Writing it was my way of reminding myself that even though someone is physically gone, the love and memories never fade. It was painful to put into words, but also healing. Performing it live is always emotional — it feels like I’m singing directly to those I’ve lost, keeping their spirit alive through the music.

4. ESANDEM’s sound fuses soul, rap, Afrobeats, and contemporary pop. How does “MISSING U” represent your evolution as artists and your vision for the project going forward?

ESANDEM: “MISSING U” shows that we’re not afraid to be vulnerable and experimental with our sound. We’re blending genres in a way that feels true to us — soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and Afro-influenced rhythms. Going forward, we want to keep pushing boundaries while staying rooted in authenticity. Every release is a new chapter in our growth, and “MISSING U” is one of our most honest yet.

5. Your music is known for uplifting and connecting people. What do you hope listeners feel or take away when they hear “MISSING U” for the first time?

ESANDEM: We hope they feel seen and less alone. Grief is something everyone goes through, but it can feel isolating. If “MISSING U” gives someone comfort, if it makes them cry, heal, or even smile at a memory of someone they loved, then we’ve done our job. Ultimately, the song is about hope — the belief that love outlives loss.