Mateek, which translates to lipstick, is KIANA’s latest single that delves into a messy love situation that’s all too familiar amongst the current dating landscape: disappointment.

KIANA’s latest love song begins as a burgeoning love abounding with infatuation, expectations, and yearning. Her object of desire met all of her needs, and as time went on the fantasy, built in her head, only took form on its own as she sings:

“And then I liked you and started to favour you / then I wanted you and I had to see it through / it only took 3 months, too long / for you to get in my head.”

As a first in western R&B, KIANA makes a creative shift and extends her musical range by singing the pre-chorus and chorus in Farsi, and the transition is seamless.

It’s almost imperceptible upon first listen, which is a testament to her talent and deep appreciation of her cultural roots. Coincidentally, this shift ties into the theme of the song as the relationship itself drastically changes as she sings in the second verse:

“All my fault cus i couldn’t see / the man standing in front of me me me/ right in front of me / I made you a part of me / never thought you’d do me like this broke my heart in threes.”

Mateek got the ultimate approval when she played the song for her mother for the first time. As any child of immigrant parents knows, creative pursuits are typically frowned upon; but it was all love from her mom.

Listen to Mateek below or on any streaming platform of your choice.

Featured Image via: Mateek (YouTube video)