Nigerian-American singer, songwriter and producer Florie Naomi, known professionally as Florie, is stepping into a bold new chapter with “Just Say You Want It”, a self-produced Afropop single that blends amapiano rhythms, gqom-inspired energy and sultry melodies.
Released independently through UnitedMasters, the track sees Florie taking complete creative control, having written, produced and performed the record herself. Built around infectious amapiano log drums and the driving pulse of gqom, “Just Say You Want It” brings a playful attitude to the dance floor, with her smooth vocal delivery adding a softer contrast to its energetic production.
The song takes inspiration from the different reactions Florie experiences simply by entering a room. While some people are immediately drawn to her presence, others seem determined to keep their distance. That mix of attraction, curiosity and unspoken tension becomes the foundation for a record about someone who cannot quite hide how they feel.
Its teasing hook, “you looking for me?”, captures the spirit of the track. Florie turns the situation into a playful exchange, challenging someone to stop pretending and admit what they really want. The result is a confident, flirtatious record that works just as naturally in a party setting as it does in conversations among friends.
“People hate how much they love me,” Florie says. “This song is me calling that out, with a smile.”
That confidence is reflected in the way the single was created. Florie built the entire production in her home studio, shaping everything from the opening drum pattern to the final vocal recording. The hands-on process reinforces her identity as an independent artist who is developing her sound while maintaining control over her creative direction.
She is also extending the release beyond the streaming platforms with an interactive fan experience. Alongside the single, Florie has introduced a real hotline where listeners can call and leave voicemails, as well as The Hotline Set, a limited merchandise collection inspired by the song. Both ideas bring the track’s central concept into the real world, giving fans another way to engage with its playful theme.
The release also comes during a notable period of visibility for the artist. Two days before the single arrived, Florie received a personal invitation from the Recording Academy to attend Crear Música: Nuestro Ritmo, an intimate brunch held during Latin GRAMMY Week at Chica inside The Venetian in Las Vegas. She was also photographed by Getty Images at the event.
Based in St. Louis, Florie’s musical journey began long before her current solo work. As a child, she performed with N-Jection, a sibling group signed to Nigeria’s Storm Records. The group performed in Nigeria and across St. Louis, including opening for major Afrobeats artists.
Today, she channels those early experiences into music that brings together Afropop and amapiano influences, while continuing to write and produce her own material. Her creative work also extends beyond recording, with Florie running the creative company Floriescence, co-founding the cultural showcase Echoes of Africa STL and establishing Artists for Artists STL, a free creative community for artists in St. Louis.
With “Just Say You Want It”, Florie delivers a record that combines infectious rhythms with a clear sense of personality. It is a confident introduction to her latest musical direction, driven by the independence, creativity and playful energy that continue to shape her artistry.
