1. Introduction
“White Tiger” is one of the breakout hits from Izzy Bizu, the British-Ethiopian singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and effortless blend of jazz, pop, and R&B. Originally released in 2015 as part of her debut album, “A Moment of Madness”, the track quickly became a standout single, garnering widespread radio play and acclaim.
The song reached prominent recognition on UK platforms and was also used in several television advertisements and shows, helping it climb Spotify charts internationally. Co-written by Izzy Bizu herself, “White Tiger” showcases her vocal agility and upbeat musical energy, paired with bright, jazzy instrumentation. The production was handled by Paul Herman, known for his work with Dido and Corinne Bailey Rae.
2. Who is Izzy Bizu
Izzy Bizu first rose to prominence in 2013, when she won an open mic competition hosted by ILUVLIVE, a platform known for launching careers of artists like Ed Sheeran and Emeli Sandé. Her performance caught the attention of industry heavyweights, and she soon signed a record deal.
“White Tiger” was originally released as part of her 2013 EP “Coolbeanz”, where it began to build traction. But it wasn’t until the re-release in her 2016 full-length album that the track became a commercial success. The song reflects themes of self-discovery and youthful romance, and its lyrics have been praised for their poetic imagery and uplifting mood.
3. On the Videoclip
The music video for “White Tiger” was directed by Chris Turner, a visual artist known for creating cinematic and ethereal aesthetics. The video perfectly complements the song’s dreamlike, optimistic tone, showcasing urban and natural landscapes blended with vivid, kaleidoscopic colors.
Shot across scenic outdoor settings, the video follows Izzy as she roams through dreamy cityscapes and serene wilderness, visually symbolizing freedom and inner awakening. While no famous choreographers or backup dancers are featured, the video focuses strongly on movement, using graceful camera work and body language to match the rhythm and emotion of the music.
4. Talk Nerdy to Me (Music Theory Trivia)
Musically, “White Tiger” is an upbeat track built around a syncopated rhythmic pattern that gives it a lightly funky feel. The song is in C Major, which supports its bright, feel-good vibe.
Key elements include:
- Jazz-inspired chord progressions: The use of extended chords like Cmaj7 and Am9 gives it a rich harmonic texture.
- Vocal phrasing: Izzy’s phrasing often plays around the beat, a technique reminiscent of neo-soul singers like Erykah Badu and Amy Winehouse.
- Structure: The song follows a traditional verse-chorus-bridge format but features unique instrumental breaks with layered horns and a dynamic rhythm section.
Its modulation between the chorus and bridge section adds emotional depth, subtly elevating the energy without abrupt changes. The song’s groove is maintained with a light bossa nova influence on the drum pattern, enhancing its exotic charm.
5. More from Izzy Bizu
If you loved “White Tiger,” there’s plenty more from Izzy Bizu to explore:
- “Mad Behaviour”: Another hit from A Moment of Madness, this sultry track reveals her jazz roots and storytelling depth.
- “Give Me Love”: A more recent single showcasing a more electronic-pop sound while maintaining her soulful essence.
- Live at the Jazz Café: Izzy has performed several acoustic sessions that are featured on her YouTube Channel, offering stripped-down versions of her songs that highlight her vocal clarity and emotional delivery.
- She was also selected for the BBC Music Introducing stage at Glastonbury and was long-listed for the BBC Sound of 2016, further cementing her as one of the UK’s most promising young talents.
