Sdban records news - Adja releases extended version of 'Happiness and Butterflies'
Release: January 9, 2026
Adja - Happiness and Butterflies [Oyster Version]
Happiness and Butterflies, in both its original form and the extended Oyster Version, is Adja's inventive and playful twist on D'Angelo's Devil's Pie. With the same eerie-funky sense of surrendering to a volatile future, she reflects on the pressures of late-stage capitalism and her own desire to remain in denial, offering a sharp critique not only of herself but also the system she is trying to succeed in.
Rooted in the introspective 90s neo-soul that has long inspired her, the track is carried throughout by irresistible grooves and rich, textured instrumentation. The Oyster Version builds on this foundation, embracing Adja's love for stripped-back jazz and expanding the song into a broader, more hopeful, though never naïve, perspective. This version positions Adja as an artist who effortlessly blends genres without compromising on intensity or nuance.
Happiness and Butterflies [Oyster Version] is out today on all major streaming platforms. Adja will perform at ESNS in Groningen, NL on January 16.
Upcoming live shows
16/01/2026 - ESNS - Nieuwe Kerk, Groningen (NL)
16/01/2026 - ESNS - Bagels & Beans, Groningen (NL)
31/01/2026 - Botown, Antwerp (BE)
06/03/2026 - Jazz Café, London (UK)
11/03/2026 - Paribu, Istanbul (TR)
13/03/2026 - River Jazz - Senghor, Brussels (BE)
23/04/2026 - Kaunas Jazz, Kaunas (LT)
05/06/2026 - Lovebird Festival, Düsseldorf (DE)
ADJA
Adja is a Brussels-based singer, composer and theater maker whose work blends intimate storytelling with a soulful, genre-fluid sound rooted in jazz, R&B, soul and gospel. With a warm, earthy voice and a sharp sense of humor, she turns everyday experiences into emotionally resonant songs that feel both grounded and transcendent.
Inspired by artists like D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Joni Mitchell, Adja crafts a rich, organic sound that is delicate when needed, yet deeply expressive. She won Belgium's Sound Track competition in 2022 and released her acclaimed debut EP IRONEYE via Sdban Ultra, garnering international praise and over 3 million Spotify streams.
In 2024, she was selected for IMPALA's 100 Artists to Watch (in partnership with YouTube) and performed at the Belgian Royal Palace. Her 2025 debut album Golden Retrieve Her, recorded with renowned UK soul producer Adam Scrimshire, marks a major step forward, alongside a guest appearance on BBC Radio 2 (Jamie Cullum), a Spotify EQUAL ambassadorship, and extensive touring across Europe. In 2026, Adja will perform at ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) and the Jazz Café, London.