Salieu’s incarceration stemmed from a 2018 altercation outside Coventry’s Club M, during which he was involved in a violent disorder following the tragic murder of his friend, Fidel "AP" Glasgow. After a tumultuous few years, Salieu is now back, and his latest track, Belly, serves as a reflection of his journey.
The song delves into themes of survival, struggle, and ambition. With its heavy beats and hypnotic production, Bellyspeaks to the hunger Salieu feels—not just for success, but for a deeper sense of purpose and redemption. The track's lyrics convey the idea of needing to feed both the body and soul, while also addressing the obstacles Salieu has faced on his path to success. It’s an introspective look at his life, hardships, and the inner fire that drives him to keep moving forward despite setbacks.
Salieu has always been known for blending different sounds—from Afrobeat and dancehall to grime—and Bellycontinues in this vein. The track showcases his unique ability to fuse genres while maintaining the gritty storytelling that made him stand out with his debut mixtape, Send Them to Coventry in 2020. That project put Salieu on the map, and since then, he has collaborated with the likes of FKA twigs, Ibeyi, and Aitch, further expanding his influence.
Following his prison sentence, Belly feels like a declaration—an artistic rebirth for Salieu as he reclaims his space in the music world. The accompanying video further emphasizes his creative resurgence, offering a visually compelling glimpse into the mind of an artist who has grown both personally and musically during his time away.
With his return to the spotlight, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next from Pa Salieu. His latest release signals that, despite the challenges, he remains one of the most important voices in UK rap today.
Watch the video for Belly below and stay tuned for more from Pa Salieu as he gears up for an even bigger comeback.