Nao Yoshioka to release new single 'Shadow' on April 17th, featuring Grammy-winning neo-soul legend Bilal

Soul singer Nao Yoshioka, who is gaining attention for her international activities, has announced the release of "Shadow feat. Bilal," the third single from her upcoming album 'self' (scheduled for release around summer 2026).

Taking over radio stations in the UK and beyond, and featured on playlists across Asia, the US, and Europe

Her first single, "In the Rain feat. MXXWLL," and second single, "You Got to Feel It feat. Bnnyhunna & Braxton Cook," were highly acclaimed for their international collaborations with artists from Australia, the Netherlands, and the US, receiving significant airplay on radio stations across the UK and Europe. Furthermore, "You Got to Feel It" was selected for "New Music Friday" in the Netherlands and eight Asian countries, garnering widespread response. Following this growing international attention, "Shadow," which connects directly to the core theme of the album, is finally set for release.

A session born in New York with neo-soul legend Bilal

"Shadow" features Philadelphia-based neo-soul artist Bilal. Bilal remains at the forefront of the scene, having recently received a Grammy nomination.

This track was born from a writing session at a studio in Manhattan, New York, where the recording developed directly from the message and melody Nao brought to the table. It is co-produced by Corey Bernhard, an up-and-coming Philadelphia producer who has long teamed up with Nao on tracks like "Tokyo 2020" and "Celebrate," and Naoki Yamauchi of SWEET SOUL RECORDS. Randy Runion, a band member for both Bilal and BIGYUKI, participated on guitar, anchoring the track in the Philadelphia-based neo-soul sound.