Love and South have been close friends since childhood and have played in bands that were often booked on the same bill. Both of them come from a mixed background; Love is of Iranian and Nigerian descent, and South is of Jamaican and Australian descent. (Georgia South's father, William South, is also a musician). They formed a band together in 2014 named BRAATS, releasing the song "Bad Bitches" under that name. Later that year they settled on the name Nova Twins, and released their first song "Bassline Bitch" under that name, in April 2015. That song attracted the attention of independent label Robotunes, which signed them and released their first self-titled EP in 2016.
After a show at French festival Rencontres Trans Musicales in December 2016, Nova Twins spent most of 2017 touring multiple countries and supported Prophets of Rage, after which Tom Morello named them "the best band you've never heard of". They have since supported Wolf Alice, Little Simz, Dream Wife, Black Honey, and Skunk Anansie. In 2017 they self-released the singles "Thelma & Louise" and "Mood Swings", and started their own custom clothing line called Bad Stitches.
In 2018, Nova Twins self-released the singles "Hit Girl" and "Lose Your Head". They continued to tour with shows in Europe and America, including an appearance at the Afropunk festival in Brooklyn. Towards the end of that year they started recording their debut album with producer Jim Abbiss. In 2019, they toured with Fever 333 and again Prophets of Rage. The singles "Devil's Face" and "Vortex" from their upcoming album were released with accompanying music videos. They also collaborated with several brands, including Dr Martens on a global campaign, contributing both music and visuals. It was revealed later in the year that they had been signed to Fever 333's label 333 Wreckords Crew.
Their debut album Who Are the Girls? was released on February 28, 2020.[ Who Are the Girls? received positive reviews at Kerrang!, Crash, and elsewhere. The band won Best U.K. Breakthrough Band in the 2020 Heavy Music Awards. Their second album Supernova was released on June 17, 2022. Supernova was shortlisted for the 2022 Mercury Prize.
Cleopatra
NOVA TWINS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't give a fuck what they say 'bout me
They say I'm scary, I'm not ladylike, I act like a queen
And I'll be wearing the crown whilst I'll be kissing my teeth, yeah
Blacker than the leather, that's holding our boots together
If you rock a different shade, we come under the same umbrella
Pharaohs and empresses, our bones made out of treasure
I'll be twirling on swords, watch me slit and slice and sever
At night, we ride
We come alive
You can't run or hide
At night, we ride
We live, never die
It's in our bloodlines
I'm a samurai, samurai, samurai, dancer
Warrior, warrior, warrior, fighter
Ahh, I'm a boss bitch
Ahh, I'm Cleopatra
I'm a samurai, samurai, samurai, dancer
Warrior, warrior, warrior, fighter
Ahh, I'm a boss bitch
Ahh, I'm Cleopatra
When I was a kid they always called me a freak
And now them little bitches want to look like me
They'll be injecting, imperfecting 'til it starts to weep
You can buy your looks, but you can't change your genes
I'm a straight talker
Fucking say what you mean
Want to know where I am from
And where the hell I've been
From Persia to Nigeria, London to Jamaica
Our ancestors were sailors
Crossed over the equator
At night, we ride
We come alive
You can't run or hide
At night, we ride
We live, never die
It's in our bloodlines
I'm a samurai, samurai, samurai, dancer
Warrior, warrior, warrior, fighter
Ahh, I'm a boss bitch
Ahh, I'm Cleopatra
I'm a samurai, samurai, samurai, dancer
Warrior, warrior, warrior, fighter
Ahh, I'm a boss bitch
Ahh, I'm Cleopatra
Ahh, ahh
Wouldn't wanna be
Wouldn't wanna be
Wouldn't wanna be
Anyone but me
Wouldn't wanna be
Wouldn't wanna be
Wouldn't wanna be
I'm the fucking queen
I'm a samurai, samurai, samurai, dancer
Warrior, warrior, warrior, fighter
Ahh, I'm a boss bitch
Ahh, I'm Cleopatra
I'm a samurai, samurai, samurai, dancer
Warrior, warrior, warrior, fighter
Ahh, I'm a boss bitch
Ahh, I'm Cleopatra
Ahh
Ahh
The lyrics of "Cleopatra" by NOVA TWINS celebrate the power and individuality of the female identity. The song begins with the declaration that the singer is a strong-willed woman who takes charge and doesn't care about others' judgments. She embraces her uniqueness and refuses to conform to societal expectations of what a lady should be. Instead, she exudes confidence, like a queen wearing her crown, unbothered and unapologetic.
The lyrics also touch upon themes of unity and empowerment. They underline the idea that regardless of their differences, women come together under the same umbrella of strength and resilience. The mention of pharaohs and empresses suggests a lineage of powerful women, with their very bones made of treasure. The image of twirling on swords further emphasizes their fearlessness and determination.
The chorus of the song highlights the singer's warrior spirit. She identifies herself as a samurai and a warrior, exuding an unyielding strength and fighting spirit. The repetition of these words adds to the sense of empowerment and self-affirmation. Ultimately, the lyrics embrace the image of Cleopatra, a historical figure known for her power and influence, as a representation of the singer's own strength and authority.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the type of girl who likes taking the lead
I am a confident and assertive woman who enjoys being in control.
I don't give a fuck what they say 'bout me
I am not concerned about the negative opinions and judgments of others.
They say I'm scary, I'm not ladylike, I act like a queen
People label me as intimidating, unconventional, and confident, just like a queen.
And I'll be wearing the crown whilst I'll be kissing my teeth, yeah
I embrace my power and authority while expressing a sassy attitude.
Blacker than the leather, that's holding our boots together
We, as a group, are strong and united, represented by the black leather holding our boots.
If you rock a different shade, we come under the same umbrella
Regardless of our differences, we are part of the same community and support each other.
Pharaohs and empresses, our bones made out of treasure
We are royalty, with valuable souls and a rich heritage.
I'll be twirling on swords, watch me slit and slice and sever
I am capable and skilled, even in dangerous and challenging situations.
At night, we ride
During the night, we come alive and take action.
We come alive
We awaken and thrive.
You can't run or hide
You cannot escape our presence or influence.
We live, never die
We are eternal and leave a lasting impact.
It's in our bloodlines
Our power and strength are inherent in our heritage.
I'm a samurai, samurai, samurai, dancer
I embody the grace and precision of a samurai in my movements as a dancer.
Warrior, warrior, warrior, fighter
I am fierce and courageous, constantly fighting for what I believe in.
Ahh, I'm a boss bitch
I am a confident and assertive woman, completely in control of my life.
Ahh, I'm Cleopatra
I possess the power, elegance, and influence of Cleopatra, the legendary queen.
When I was a kid they always called me a freak
During my childhood, I was often labeled as strange or different.
And now them little bitches want to look like me
Now, those individuals who used to criticize me aspire to emulate my appearance.
They'll be injecting, imperfecting 'til it starts to weep
They resort to artificial means to enhance their looks, causing negative outcomes.
You can buy your looks, but you can't change your genes
While they can purchase physical beauty, it cannot alter their inherent qualities.
I'm a straight talker
I am unapologetically honest and direct in my communication.
Fucking say what you mean
Express your thoughts and intentions without reservation or hesitation.
Want to know where I am from
People are curious about my origins.
And where the hell I've been
They are intrigued by the places I have explored and experienced.
From Persia to Nigeria, London to Jamaica
I have traversed various cultures and countries, expanding my horizons.
Our ancestors were sailors
Our heritage includes courageous seafarers and explorers.
Crossed over the equator
They crossed geographic boundaries and ventured into unfamiliar territories.
Ahh, ahh
Expressing the sense of awe and amazement.
Wouldn't wanna be
There is no desire to be someone else.
Anyone but me
I am content and proud of who I am.
I'm the fucking queen
I carry the essence of royalty and authority within me.
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Georgia Mary South, Amy Zipporah Azizeh Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DeadPool
man these girls need more recognition! they rock harder than most in the current scene
Panic! At the muser
Theyโre gonna tour in europe with yungblud :)
Invader Hemp
You don't listen to enough music then lol Reminder that "the current scene" isn't solely whatever garbage is on the Top 50 whatever
Hollie
Agreed !!
GlenClark Chidley
Agreed!โฆ
Whiles this is not my favorite performance, I donโt know how their talent keeps escaping YouTubes algorithms.
Hello YouTubeโฆ
Get your shit together!!!
Ava Beyva
Your music as a whole has given me so much raw Black Girl euphoria, but THIS, has the rawest Black girl affirming lyrics yet from you guys. The countries shout out was the cherry on top, THANK YOU FOR THIS HYPE SONG AACK!!
south of heaven
And the countries shout out was like a nod to the African diaspora. I love them SO MUCH!!๐ป๐ฎ๐ค๐ค๐ค edit: typo
south of heaven
โBlack girl affirmingโ yesssss
WarmLavender
โYOU CAN BUY YOUR LOOKS BUT YOU CANT CHANGE YOUR GENESโ Once again The Nova Twins have made me another anthem. Nobody else is doing it like yโall fr! You never miss!
south of heaven
Absolute bangerrrr!! Iโm LIVING for the black female empowerment message๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐ฅฐ LOVE YOU GUYSSSS