Emma Dilemma Celebrates Community Across 3 Continents with New Single + Video ‘Neighbourhood’
Ōtautahi Christchurch artist Emma Dilemma returns with her new single Neighbourhood feat. Dende the Sensei, Masia One & Jay Coast; a global collaboration out today, alongside an official music video filmed across 4 cities and 3 continents.
Bringing together artists from New Zealand, Singapore and the United States, Neighbourhood is a celebration of the places that shape us. Built around a catchy hook and a series of rap verses reflecting life in different corners of the world, the song explores identity, belonging and the unique character of local communities.
Written as a response to the increasingly global nature of modern life, Neighbourhood highlights the shared experiences that connect people regardless of geography. While each artist represents a different city and culture, the song’s message remains universal:
Everyone has a place they call home.
“Neighbourhood is about pride in where you’re from,” says Emma. “Whether that’s Christchurch, Auckland, Singapore, St. Louis, or somewhere else entirely, we all have stories, people and places that help make us who we are.”
The release is accompanied by a self-funded music video that took 2 years to complete. Filmed amongst Christchurch, Auckland, Singapore and St. Louis’ most iconic landmarks and personal “perfect places” special to each artist, it showcases the cities that inspired each artists’ contribution to the track.
Known for blending pop, rock and hip hop influences with sharp storytelling, Emma Dilemma first gained national attention with her debut album SPIT, which reached #3 on the Official NZ Albums Chart. Since then, she has performed throughout New Zealand and internationally, collaborated with artists around the world, and recently secured a major sync placement in ABC Network/Disney+ television drama ‘9-1-1’.
Following release, Emma plans to expand the project through an international open-verse campaign, inviting rappers from around the world to contribute their own verses about the neighbourhoods they call home.
