Some collaborations feel carefully calculated, while others sound as though they emerged from a genuine creative connection. “Can’t Trust”, the new single from Shelana Azora and Richandell, belongs firmly to the latter. Born from an early studio session in Amsterdam and refined through an ongoing artistic partnership, the track channels personal disappointment into a confident blend of contemporary R&B and hip-hop.
At its core, “Can’t Trust” explores the emotional aftermath of betrayal, but it avoids the familiar clichés of heartbreak. Rather than dwelling on resentment or regret, the song captures the point where confusion gives way to clarity. It is less concerned with the relationship that failed than with the confidence that follows once the decision to walk away has been made.
East London artist Shelana Azora delivers the lyrics with a compelling balance of vulnerability and restraint, moving naturally between soulful melodies and rhythmic phrasing. Her ability to alternate between singing and rap gives the track a sense of momentum, allowing moments of reflection to sit comfortably alongside passages of quiet defiance. It is a performance built on emotional control rather than dramatic excess.
Behind her, Richandell provides a production that understands exactly when to step forward and when to hold back. Having produced, recorded, mixed and mastered the track himself, he builds a polished soundscape that combines contemporary R&B textures with hip-hop grooves and subtle global influences. Every element feels purposeful, creating enough space for the vocals to remain the emotional centrepiece without sacrificing the song’s rhythmic drive.
What makes “Can’t Trust” particularly effective is its refusal to romanticise pain. Instead of presenting betrayal as something all-consuming, the song frames it as a catalyst for personal growth. There is frustration in the lyrics, certainly, but also acceptance. The focus gradually shifts away from the person who caused the hurt and towards reclaiming self-worth, making the song feel empowering without becoming overly triumphant.
The collaboration itself also carries an interesting story. Recorded at the legendary Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands, the single brings together two artists with very different creative backgrounds. Shelana Azora arrives with experience shaped by London’s vibrant live scene and a growing catalogue that blends R&B, soul and rap, while Richandell contributes years of work as a producer, songwriter, educator and creative mentor within the Dutch music industry. Those different perspectives complement each other naturally.
There is also an understated maturity running throughout the release. Neither artist feels the need to overstate the song’s message. The confidence comes through in the writing itself, allowing the emotional progression to unfold organically rather than relying on dramatic declarations.
The two artists offer a track that feels relatable, contemporary and quietly empowering, proving that some of the strongest songs about heartbreak are the ones that focus less on what was lost and more on what was regained.
