New York, NY — Lachi, the internationally-acclaimed recording artist, touring performer, writer, and award-winning cultural activist, has once again pushed the boundaries of storytelling with her latest masterpiece, “Death Tango.” This electrifying sci-fi thriller, enriched with elements of horror, promises readers an enthralling journey through a Utopian future. And while AI is systemically infused, the indomitable human spirit thrives against all odds.
Lachi, a legally blind daughter of African immigrants, has been an ardent champion of promoting narratives on identity pride and disability culture through her music and cultural activism. Her latest venture, “Death Tango,” serves as a testament to her passion for fostering inclusivity and empowerment. The story is set in a Utopian twenty-third-century New York, where corporate entities have replaced governments, and AI runs rampant, shaping the lives of citizens.
At the core of “Death Tango” is a murder mystery that throws a group of young mis-matched coeds into a thrilling quest to solve the murder of a celebrated alchemist. The twist lies in the fact that in a world where every aspect of life is under constant surveillance through a croud-sourced app, getting away with murder requires navigating outside the highest levels of surveillance. As the plot unfolds, readers will be enthralled by the interplay of characters, world-building, and evocative picture-painting that have become Lachi’s signature style.
Reflecting on her writing process, Lachi shares, “I wrote a weird little horror sci-fi with atypical heroes, relatable villains, and irreverent anachronisms. I call it a Utopian Horror. I set it in our literal future—the future we’re creating—where we exchange privacy for convenience, where AI replaces human experience, where we’re jaded to natural disasters. Our utopia. And it’s an already fleshed-out horror prompt.”
One of the most striking aspects of “Death Tango” is its focus on representation and diversity. Lachi deliberately weaves neurodivergence, disability, and mental health into the fabric of her characters, portraying them as natural traits while they navigate the supernatural challenges before them. The book boasts a diverse, well-developed cast of anti-heroes, creating a rich tapestry of identities that resonate with readers from all walks of life.
Lachi remarks, “I started dreaming up this book when I was eight, daydreaming about my characters, love triangles, and blue blood when unable to see the board in class. These daydreams were my escape from a bully-ridden, misunderstood childhood. As I started to build confidence in my identities throughout 2016 onward, I no longer needed the escape and out-poured a slice of my everlong reverie onto the page. Just like my music, this world and these characters were there for me, my sanctuary, and I’m grateful to it in a way that is difficult to articulate.”
“Death Tango” is not just another sci-fi thriller; it is a journey that mirrors Lachi’s own path of empowerment, resilience, and unapologetic celebration of intersectionality. Through her work, Lachi aims to inspire readers to embrace their uniqueness, find strength in adversity, and challenge societal norms that limit individual potential.
Critics and early readers have praised “Death Tango” for its gripping narrative, thought-provoking themes, and well-crafted characters. The book has garnered significant attention from music lovers, sci-fi enthusiasts, and individuals with disabilities, who greatly affiliate with Lachi’s vision of an inclusive and empowered world.
As Lachi herself proclaims, “Neurodivergence, deafness, disability, and mental health are natural traits our characters live with while navigating the supernatural.”
“Death Tango” is now available for purchase on Lachi’s website and Running Wild Publishing. Fans can follow Lachi’s journey on social media via @lachimusic on all platforms, or connect with her professionally on LinkedIn and listen to her music on Soundcloud.
