The Kenya-born singer and songwriter
known as Ms. Sunshine has released her highly awaited debut EP album,
“Homage, African Soul Rebel.” The EP contains five original
tracks for an approximate total listening time of 25 minutes. It has
been proudly published on the Sunny Music Records independent music
label. A jubilant, funky and foot-stomping example of the neo-Afro
soul style of music, “Homage, African Soul Rebel” is undeniable
fun and proof that Ms. Sunshine is a singer with something to offer
fans of all great music.
Ms. Sunshine has cited as main artistic
inspirations Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, the Doors and Pink Floyd,
Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba, Etta James and Erykah Badu, Lauryn
Hill and Bob Marley, and even Sting. Many of the best qualities of
these are clearly audible in “Homage, African Soul Rebel,” which
Ms. Sunshine has called “my way to give my allegiance to all the
artists that were before me and have heavily influenced my song
writing now.”
Still, her debut EP cannot be called
derivative. On the contrary, much of its sound is a new hybrid of
genres which blend together to great and delightful effect. A
particularly striking example exists in “Arabic Dub,” which
features Mustapha Baidou and applies Arabic instrumentation and chord
progressions to the dub style of music. Elements of such genres as
dancehall, soul, R 'n' B, hip-hop, and reggae may be heard also, and
the EP as a whole is as catchy and radio-friendly as modern pop
music.
In addition to the appearance of
Mustapha Baidou, “Homage, African Soul Rebel” also features the
talents of Metaphysics Gandanga, Katrin Eggert, and executive
producer Wayne Smith.
Asked to describe the themes of her
debut record, Ms. Sunshine writes: “The songs I have recorded so
far exemplify my personal take on life. My philosophy features
ideologies from my African influences, with fusions from
African-centered and Five Percent theologies, the complex views of
diverse African cultural theologies and its complex interpretation of
such strong cultural beliefs in our modern and evolving African
culture. The majority of Ms. Sunshine music is greatly influenced by
my beliefs of the Nation of Gods and Earths and my African roots and
heritage.”
Living now in Belgium, Ms. Sunshine has
made it her goal to translate the tone of some of the most
influential music of the 1960s into music for today's listeners,
music which carries a message that speaks to today's issues, as well.
“My mission was to bring that which
was magnificently created during the 'flower power' movement and
translate that same feeling, energy, music composition, and
performances into our modern take on music production,” writes Ms.
Sunshine. “My question always was, 'How would they sound now, in
this day and age?' I wanted to keep the production to live recording
by working with great musicians in the studio and also by writing
music that can cause change or transformation. Music that touches
one's soul. Music that lingers on.”
“Homage, African Soul Rebel” is
preceded by Ms. Sunshine's popular singles, “Let It Shine,” “Red
Umbrella” and “Mama Africa,” all of which may be heard and
purchased online. An official music video has also been made
available for “Mama Africa” which has nearly 100,000 views to
date.
“Homage, African Soul Rebel” by Ms.
Sunshine is available online worldwide. Get in early, neo-Afro soul
fans. Very, very early.
-S. McCauley
Lead Press Release Writer
www.MondoTunes.com
“Homage, African Soul Rebel” by
Ms. Sunshine –
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MsSunshine-music/213759668663458
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/254mssunshine
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/254mssunshine
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