Imade iN Truth

It’s official.  Laura Mvula is hot in the streets.  The Birmingham, UK singer, songwriter, and pianist was ranked number 4 out of BBC’s Sound Of 2013 poll after releasing her She EP across the pond back in November.  A huge buzz has been growing and for good reason.  There is something magically intriguing about Mvula, whether its her stunning looks, Nina Simone poise, or engrossing lyrics.  

For her BBC live performance, Mvula debuts “Green Garden” off her upcoming album, Sing To The Moon.  The hand clapping number sounds like one long praise break, and I absolutely love it.  The infectious single shows Mvula’s expansive musical range including jazz, folk, and soul.

I honestly feel that Mvula is a moving train of profound inspiration that cannot be stopped.  2013 is her year.  If you want to see where it all began, check out another live performance of her breakout song, “She” after the jump.  Facebook  Twitter            

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When my sis Anais Aida sent me a link to this video, I was so not ready.  I literally had to pause after 30 seconds to keep myself from getting palpitations.  Kimbra, a New Zealand raised singer, songwriter, and guitarist, released this video back in July and debuted her EP this week.  What immediately struck me about Kimbra is that she’s a pop artist in the truest sense of the term.  Settle Down has the immediacy of a pop hit in its catchy rhythm and whimsical chorus.  The song grabs your attention and maintains it.  But Settle Down is more than just a catchy song.   It’s smoldering critique of domesticity is what warrants repeat listens.  The lifeless characters and burning dolls reflects the emptiness of basing one’s life on a limiting role.  Kimbra can give her pop listeners what they want, while using her jazz influences and social critique to break the status quo.  Whether it’s the hard-hitting experimental track Limbo or the Nina Simone inspired Plain Gold Ring, Kimbra uses her eccentricities to not alienate the listener, but to expand their minds in an enjoyable way.  Facebook  Twitter  Website  Soundcloud

Kimbra - Vows by Pedestrian.TV

IBK is kind of a big deal.  He has the limitless talent that makes you understand why he created the spaceshipboi persona.  Usually, the most talented are also the most imaginative.  Ibukun Kevin Emuwawon was born and raised in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria surrounded by Kriss Kross just as much as Nat King Cole and Nina Simone.  His eclectic music taste and superstar childhood friends in Nneka and Omawumi has poised him for success.  After coming into his own as a music director and rapper, IBK assumed his role as a producer alongside of famed Nigerian musician Cobahms Asquo.  Though he produced for many Nigerian artists, it’s what IBK does on the mic that turns heads.  He’s truly a living instrument, going from singing to rapping over complex musical arrangements of jazz, Hip Hop, R&B, and pop.  Though IBK won a very fierce beat competition with his single, I Have A Dream, it’s Tounges that captures the totality of IBK’s talent.  It has the feel of an autobiographical tale where IBK pays homage to his Nigerian roots while honoring God with the gifts he has.  Rarely do you witness an artist that has the musical intelligence to blend multiple genres into one cohesive sound.  Bez has been Nigeria’s soul music darling, but I think it’s time to add another name to the list. Facebook  Twitter  ReverbNation