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Kris Zaga: Up Next In The Music Industry
You might not know the man, but when you hear his music it sticks.
“Music is everything. I live and dream about music. Apart from family, music is what I love the most. It keeps me healthy, thinking positively. My music is about me and what I have been through; all the rants in my head,” Uzoma Nwachukwu, 34, popular as Kris Zaga, tells The Guardian.
The peculiar thing about the Portharcourt-born and US-based Afro-Pop Singer is not just his style of music alone, but the content of his songs which are heavily woven around socio-conscious themes and Christian gospel. Well, that is apart from the fact that he is a licensed Medical Practitioner.
“I’m a medical personnel. A nurse is always a Nurse, as they say. I learned so much in my career and I like to care for people, encourage, and motivate. I’m a Christian and I think independently, whom I am is shaped by my struggles in life, education and family. I was able to combine both music and Nursing Sciences.”
From his debut Publik Figure album, released globally in 2011, Kris Zaga has churned out musical critiques of the gory realities in Nigeria, as well as odes to his native town of Etche in Portharcourt.
His music resonates mostly with the youth, but still cut across other age grades as they inspire, educate and entertain.
According to him, his musical influences are firstly from his parents, then from the new wave of musicians, such as Davido, Wizkid, Burna-boy, Tyler The Creator and Drake.
He said, “Both my parents are musicians; my dad was a DJ, he would always travel to various states and communities where they have events, burials to play for them. He had all kinds of music similar to DJs today and also co-wrote songs with popular oriental brothers.
“My mother, on the other hand, was a woman leader who coordinates events, songs for women during events. She also sang in church and has a very good voice. I would always follow her to local events and play drums. I would say my parents basically influenced my choice of music. It has always been there as a kid and at some point it needed to come out.
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Joelle Charan’s “Forgive Me,” a Soulful Orchestra of Redemption
Joelle Charan’s latest creation, “Forgive Me,” is a soul-jazz masterpiece that transcends boundaries, weaving together a tapestry of modern soul and Jazz orchestral horns with enchanting musical influences that are deeply emotional. This single is a heartfelt reflection of a daughter’s yearning for forgiveness. The result is a symphonic fairytale that tugs at your heartstrings, combining modern pop with the timeless elegance of orchestral and Indian instrumentation.
Drawing from the depths of her mixed heritage and spiritual beliefs, Joelle Charan pours her heart and soul into this track. The song’s genesis in the aftermath of a poignant argument, set against the backdrop of New York City, adds a layer of raw authenticity to its lyrics. The smooth-jazz verses are a soothing balm, while the choruses’ layered vocal and instrumental harmonies evoke a sense of catharsis.
Joelle’s smooth-jazz verses effortlessly lead you into a world of introspection, while the choruses, adorned with intricate vocal and instrumental harmonies, take you on an experimental odyssey. The outro, embraced by French horns, adds a touch of old-world charm to the modern Manhattan backdrop that inspired this composition.
Influenced by the likes of Laura Mvula, Norah Jones, and Alicia Keys, Joelle Charan’s vocal prowess shines brightly. Her ability to blend soulful vocals with jazz-infused melodies is captivating. “Forgive Me” is not just a song; it’s a journey through the depths of emotion, a musical experience that will resonate deeply with anyone who has felt the weight of regret and the need for absolution.
As Joelle Charan returns to the U.K. and Europe for live performances, “Forgive Me” is bound to stand out in her repertoire, a testament to her musical talent and artistic growth. It’s a must-listen for those who appreciate the exquisite fusion of captivating rhythms and emotive storytelling. Joelle Charan’s “Forgive Me” song is a soulful track that offers healing and elevates the soul. It’s a great addition to any jazz or soul playlist, inspired by Charan’s musical journey from Amsterdam. Truly an artist to watch!
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Joelle Charan’s “Forgive Me“ on Spotify.
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Industry Veteran and Legend – Aria – Teams Up With Renowned World Artists For Rhythmic Single Smile
Mariano Schiavolini, aka “Aria“, is a leading representative of international world music, and collaborates with other major artists in the genre such as the Soweto Gospel Choir, Peter Gabriel, and the group of Miriam Makeba. Now, recruits a tour de force of global talent for his latest single Smile. Released August 14th of this year, the infectious single is characterised by its strong rhythms, global influences, and masterfully intricate composition.
Smile’s driving force is its undeniable rhythm influenced strongly by South and Central American musical styles, namely rumba and cha cha. However, jazz and RnB influences elevate the song with its positive vocals and message, and instrumentation such as that of American bassist Joseph Patrick, bassist for Steward Copeland of the Police.
Smile’s arrangement is in a way a testament to Aria’s decades spanning legacy in the music industry. With over 120 tracks making up the song (with most contemporary songs only reaching 50), Smile was recorded with older analogue set-ups that retain the individual frequencies of each instrument with more fidelity than their modern counterparts at this complex layering. In doing so, it demonstrates the mastery that comes with having been in the industry for so long now, such is the case with Aria.
The single and its accompanying music video continue in Aria’s trend of global collaboration. As viewers will see, the video brings together the smiles of those from all backgrounds, who interpret the dance of Smile with spontaneous and unique gestures. Behind the scenes, English author Nicolette Turner penned the lyrics which were sung by vocalist Ariel Jones, who also interpreted the song in Portuguese after contributing the lyrics in her native tongue. Smile’s Portuguese version is to be released in the South American market.
Prior to Smile, Aria’s successes have included charting in his native Italy and abroad, rotation on BBC Radio, millions of streams and views on his songs and videos, and charitable drives to help causes close to the artist’s heart. These causes include defending human rights, saving near extinct animals, and fighting apartheid, to name a few.
Smile is a song of universal brotherhood that hopes to bring people of all walks and creeds together through dance. The single is available across all platforms now.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7gk7om5XNA2sfXvXPq1H2x
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6lco834ehS7Dtha6bS7AUy
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf_HFi_4KOI
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AriaTheComposer
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/smile-single/1700688680
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/aria/1618070725
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ariathecomposer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariathecomposer/?hl=en
