Melodna takes a soulful journey into her African heritage on her sophomore EP She — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The emerging Saskatchewan artist digs deep on the four-track offering, tracing her roots from the past to the present-day as she adeptly blends elements of R&B, Afrofusion and South African sounds. That ready embrace of cultural fusion is a driving force behind her artistry. “My name, Melodna, came from my love of Zambian harmonies,” she explains. “I’m Zambian, South African, and Malawian born in Canada.”
Melodna — pronounced Mel-oh-dee-na — recently released the energetic Afrobeats-centric single OMD in advance of the project, which serves as a followup to 2021’s Keepsake. Levitational chord progressions, stunning vocals, and a relentless beat define the song, a victorious track with infectious zeal that celebrates how far Melodna has come, while embracing the person that she’s grown into along the way.
But that journey to self-love and acceptance hasn’t come without a struggle, a fact that she readily acknowledges. In fact, a desire to uplift and encourage others who may be facing similar difficulties was one of the artist’s primary motivations behind making She in the first place.
Like many, Melodna is no stranger to difficulties stemming from battles with mental health. But she also acknowledges the strength that can be found in knowing that you’re not alone. Her music is characterized by ever-present grooves, endless good vibes and a lot of energy. Her songs make her want to get up and dance, and, she says, she wants others to feel relief when they press play.
“I wanted people to feel my lyrics, know the meaning, and instead of crying, relate to my darkness,” she says of the project. “I wanted them to dance.” Listeners will certainly find catharsis in these tracks — both for Melodna’s ready willingness and ability to give voice to struggle, as well as for her determination to place one foot in front of the other and embrace joy despite.
Waytin’ summarizes this message perfectly. The upbeat track is a perfect blend of Melodna’s sonic heritage, set to lyrics that see her being open and vulnerable about her struggles with depression. Meanwhile, she reunites with Bjaylee (who featured on her 2022 single Rotation) for Alt, and features a tender, encouraging outro courtesy of her young son, highlighting a message to keep fighting no matter what life throws at you.
Check out She below and get in tune with Melodna on her website, Instagram and TikTok.
