While Blackcurrant is Demi’s first major release since 2014’s Forward Movement Only, she’s been extremely busy in the meantime. The London-born multi-talent was initially discovered by Ebro Darden during the summer of 2018 but had already put herself on the map at that point. You may remember her from Beyonce’s 2016 VMA performance as a backup dancer. Or, perhaps you’ve seen her on your TV as a part of Pantene’s 2017 Gold Series campaign, making history as the first woman in their lineup with locs. If not Pantene, it’s likely you’ve spotted Grace modeling for MakeUp Forever, Naked Roots Collection, or M.A.C. Cosmetics. Regardless, Demi Grace’s portfolio speaks for itself.
Modeling is clearly a talent for the 32-year-old, but music is where she finds her true expression. by combining silky smooth R&B with West African afrobeat influences, Demi has set herself up for quite the career. She uses her sound to convey motifs like romance, but also to address her experiences as an African woman balancing her UK origins with her life in the states. It’s no secret afrobeat music has exploded in popularity in recent years. Primarily male hitmakers like Burna Boy and Wizkid are leading the pack stateside with chart toppers like ‘Last Last’ but don’t count Demi out. She’s ready to make her mark with her brand new release Blackcurrant.
An Artist All Her Own
This impressive showing from Demi shows off her well-roundedness, as well as her unique take on Afrobeat. The lead single ‘Clingy’ displays this most effectively. The Nigerian songstress uses her naturally fluid vocal tone as the partner to traditional West African instrumentals to create a love song just in time for the cozy fall. Of course that’s not counting out the other 9 tracks on Blackcurrant. ‘Stay’, ‘Im Okay’ , ‘Tornado’, ‘OG Luv’ lean more towards traditional R&B and rely on Demi’s voice to hard carry. Meanwhile, ‘Save Me’, ‘Feels Like Sun’, ‘Settle Down’, ‘Crush’, ‘Plot Twist’ more heavily incorporate afrobeat, and use a steady rhythm to make the song flow.
The persistent theme of Blackcurrant is love, and how it changes one’s psyche. Whether it’s falling in or out of love, it’s a motif anyone can relate to male or female. Noticeably, Demi keeps her lyrics gender-neutral so a wide array of listeners can relate. It’s a smart and strategic move in a current R&B landscape where a line seems to be drawn in the sand between male and female vocalists. On Blackcurrant, there’s no mention of sneaky links or cheating back. It’s a decidedly mature record by a talent whos been part of the entertainment industry long enough to put artistry over short-lived trends. With a wide array of topics including heartbreak, self-esteem, and self-acceptance, you don’t have to be well versed in afrobeat to jump into it.
So what’s next for Demi Grace? Well after serving face in Essence, Teen Vogue, Ebony, and Sheen, it’s clear she has an affinity for the visual medium. You can expect a visual album to accompany the 10 songs later this year. But if you’re impatient, check out her live performance of ‘Calling Me’ and ‘Alarm’ on The Drop.
An ambitious young journalist from Baltimore, Maryland with a passion for releasing candid and accurate information to the public. Has experience in broadcast, reporting, and editing. Always strives to make stories unique and captivating while telling the truth. Currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Broadcast Journalism.
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