In this episode of Talking Tech with Creatives, I speak with singer-songwriter Kemi Obafemi, known professionally as Kemy Music, about her debut single, African Woman.
Kemi shares how her love of music began through listening before she started singing in church, leading a choir and writing songs. She also speaks openly about experiencing an abusive marriage and explains how music became her safe space, gave her purpose and helped her find the strength to move forward.
That experience became an important part of the story behind African Woman. Kemi explains why she insisted on releasing the song as her first single, though others in the music industry advised her to begin with something more commercial.
For Kemi, African Woman represents the beauty, courage, resilience and strength of women, particularly African women who continue to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles placed before them.
We also discuss the influence of Fela Kuti, the challenges facing female artists in the African music industry, the importance of remaining authentic and the realities of building a career as an independent musician.
Kemi talks about her previous experience of being signed to a record label, what emerging artists should consider before signing a contract and why having money is not enough if a label does not have the right team or a clear plan for the artist.
We explore the role of technology and artificial intelligence in music. Kemi explains how she uses AI tools to experiment with melodies, sounds, instruments and arrangements, while maintaining that technology should assist the artist rather than replace human creativity.
We talk about community, music distribution, preserving the legacy of African musicians and Kemy’s advice to young creatives: understand your purpose, remain original and use technology to amplify who you already are.
Listen to African Woman by Kemy Music on the major streaming platforms.
Listen to African Woman: Songdis
Follow Kemy Music:
Instagram: @kemymusic
Youtube: @kemymusicofficial
Content note: This episode includes a non-graphic discussion of domestic abuse.
Follow me: @stellaoni_official