Kemi 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. She describes the song as a celebration of the beauty, courage, confidence and resilience of women, particularly African women who continue to dream, create and move forward despite the obstacles they face.
Kemi also explains why she chose African Woman as her debut single, despite being advised to release a more commercial and danceable song first.
We discuss the influence of Fela Kuti on her sound and the journeys of African female artists including Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade and Tems. Kemi also talks about artist development, Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, the growth of independent music and the challenges female musicians can face in a male-dominated industry.
In this conversation, we discuss:
• The personal story behind African Woman
• How music helped Kemi through an abusive marriage
• Why she chose African Woman as her debut single
• The influence of Fela Kuti on her music
• Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Tems and women in African music
• Don Jazzy, Mavin Records and artist development
• Building a career as an independent musician
• What artists should ask before signing with a record label
• How technology has changed music production and distribution
• How Kemy Music uses AI to develop demos and experiment with sound
• Why AI should assist rather than replace human creativity
• The importance of authenticity, purpose and creative community
• Preserving the legacy of African music
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Instagram: @kemymusic
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Content note: This episode includes a non-graphic discussion of domestic abuse.
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