#IMMusicMonday: Damélola Debuts New Single “Forever”
Damélola is a singer-songwriter from London who has spent the early portion of her career, building her profile on the performance circuit.
Some of her notable performances to date include Senegal’s Urban Women Festival, Mighty Hoopla Festival’s main stage alongside notable acts including Tove Lo and Jamelia, and the Cross the Tracks Festival which was headlined by critically acclaimed soul legend Chaka Khan.
Citing Lauryn Hill, Ciara, Jazmine Sullivan, and Tink as just a few of her major influences her sound can be described as a culmination of Pop-Soul/Funk infused R&B as showcased by her latest single “Forever”.
Produced by Ruben Azziz, “Forever“, which follows the previous track “How it Feels’’, is a striking single not only for its adept construction but in its message of self-worth and female empowerment.
Speaking on the inspiration behind song Damélola, shared:
‘’ This is my gift to all, particularly women who are different and beautiful in their own ways. It’s all about self-worth and inclusiveness – reminding women that we are stronger together despite the opinions of society ‘’
Beginning with an alluringly haunting intro, the 90s R&B meets 00s pop song is an exciting blend of sweeping synths and electronic instruments, completed by beautifully layered rounded harmonies.
A crescendo of confidence reflected by the growing layers of instrumentation built between the latter half of the verses and chorus. Damélola has dressed the track’s melody with a selection of well-placed ad-libs and an impassioned vocal delivery.
Many recently released R&B tracks no longer contain bridges, missing the opportunity to provide further emotional depth and connect with listeners beyond a surface level. Thankfully “Forever” deviates from that trend, sliding to the opposite side of the spectrum with a harmonious acapella vocal break down that echoes elements of Justin Timberlake’s “Cry me a River”.
An impressive follow up single indeed.