Mamadee breathes new life in Reggae music Image

by Biko Kennedy / Mar 31, 2014 10:27 am

Lost in the dream of pushing musical boundaries and seeing female vocalists shine even more than they currently are, Mamadee is making no stops in making said dream a reality by all means necessary. With her debut solo album Beautiful Soul winning fans and critics over, she is poised to to take the world by storm, sharing her passion-laced tunes. We caught up with the songbird to find out just a bit more of her musical journey.


JAmusic: Music lovers globally will always be looking for that new, impeccable sound that can be looked upon as leaders of the new wave of vocalists. How would you define a musical genius that can eventually become a vocal leader?
M: A musical genius, in my opinion, can become a good vocal leader, if he or she is able to  touch  the  peoples  hearts and souls with his or her  lyrical subject and voice and if  he or her is  able to change the listeners emotions into a better feeling and can open their heart and minds.  In this way sure a musical genius keeps a strong faith and a passion in their art and passion which leads to being a vocal leader.

JAmusic: Some of the most genius artistes have thrived when taking chances and innovating. How important/present is that on the Reggae soundscape today; from what you've seen and that might have help in composing your singles?
M: I think it is important to be open for new ideas and to  be innovative.  It is present on the Reggae soundscape if u listen to artists like Chronixx, Jah9 or myself. When I write my songs I just follow the feeling that the sound or riddim gives to  me, which can be a lovers rock riddim, a  rootsy riddim or an acoustic vibe . Naturally I hear a melody and depending on the mood of  the riddim and whatever  surrounds me in life I write lyrics to it. Just writing from the heart and soul.

JAmusic: How do you think a single such as One Worldwill impact your growing fan base as well as attract new listeners?

M: ‘One world’…I am happy to see the reactions and feed back to the song  .Well ,it is a song about us the world .I think listeners feel even closer to a song they like and can identify with  , also  because there is  a video of  the song. We shot the Video in Portugal  with our friends the Mindel Reggae Family, having the visuals help  the song. This helped the fan base to grow .One world is a vision and a dream  I have and I believe many other souls feel the same. It was wonderful to work with Willie Lindo  on the track and Album .Over all  I think it has help people to relook at my album from a different position

JAmusic: Your style seems to be a blend between vocalists like Etana, Tanya Stephens and Marcia Griffiths. Is this intentional and are these female vocals persons you try to emulate?

M: I look up to wonderful female artistes like Etana, Tanya Stephens, and  Queen Marcia but it is not my intension to emulate other Artists. I am just me.  

JAmusic: What's the biggest risk you've taken artistically; one that went over surprisingly well and one that might've gone over people's heads?

M: A big risk was to  totally go  Solo  and release this album Beautiful Soul  ,after I toured for almost 12 years with Gentleman doing backings and also having the chance to sing  solo song  at  the festival and concerts, etc. But yes that was a risk . The nice experience is that now I have Mamadee Shows internationally and people  come out to see my performance . I see them  singing my Songs at the Concerts and enjoying themselves. That is a great feeling and it was a long way. I am still growing and learning everyday.


JAmusic: Who's the artiste that keeps you on your toes? Pushes you to go harder?

M: Jah, Life  and my family keeps me on my toes. Bob Marley as well. My dreams and faith push me to go harder.




JAmusic: When you got into the music business where did you think you'd be today or where did you see yourself fitting in at the moment?

M: I believe everything happens for a reason, so I am where I am because I am supposed to be. I am thankful with having two to four shows each month and we are planning a big Africa and Europe tour with Andrew Tosh for the end of this year. So that is wonderful. It is important to me to be healthy and happy no matter what I do in life. From there I see myself on more big festival stages worldwide reaching more souls and hearts.

JAmusic: What's the purpose on your musical journey? What's the message you're trying to give?

M: Music is a healer. I have a talent and I am blessed I met people along the way like Born Free and many others that believe in my talent and support my music. Once u stepped in the music world it’s hard to leave again. Jah knows my path. I will see in the future what exactly is the Purpose on my musical Journey. However I like to give hopeful, generous  and  positive messages.

JAmusic: What's one song that you hold close to you because of a particular line or better yet what's the most philosophical quote you've heard in a song that you hold close to your heart?

M: “The stone that the builder refused, will always be the head corner stone” by Bob Marley, that is  a line I hold close to. I was born as an Afro-German behind The Wall with no chances of ever  traveling the world cause of the political conditions in east Germany at this time. I grew up without my dad. After the wall fell and when I was old enough to move to  a city in west Germany I finally found my dad after many years, while I was traveling as a musician .And through keeping my faith. So yes ,those words I hold very dear to me.




JAmusic: We live in an era where the average person's attention span is limited to what they want to see or hear. What are you doing differently that will hold their attention?

M: I try not to worry about those things and just keep writing songs from my heart.  Working with good Musicians and Bands , keeping active  doing concerts. Appreciating the fact of having the chance to reach people with my music. And sure working with  Born Free Records  always promoting my music and keeping us busy reaching new markets, which helps holding attention.

JAmusic: With success comes a lot of negative feedback, how do you react or deal with negativity?

M: Yes it does. I try my best to not pay to much attention to it.

JAmusic: What kind of future plans have you set for yourself as an artiste (to accomplish and maintain)?

M: I am working on songs for a second solo album. My future plans as an artist is to play on many more festivals worldwide and keep sharing my music with the world.

JAmusic: What insight can you give on the power of music and its ability to communicate certain messages verbally and non-verbally? And what do you think your music represent?

M: I believe that the power of music is underestimated. To many people music is a healer of pain and sorrows, a good friend. Music and lyrics of various artists seem to understand and reach the inner needs of an individual , songs are capable to reach the deepest parts of our souls, lift us up and inspire us. Music has the power to connect many people and make them feel as one. My wish is that my music has the power to make people feel good.

Image A music aficionado redefining possibilities while pushing the limits of success...
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