After establishing herself with a wave of rich and alluring releases these last few years, multifaceted artist DemiMa is back once again to deliver her wondrous new single 'Let Love Be'.
Lifted from her newly released 'Duality Pt2 Peace' EP, which is available to stream now, 'Let Love Be' makes for a beautifully warm and endearing listen throughout. With her sweeping vocals layered across a rich and ethereal soundscape throughout, she continues to shine as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the violin actually. My mother used to play me classical and jazz music when she was pregnant with me. I started ballet at 4 years old and the string arrangements really moved my spirit.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Growing up in London, UK and in Durban, SA, I was exposed to such a variety of genres. I loved a lot of different sounds, from Jazz, to 90’s ambient house, 90’s hip hop, rnb and pop were a huge part of the feeling of freedom during that era! In South Africa we played a lot of Kwaito, 90’s soulful house and Bantu traditional music such as Maskandi and Mbaqanga. In London it was Broken Beat that really hit for me.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Ooh! I was gifted ‘Celebration’ - Bheki Mseleku when I was around 2yrs old, he included me in the thank you notes and I remember feeling really happy to be acknowledged and honoured by him, It was very special.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I don’t really think in that way, but some of my fave songs for song writing are Little Dragon’s ‘Pink Cloud’ and Thandiswa Mazwai’s ‘Abenguni’.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
When writing music I deeply connect with what information I want to share with my global community in terms of consciousness. The musicians that came before me in my ancestral line were very intentional with using music as a tool for elevation. There are no specific rituals other than allowing myself to open up to receive messages and melodies. Otherwise I love incense, certain scents transport me to my inner ethereal world.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve been loving Amaro Freitas and Gabriel Garzon-Montano.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Well one of these dreams already came true in November last year when I opened for Thandiswa Mazwai at her London headline show. Other artists I would love to open for would be my queens - Solange or Erykah Badu.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Naturally when someone lets me know that a song really touched them, moved them spiritually or soothed them in a time when they needed it.
And what is the most frustrating part?
THE INDUSTRY and it’s toxicity!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Be your authentic self & trust your life, let your audience grow organically, those who connect with you will grow with you, that’s your tribe! Also, go where you’re celebrated, not just tolerated!
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DemiMa's new single 'Let Love Be' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.