Konyikeh
In an era of smooth, stream-friendly music that often slips into the background Konyikeh stands out instantly. Her voice, rich and velvety yet textured enough to make her songs ache on a deep level, is something of a behemoth. On debut single "Sorrow," which is premiering below, Konyikeh sings from the position of inexperience. Written when she was just 13, the song speaks about love, loss, and all that falls between with an anticipatory tone. Like a balloon slowly inflating, it's a song that grows in size and disguises the gaps between its surfaces.
The "Sorrow" video merges themes of family and religion to create a sober tableau set on a group photo shoot. For Konyikeh family is important. As a child her mom would play her classical music alongside Destiny's Child albums, offering her a diverse window into musical history. It stood her well as she spent a decade at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama where she learned musical theory alongside violin and piano. Alumni of the school include jazz artist Shabaka Hutchings and indie band Black Country, New Road. It was via another British artist that Konyikeh got her first taste of the limelight, however, when she joined rapper Dave on stage at the 2022 Brit Awards for his performance of "In The Fire."
You can see the "Sorrow" video below and check out a Q+A with Konyikeh as she breaks down the themes of both the song and the visuals.
The FADER: What does ‘Sorrow’ mean to you and what was going through your head when you wrote it?
‘Sorrow’ means a lot to me as it was the first song I ever wrote at age 13/14. I always wanted to be an artist but wondered what I would sing about. All the artists I looked up to spoke about a great love or lessons life had taught them, something I couldn’t relate to at the time (hence the line ‘I haven’t found those other feelings yet’). For me, it represents those dreams coming true.
The 'Sorrow' video is very striking. What did you want to say with the visual side of the release?
When things look picture perfect, I’ve learnt that if you look a bit closer things are not all it seems. Even with the right circumstances and in the most pristine setting, cracks will show no matter how small. As humans we all have flaws and vices, but we are all guilty of comparing ourselves to each other and the lives we present to the world. I chose to use the setting of a family as it's relatable to everyone and even in what is deemed by society to be the closest of relationships, there can be untold secrets.
When did you first start singing and when did you realise you had this incredible voice?
I first started singing classically at around age 11, mainly in choirs. It was later in my teens that I started writing my own music and singing more contemporary songs. I never really had an exact moment where I realised I was good at it, I just knew that I enjoyed singing!
Who are the vocalists you look up to/admire?
I’ve always been inspired by female vocalists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Cleo Sol is a personal favourite, her music is exquisite. In terms of vocal groups, I love listening to the Clark Sisters.
Tell us about your experience joining Dave on stage during his 2022 BRITs performance?
It was amazing. It’s a bit of a blur and somewhat surreal. To be a part of such a legendary performance was a blessing. I’m so grateful for the opportunity. Working with Dave and his team was great, from rehearsals up until even after the performance. For that to be my first time performing in a ‘non-classical’ setting, it’s an ode to him for making me so at ease.
What are your ambitions for the rest of 2023?
I plan on putting out more music over the next couple of months, culminating in an EP. I also want to work with other artists and producers to really stretch myself not only as a musician but also as a songwriter. Hopefully there will be some performances and shows towards the end of the year.