69 Discovery: The Journey of Gemi9 Quazeem and the Making of "Player"
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Born Oluwaseun David Obafemi on May 23 in Benin Republic, Noon Dave, also known as Noon Dave, is a talented R&B singer/songwriter signed to Chocolate City Music. Growing up amidst the rich musical landscape of West Africa, Noon Dave developed a deep appreciation for music at a young age, drawing inspiration from his daily experiences and the diverse sounds that surrounded him.
Beyond his natural talent, Noon Dave is a dedicated student of music. He honed his skills at the Peter Kings College of Music, broadening his horizons and deepening his understanding of various musical genres. Inspired by international superstars like Drake, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Bryson Tiller, Noon Dave sought to infuse his own music with their influences while maintaining a distinctly local flavor.
What sets the dreadlocked artist apart is his versatility and lyrical prowess. His discography showcases a wide range of styles, from the R&B-infused "Too Late" to the hip-hop-influenced "Brunch" and the pop-driven "Hillary." His ability to seamlessly navigate different genres while maintaining his unique artistic identity is a testament to his musical versatility.
Noon Dave's lyrics are characterized by their clarity, depth, and emotional resonance. He possesses a knack for crafting relatable narratives that resonate with audiences on a personal level. His recent EP, "Noon at Noon," is a testament to his lyrical abilities, exploring themes of love, loyalty, and personal experiences in a poignant and introspective manner.
The EP's standout tracks, such as "Brunch," "Facecard," and "Merry Go," showcase Noon Dave's ability to blend various musical genres and create catchy melodies. His collaborations with talented producers like Auxxi and Projexx have further elevated his music, bringing in fresh perspectives and expanding his artistic horizons.
Noon Dave's music has garnered significant attention and praise, with his tracks receiving millions of streams and establishing him as a rising star in the Afrofusion scene. His ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level, coupled with his undeniable talent, positions him as a promising artist with a bright future.
profiling
Music has a unique way of revealing the complexities of life, love, and everything in between. For Gemi9 Quazeem, his latest project, Player, taps into the intricate layers of human character and the inequalities that often emerge in relationships. The inspiration for this project is deeply personal, drawn from Gemi9’s own experiences and emotions, allowing him to create music that speaks to the heart.
Growing up, Gemi9 was heavily influenced by the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti and 2Baba (2Face Idibia), two icons in Nigerian music who have left an undeniable mark on Afrobeat and Afro Soul. Their ability to tell stories through sound and rhythm shaped Gemi9's own musical journey, giving him a foundation of rich African sounds that continue to influence his work today. His EP, Definition, is a testament to these influences as it infuses lyrical depth with sonic allure.
In his own words, "their artistry has greatly shaped my sound and artistic direction." Gemi9’s music reflects this deep connection to his roots, yet it’s layered with his personal touch—making each track feel both familiar and refreshingly new.
Every artist has a story behind their name, and for Gemi9, his stage name feels like a divine gift. “I believe it’s a source of inspiration that resonates with my true identity and purpose in music,” he shares. His name is more than just a label; it’s a reflection of the journey he’s on—one filled with passion, purpose, and creativity.
A defining moment in Gemi9’s career came during his time in higher education, where he was recognized as one of the top artists. That recognition was a turning point, affirming his passion for music and solidifying the idea that this path was meant for him. Since then, Gemi9 has continued to grow and evolve, always pushing the boundaries of his sound.
Though he enjoys writing music alone, he values the creative energy that comes from collaboration. “While I often prefer to write alone, I also value working with other creative minds,” he says. For him, collaboration isn’t just about making music—it’s about expanding his perspective and enriching the songwriting process.
Gemi9’s music falls under the genre of Afro Soul, blending traditional African sounds with soulful melodies. This fusion creates a unique and captivating listening experience. His songs are a mix of rich, earthy beats and heartfelt lyrics that capture the essence of both old and new.
“I want my music to reflect the nuances of my experiences,” Gemi9 explains. His music is not just about creating sound—it's about telling stories and connecting with listeners on a deeper emotional level.
What’s Next?
With an upcoming album in the works, Gemi9 is ready to share more of his world with fans. Though the release date hasn’t been announced, one thing is clear: Gemi9 is dedicated to giving his fans the best of himself. “I promise to continue delivering the best of myself to my fans, ensuring that each piece of content reflects my growth and dedication,” he says.
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Äyanna, a vibrant East London-based artist, is quickly making waves in the music industry. With her captivating vocals and genre-bending sound, she's captivating audiences and proving herself as a force to be reckoned with.
Born and raised in the culturally diverse East London, Äyanna's passion for music was ignited at a young age. Inspired by her parents' love of reggae, R&B, and soul, she began performing at the tender age of six. After pursuing a law and Spanish degree at Bristol University, Äyanna made the courageous decision to follow her heart and pursue a full-time music career in 2019.
The Lundun pop princess’ music is a fusion of her favorite pop sounds with elements of R&B, alternative, and soul. Her songs are characterized by their vulnerability, vocal prowess, and genre-bending versatility. This can be credited to her major influences— Erykah Badu and Michael Jackson.
Her debut single, "Party Tricks," released in 2019, marked a significant breakthrough. This poignant track explores themes of heartbreak and invisibility, showcasing Äyanna's songwriting talent and captivating melody.
Her collaboration with SPINALL and DJ Snake on "Power (Remember Who You Are)" further solidified her position in the music industry. This infectious dance track, featuring Summer Walker, showcased her versatility as a performer and songwriter.
In 2023, Äyanna signed with the renowned label LVRN, joining the ranks of acclaimed artists like 6LACK, Summer Walker, DVSN, Davido, Spinall, and Baby Tate. Her debut EP, "In A Perfect World," released in September 2023, garnered critical acclaim from publications like Billboard, Rolling Stone, Hunger, Clash, Complex UK, and The Independent.
Äyanna's latest single, "Falling 4 a thug," is a captivating exploration of unexpected love and the thrill of stepping outside your comfort zone. The song invites listeners to embrace the adventure of falling for someone unconventional and enjoying the ride.
As she continues to evolve and push boundaries, Äyanna is sure to leave a lasting impression on the world of music. Her burgeoning discography is one to check out.
