Ms. Sunshine releases debut EP record 'Homage, African Soul Rebel'

Released on: October 23, 2015, 4:04 am (EDT)
Author: S. McCauley
Industry: Entertainment

LONG BEACH, CA, October 23, 2015 -- /EPR NETWORK/ -- The Kenya-born singer and songwriter known as Ms. Sunshine has released her highly awaited debut EP album, “Homage, African Soul Rebel.” The EP contains five original tracks for an approximate total listening time of 25 minutes. It has been proudly published on the Sunny Music Records independent music label. A jubilant, funky and foot-stomping example of the neo-Afro soul style of music, “Homage, African Soul Rebel” is undeniable fun and proof that Ms. Sunshine is a singer with something to offer fans of all great music.

Ms. Sunshine has cited as main artistic inspirations Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, the Doors and Pink Floyd, Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba, Etta James and Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley, and even Sting. Many of the best qualities of these are clearly audible in “Homage, African Soul Rebel,” which Ms. Sunshine has called “my way to give my allegiance to all the artists that were before me and have heavily influenced my song writing now.”

Still, her debut EP cannot be called derivative. On the contrary, much of its sound is a new hybrid of genres which blend together to great and delightful effect. A particularly striking example exists in “Arabic Dub,” which features Mustapha Baidou and applies Arabic instrumentation and chord progressions to the dub style of music. Elements of such genres as dancehall, soul, R 'n' B, hip-hop, and reggae may be heard also, and the EP as a whole is as catchy and radio-friendly as modern pop music.

In addition to the appearance of Mustapha Baidou, “Homage, African Soul Rebel” also features the talents of Metaphysics Gandanga, Katrin Eggert, and executive producer Wayne Smith.

Asked to describe the themes of her debut record, Ms. Sunshine writes: “The songs I have recorded so far exemplify my personal take on life. My philosophy features ideologies from my African influences, with fusions from African-centered and Five Percent theologies, the complex views of diverse African cultural theologies and its complex interpretation of such strong cultural beliefs in our modern and evolving African culture. The majority of Ms. Sunshine music is greatly influenced by my beliefs of the Nation of Gods and Earths and my African roots and heritage.”

Living now in Belgium, Ms. Sunshine has made it her goal to translate the tone of some of the most influential music of the 1960s into music for today's listeners, music which carries a message that speaks to today's issues, as well.

“My mission was to bring that which was magnificently created during the 'flower power' movement and translate that same feeling, energy, music composition, and performances into our modern take on music production,” writes Ms. Sunshine. “My question always was, 'How would they sound now, in this day and age?' I wanted to keep the production to live recording by working with great musicians in the studio and also by writing music that can cause change or transformation. Music that touches one's soul. Music that lingers on.”

“Homage, African Soul Rebel” is preceded by Ms. Sunshine's popular singles, “Let It Shine,” “Red Umbrella” and “Mama Africa,” all of which may be heard and purchased online. An official music video has also been made available for “Mama Africa” which has nearly 100,000 views to date.