Davina Songbird's musical triptych Still Soaring is an inspiring spoken-word piece on overcoming the barriers, hardship and hindrance of being a black woman in today's society. Both part 1: Discovering Me and part 2: Thank You Maya are phenomenal pieces of heart-wrenching poetry and genius put to music, making up 2/3 of the incredible contemporary tone poem.
When I first heard these tracks, I was blown away by how powerful and passionate the lyrics are; the piece speaks to all listeners and tells the stories and difficulties of growing up as a young black woman, learning about self worth and overcoming expectations of others. I learnt a lot from these vibrant, neo-soul tracks, I hope others can too. As co-founder of the Nottingham Black Creatives Network, the message and meaning behind this piece is something Davina feels strongly about and she hopes to spread awarness of and inspire people with her work..
This 10 minute long compassionate piece was written for a competition in the Midlands inspired by Maya Angelou's poem Still I Rise. Inspired by her previous work and experience in the spoken word, Davina decided to blend her love for that with her love for music to create this beautiful hybrid piece. Written in multiple sessions, it was recorded with her wonderful producer, pianist, and bassist Eli Ellis and with each release they make (commissioned or otherwise) containing pieces of her heart and soul.
Davina'a hope is that people both young and old get a chance to really listen to this piece. The message of self-worth is inteded for all to hear; "from those around 12 and up, who can listen and get the message early and be whomever they choose to be without being judged; to the older generation who have likely been through the same experiences and possibly more who can know that change is being made!"
Part 1: Discovering Me
This Track starts by mentioning Davina's influences in life and her upbringing; how this and so much more have paved the way for the woman she is today. She talks about how thin the line between being proud of her heritage and being someone feared by society really is: from stereotypes of black women, to delving into how she (and the black community as a whole) are treated by the public.
The heartbreaking truth of society trying to control her or ostrasize her for being herself is ruthlessly told in a way which aims to educate and empower others to speak up for themselves: dress and act how you see fit, and never let someone tell you who you can or cant be.
This first part of this trilogy focuses on the struggles of battling stereotypes or having personal freedom: the forced conformity of acting the exact same as everyone else and to not be 'problematic' or a 'bully' just because you have a different parentage than your peers at school/work ect...
Part 2: Thank You Maya
This next track is even more empowering and inspiring, asking with confidence and maturity why she is still alienated and cast out by others for being herself. Throughout the upbeat keys track, angelic vocals and changing beat in the background, She questions: is it her personality traits such as her confidence or attitude or her physical appearance such as how she wears her hair or makeup that cause people to behave so disrespectfully toward her?
Her pride in who she is and her heritage is eloquently stated throughout each of the piece so far, which I find really puissant. Her music does not shy away from telling her listeners about how to react to those trying to put you down or control your life; speaking her mind, with each word that she says being from understanding the experience and circumstances that brought her to now.
This installment of the piece brings a level of maturity to the track by realising that her background is part of who she is and should never be surpressed to adhere to the expectations of others. Her power to overcome these trials and tribulations to find comfort and worth in her own person is incredibly rousing and touching.
Part 3: Empowered (coming soon)
I have had the incredible pleasure of getting a sneak peek of the grand finale for this series of spoken word songs, and I can positively say it is well worth the wait! This final installment of the 10 minute masterpiece is the perfect way to end the chapter of the Still Soaring story; this part captures the pure joy of acceptance and pride in heritage, soul, and self-worth.
I listened to this pre-release on repeat for hours to get the full feel for the meaning behind it and its two previous tracks; the culmination of the contemporary tone poem has a focal point of blessings and being thankful for all her family and inspirations have done to make her into the woman she is today. She thanks the female role models throughout her life who gave her the strength to rise up and take her life into her own hands.
There's no more about this final part i can tell you that you shouldnt discover for yourself! A truly inspirational, breathtaking journey of personal growth and self respect that you all should listen to; it would be a crime to not take 10 minutes to appreciate Davina's pure, remarkable (and unfiltered) voice as she soars through these high range tracks to share her story of self worth and pride!
The Still Soaring launch show will be held at Broardway cinema on November 7th when this big finale will finally be available for everyone to hear, so put it in your diaries now! You should also keep yourselves up to date with Davina's instagram as she announces other releases and news!
Pre-save the amazing final installment of Still Soaring here:https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/davinasongbird/still-soaring-part-3-empowered?utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=Email%20&utm_source=SendGrid. Prepare to be blown away!
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