MELODNA Takes a Soulful Journey into Her African Roots with Sophomore EP, She
Saskatchewan-based emerging artist MELODNA (pronounced Mel-oh-dee-na) digs deep on sophomore EP, She, out now. She sees the singer-songwriter tracing the roots of her African heritage into the present day, as she adeptly blends elements of R&B, Afrofusion, and South African sounds.
That ready embrace of cultural fusion is a driving force behind MELODNA’s artistry.
“My name, MELODNA, came from my love of Zambian harmonies,” she explains. “I’m Zambian, South African, and Malawian born in Canada.”
MELODNA recently released an energetic Afrobeats-centric single “OMD” in advance of the project, which serves as a follow-up to 2021’s Keepsake. Levitational chord progressions, stunning vocals, and a relentless beat define the song, a victorious track with infectious zeal that sees MELODNA celebrating how far she’s come and embracing the person that she’s grown into along the way.
But that journey to self-love and acceptance hasn’t come without a struggle, a fact that MELODNA readily acknowledges. In fact, a desire to uplift and encourage others who may be facing similar difficulties was one of the artist’s primary motivations behind making She in the first place. Like many people, MELODNA is no stranger to difficulties stemming from battles with mental health. But she also acknowledges the strength that can be found in knowing that you’re not alone. MELODNA’s music is characterized by ever-present grooves, endless good vibes, and a whole lot of energy. They’re songs that make her want to get up and dance, and, she says, she wants others to feel that same mental relief when they press play.
“I wanted people to feel my lyrics, know the meaning, and instead of crying, relate to my darkness,” she says of the project. “I wanted them to dance.”
Listeners will certainly find catharsis in this set of tracks — both for MELODNA’s ready willingness and ability to give voice to struggle, as well as for her determination to place one foot in front of the other and embrace joy despite.
“WAYTIN” summarizes this message perfectly. The upbeat track is a perfect blend of MELODNA’s sonic heritage and is accompanied by lyrics that see her being open and vulnerable about her struggles with depression.
Meanwhile, she reunites with Bjaylee (who featured on her 2022 single “(ROTATION)” for “ALT,” and features a tender, encouraging outro courtesy of MELODNA’s young son, which highlights the track’s message to keep fighting no matter what life throws at you.
MELODNA has a sound that sticks with you, as much for its unique, genre-defying production as for its intimate lyricism that doesn’t shy away from difficult issues. If She is any indication, we’re sure to hear a lot more from this artist soon.
Care to introduce yourself?
Ish melodnaaaaaaa (Mel-oh-dee-na). I was born here in Canada and am proudly of Zambian, South African, and Malawi descent. It feels so nice to claim all sides of my ethnicity. Growing up, I was always told what ethnicity I am, what I can and can’t “claim”. My family and friends, but more so my parents, have always encouraged me to make my talents bigger than they were. My dad from day one always would lead me to write a song when I was feeling off. My mom always wanted me to do something with my voice as she saw it as something that should be shared. I wrote my first song at 4 years old before I even knew how to read. Music has been a crucial part of my existence for as long as I can remember. I always used it as an outlet to say the words I couldn’t and I’m not sure how far I’d be if I wasn’t able to write or sing. As I began to dream of taking my music professionally, the people around me always saw it as realistic and not a far fantasy which is something I don’t take for granted. I’ve lived a life full of trauma most wouldn’t expect, but, apart from music, I take peace in things like church, baking, and doing my makeup. It always eases my anxiety and puts me back at baseline. I have my family and 5 friends that mean the entire world to me and that will never change. They’re my source of strife and motivation, more particularly my son. It drives me to see a day where I can make them all so proud. I only make music I want to listen to, which explains the genres I create. Musical influences are definitely DMX, Ciara, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Destiny’s Child, and more recently Tems, Summer Walker, and Lola Brooke.
Tell us about the process of recording “OMD”?
I actually recorded it in the studio in the Fall of 2022. It was basically my first time really back in the studio and every layer and thought of the song just flowed out in that one session. When it came time to release, I told my boy Alex, in true me fashion, “yoh, scrap the whole song I’m starting all over.” And in true him fashion he pretended to delete every track. I recorded everything again and was unsatisfied with the new product. He then said, “I knew you would do this so I kept everything.” I then realized I was so unprepared to release it because I felt I hadn’t fully experienced the meaning of the song or healed from it so it felt too raw to release it that way. But I bit my insecurities and dropped it anyway. It’s one of the more upbeat songs I’ve written, and it’s grown to be one of my favourites. It adds a different vibe to my live sets that the audience hasn’t typically experienced and that’s pretty cool.
What’s it like being a musician in Regina?
Hmm.. well I’ll say the biggest, if not the only advantage, is that I basically use anything I do here as an opportunity to practice, learn, and really garnish my craft. There’s next to no exposure for what I do, which grants me the ability to make mistakes or be underprepared and evolve from those moments the next time. But in the grand scheme, I really just don’t fit in here. My genres and my performance style aren’t really what the city of Regina supports on a day-to-day basis. I also have a constant insecurity of wondering whether I’m being used as people’s “black card” or not, which is something I’ve always had to deal with growing up here, and now feel myself wondering it in terms of my music. But, all that has shaped me to make my presence known in spaces that aren’t expecting me and gives me that much motivation to demand crowd attention and walk through doors people like me wouldn’t typically walkthrough.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
Taaylee G!!!! The first and most recent Canadian artist for sure. She. Is. Amazing. I heard of her in late 2022. I’m a rapper as well, hearing someone like her create music the way she does and deliver it on such a worldwide scale is so admirable. She seems so down to earth too, she’s taken time to show support for my little radio show “Rhythm ‘N Vibez” and always emails me back. I’d love to work with her in the future.
You’ve been making music for a bit of time now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Don’t settle for anything that isn’t who you are. Find a way to authentically showcase yourself, and the world will accept it. Just be patient and consistent.