One of the UK’s leading African music artists, award-winning singer-songwriter Lorraine Lionheart will appear on the “The Trend With Justin Williams” podcast to be posted April 29th.
Lionheart, who is currency visiting her native country of Botswana for which she is global ambassador, discusses her upcoming appearance at the Queens Jubilee, the rise of authentic music from Botswana and beyond and her albums thus far with the podcast’s host, Justin Williams.
Through her music, activities, and persona Lionheart has always stayed true to her music and its roots. Through her deeds she has put Botswana on the international music map.
“I believe it was very important for me to know who I am, love who I am and understand that there is greater purpose in my musical gifts as I share them with the world. Without knowledge of self I am nothing. I also understand that there are many Black people around the world who were historically robbed of their African identity. I am so privileged and grateful to have had the opportunity to be born and raised in Africa, therefore I hold on to that deeply, knowing some people weren’t as fortunate as I am and have to face massive challenges of trying to rediscover their roots,” Lionheart said.
“The Trend With Justin A. Williams” is a podcast done in conjunction with The New York Trend newspaper, one of the oldest Black-owned publications in New York.
“The Trend With Justin A. Williams” has been airing since January 2021 and Williams has interviewed such guests as CEO Kevin Cohee, Black Bitcoin Billionaire Founder Lamar Wilson and more.
Lionheart is the first global African music artist to appear on the podcast, according to Williams.
“Botswana music, particularly traditional music, is deeply spiritual. We still don’t have a big music industry in Botswana and this is partly because our music is historically not a commodity.
We used music for higher consciousness and had several other cultural usages of our music that we still practice. This creates an interesting dynamic, especially with the younger generation, trying to find the right balance between commercializing music and also preserving its sacred purity. It is important to clarify that my music does not represent all Botswana music. My music has strong influences from Botswana and all Africa, but I absolutely love fusion. I love to experiment with influences from all around the world. I take pride in representing Botswana musically, but also appreciate the freedom to be adventurous with other influences,” explains Lioneheart.
Besides her critically acclaimed music projects, Lionheart will also mark another milestone. She has been selected to perform at the upcoming Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022, the weekend-long celebration which will start June 2, according to Lionheart.
This marks the date in 1952 when the father of Queen Elizabeth II, King George VI, died unexpectedly when then Princess Elizabeth was just 25. While this therefore meant that she became Queen, the event was met with a period of mourning, so her coronation didn't come until over a year later, in June 1953.
Lionheart will perform a version of the “Commonwealth” song.
Lionheart, who has a Masters in Music Production and is pursuing her Ph.D. in music at the SOAS University of London, performs mainly her own original material but also does unique versions of popular songs from artists who inspire her. She usually performs with a six-piece band or more, but can also do stripped back acoustic performances with just one other guitarist/pianist or percussionist. She enjoys collaborations with different artists and is a great team player who is always praised for her professional standards.
Comments / 0