Elle B's Latest Single 'Days Off' Blends Soulful R&B Vocals with Amapiano Grooves
Elle B, the artist hailing from Los Angeles, CA, has taken a unique and culturally enriching journey to arrive at her latest musical offerings. After establishing herself as the lead background vocalist for Katy Perry during an impressive eight-year tour, Elle B decided to embark on a creative sabbatical to Africa. This voyage was not only a geographical exploration but a deep dive into contemporary African music and the rich cultural tapestry it originates from. Despite being African-American, Elle B had always felt a strong connection to Africa, with Afrocentric themes woven into her family and community life in South LA from an early age.
Her exposure to contemporary African culture truly blossomed during her time touring Europe with Katy Perry. It was here that she encountered a reflection of her own Africanness, albeit sometimes met with challenges as people would attempt to pinpoint her origins within the vast African continent. This experience led to moments of tension but also ignited a sense of familiarity and self-discovery. Elle B found herself captivated by the grandeur of pop production – the elaborate costumes, dazzling lights, choreographed dances, and elaborate sets – elements that she felt were missing from the contemporary R&B scene.
Her introduction to Afrobeats, particularly through Yemi Alade's "Johnny," proved to be a pivotal moment. The genre encapsulated all the vibrant pop elements she had grown fond of, combined with the rhythmic foundations that resonated deeply with her. This encounter led Elle B to make a resolute decision to carve out a niche for herself within the Afro musical landscape, which in turn motivated her to embark on an immersive journey to Africa.
After a five-year exploration of the continent, Elle B returned home with a clear artistic vision for herself as Elle B and for her independent record label, Audaci Records. While she proudly embraces her American roots in gospel and R&B traditions, she also harbors a profound love for the uplifting rhythms of African music. Elle B's unique approach involves merging these influences. Audaci Records, reflecting this ethos, stands as a platform for artists aiming to infuse Afro-production into their music while maintaining an R&B expression. In the year 2023, Audaci Records unveiled "Wetin," a captivating blend of Afrobeats and Pop-R&B, complete with a mesmerizing music video. The track was produced and recorded in Nigeria prior to the pandemic, while the video was shot in Los Angeles, directed by Brandon Layman. The music video featured acclaimed Nigerian actor Blessing Oluwole, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the visual narrative.
Continuing to make waves, Elle B's most recent release, "Days Off," arrived on August 11. The track boasts production contributions from SwissLizz, a Nigerian-born producer, and South African Amapiano sensation, Uni_Boyz. This release marked a significant milestone for Audaci Records as it secured a prominent spot on Spotify's editorial playlist, "New Music Friday Naija." Elle B's musical journey is a testament to her ability to seamlessly blend genres and cultures, creating a harmonious convergence that celebrates the best of both worlds. With each release, she solidifies her position as a boundary-pushing artist with a global perspective.
Listen to "Days Off"
Connect with Elle B
https://www.youtube.com/@ElleBSings