Soulei Releases a New Heartfelt Tribute: "I Felt It"
Born in Georgetown, Guyana, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Soulei's journey has been one of diverse influences and profound experiences. Now residing in Houston, Texas, she continues to channel her multifaceted background into a musical career. When asked about her musical genre, Soulei resists being placed in a box because of her versatility. However, she acknowledges that her music naturally gravitates towards Gospel and Contemporary Christian genres. Her religious upbringing and the personal beliefs shaped by her life experiences her songwriting often reflects themes of faith, drawing on her deep-rooted connection to Gospel music. Soulei has a deep love for R&B, a genre she was drawn to despite the constraints of her Seventh-Day Adventist upbringing, which limited her exposure to secular music.
Soulei's earliest encounters with Western music occurred at weddings in her village back in Guyana where she and her sisters often served as flower girls. One unforgettable moment was hearing Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" at a wedding reception. The song left a passion for music that would shape her future. Whitney Houston remains her greatest musical inspiration, with songs like "The Greatest Love of All". In addition to Whitney Houston, Soulei's musical influences span a wide range of artists, including Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Anita Baker, Michael Jackson, Yolanda Adams, Crystal Lewis, CeCe Winans, Michael Bolton, Toni Braxton, Mya, Aaliyah, and more contemporary voices like Ella Mai, Koryn Hawthorne, K. Michelle, Muni Long, and Queen Naija. Each of these artists has contributed to her musical style.
Soulei's latest single, "I Felt It," is a tribute to her late grandfather, capturing the essence of unspoken love and the pain of missing a loved one. The inspiration for this song came during a moment of reflection in her bathroom, a place she often retreats to for solitude and prayer. Her daughter's heartfelt words, "Mom, you are my only hope and I don’t know what I would do if something happens to you," resonated deeply with her, especially as she dealt with her own challenges. While passing by her grandfather's funeral program, Soulei was overcome with emotion, recalling the love and prayers he had always showered upon her. This moment of intense longing and gratitude for her grandfather's unwavering support fueled the creation of "I Felt It." The song is a heartfelt expression of the love she received from him, a love that continues to inspire and uplift her even in his absence.
Writing music comes naturally to Soulei, though she admits that moments of doubt can make the process challenging. Despite this, not writing leaves her feeling incomplete, as if a part of her soul is missing. Prayer and reflection on her journey—where she has been, where she is now, and the obstacles she has overcome—help her overcome these creative blocks. Her grandfather's encouragement to "keep singing for the Lord" remains a guiding light in her musical endeavors. "I Felt It" is a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of losing someone special. Soulei hopes that listeners will focus on the love they received and cherish the memories of their loved ones. She believes that this love can serve as a source of strength and motivation to face each day with determination. Her grandfather's legacy of love and faith lives on through her music. Soulei’s ability to weave her personal experiences into her songs creates a powerful connection with her audience, reminding them of the enduring impact of love and the importance of holding onto the memories that shape us.
Listen to "I Felt It"
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