Fatima G Elrify creates powerful spoken word performance on "If It Is Any Constellation"
Musician and Poet, Fatima G Elrify, has just released an incredibly compelling debut titled If It Is Any Constellation. Stop what you’re doing, you’re not going to want to miss this. Please read on for our full review of the album.
What is actually a spoken word record has quickly become one of our most focused listens in recent times. In accompaniment to Fatima G Elrify’s debut poetry book, she’s given these words all new meaning with a musical backing that’s highlighting her Egyptian heritage. Putting her songwriting skills right up front, this is 100% one of the most unique releases we’ve covered in a while.
Sonically fusing the worlds between English and Arabic cultures, this North London artist has brought a personal perspective into the mix. Right from the beginning on the opener “Himoglobin” she entrances the listener and brings them into her little world of atmosphere and contextual themes. Her soft spokenness is really what reeled us in at first, but paired together with a highly complex narrative and instrumentation, at the end we felt this was completely well rounded.
Says Fatima on the background of the album, “The theme of my spoken word can be summarized in two of my poems: 'I was once blinded by love and ever since i have been trying to lose my sight' and 'i have noted all my life, that i think in english and feel in arabic yet both my heart and brain run towards each other.'"
While yes, Fatima is a poet who can so clearly deliver her thoughts, the eloquence of which she tells these stories is what is setting her apart. Anyone can read lines off a script, but the way that she added in drama, suspense, and took the role of a storyteller is what makes this so special. Seriously, spoken word feels like a forgotten and less popular genre, but it continues to be one of the most powerful if executed correctly. What she’s accomplished on If It Is Any Constellation is energetic and empowering, and for that we give it our seal of approval.
Do yourselves a big favor and dive into this one immediately. We’ve provided all the links below to listen, follow along, and stay tuned for more. Enjoy!
Listen to If It Is Any Constellation
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