Multi-award-winning musician Lioness’ rise to stardom has been imminent since her formidable debut. From signing to Mr. Eazi’s music publishing imprint “emPawa”, to being one of the African artists set to perform at the highly anticipated “Tamasha Indoor Carnival” in London, Lioness has been on her grind. Being multifaceted, the “Liyenga” hit-maker is also a fashion influencer, as well as a medical doctor.
Breaking contemporary music boundaries and language barriers, Lioness released a genre-bending EP titled “Dance & Dance.” The 5-track body of work comprises a mesmeric blend of distinct sonics, the body of work boasts blissful production and witty lyrical wordplay. “Dance & Dance” explores sexual liberation, sensuality, and the power of exuding feminine energy.
Moziak had a chat with Lioness to discuss all things “Dance & Dance” EP, the power of feminine energy, and more.
“Dance & Dance” comprises groovy sonic overtones and energetic beats. Is that what inspired the EP’s title?
Lioness: Absolutely, the EP is a dance EP and so I really wanted to experiment with different forms of dance in terms of tempo and inspiration.
There is an audible sonic difference between “Dance & Dance” and your debut album, “Wish You Were Here.” What informs the references of your current sound?
Lioness: Definitely the current sound – Afrobeats, Amapiano, Pop, and R&B. I wanted to create music I enjoyed dancing to and that my fans enjoyed seeing as the engagement was so much higher when I released dance-oriented songs. I love dancing. That’s when I’m my happiest and so this was key in creating happiness for myself and my fans.
“Dance & Dance” illustrates your music composition skills. Would you say there’s a method to your creative process or do you prefer the therapeutic/organic route and why?
I sit solely with the producer, and we bounce ideas off one another, or most of the time, I have the beat and just write, then during the sessions, I show the producer what I’ve come up with and we amend if need be. I usually write best in the mornings or late evenings or when I’m in a new environment or just feeling creative.
“Dance & Dance” features astounding artists such as Tamy Moyo in “Bring Em Ova”. How did you go about the feature selection process for the EP?
Lioness: The feature selection was actually quite daunting. I sat with so many empty verses and choruses as I really took my time. I had to listen to a couple of artists and imagine their sound in my songs. Fortunately, most of them are friends or strong acquaintances so I didn’t have to look too far.
Your lyrics in “Dance & Dance” exude firm feminine energy. How do you hope to empower women through the EP?
Lioness: I just want to remind them of the power they possess, should that power be in sensuality or sexuality, that women are so multifaceted and so complex, and this is what makes us unstoppable.
What else can we expect from you in 2022?
Lioness: Definitely more international presence and recognition, huge brand ambassador deals and partnerships, business ventures, and more music.
