Charlotte’s Own Makeda Iroquois Shines Bright with New Single “Diamonds”
Charlotte, NC – The Queen City is buzzing with excitement as one of its most sensational musical talents, Makeda Iroquois, takes center stage with her dazzling new single, “Diamonds.” This enchanting track features a blend of crystalline chimes and bold orchestral elements, harmoniously intertwining with Iroquois’ powerful yet gentle vocals. With lyrics that are as compelling as they are catchy, she sings, “Diamonds are forever/ They are all I need to please me/ They can stimulate and tease me…” Anyone who takes a listen can’t help but get swept away by the vibrant energy of her sound.
A Fresh Take on a Classic
While many may recognize the enchanting *”Diamonds are Forever”* as a classic James Bond theme originally performed by the legendary Shirley Bassey, Iroquois brings her own spice to the song. With early influences rooted in old school R&B and ’90s hip-hop, her sultry cover gives a nod to the past while firmly placing her mark on the present. Ironically, she came across this iconic song through the music of *Kanye West*, who sampled it in his poignant track, *”Diamonds from Sierra Leone.”*
“I had no clue it was a part of the James Bond legacy,” she admits with a laugh, reflecting on her initial introduction to the song. She was drawn in by the richness of Bassey’s voice and the drama that comes with it, pulling her theatre-loving heartstrings. After all, any artist worth their salt knows a good ballad when they hear one!
The Road Less Traveled
Hailing from Long Island and raised in Charlotte, Iroquois’ journey has been anything but ordinary. Her passion for music began at a young age, immersing herself in the rhythms of hip-hop and R&B while dancing at local workshops. “Every time I went with my mom to Spirit Square, I’d fall deeper in love with West African art,” she recalls fondly, thinking back to the time spent honing her craft.
Fast forward to today, and she’s about to bring her *meticulously crafted R&B pop* to the lively stage of Petra’s on December 14! Joining her for this special night will be the talented Alex Aff, who is set to celebrate a new album release, along with DamarTheEmcee and Chelsea Inspire.
Finding Her Voice
As a teenager, Iroquois began her journey to find her voice. Between performances at talent shows and after-school dance ensembles, she eventually discovered songwriting during her time at college, igniting an explosion of creativity. “I got my first laptop, discovered GarageBand, and it was like a light clicked on – I could make something of my own!” she beams.
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Injuries sidelined her original path in dance, prompting Iroquois to turn her focus to music, and boy, are we glad she did! In 2013, she released *The Red Reserve EP*, marking a significant shift towards a more melodious R&B sound. And folks, she hasn’t looked back since!
The Return to Charlotte
After some time spent navigating the tough waters of New York City, Iroquois returned to her roots in Charlotte, reinvigorated and ready to make waves in the music scene. Her 2021 *Demo LP* showcased her diverse songwriting and powerful emotional depth. Among her latest work, the single *”New Earth”* encapsulates an uplifting vibe that has listeners buzzing.
What’s next for Iroquois?
Get ready, music lovers! Iroquois plans to showcase “Diamonds” alongside fresh, unreleased tracks at her upcoming show. She wants to inspire others through her music, proving the power of hard work and tenacity. “People in Charlotte have seen me doing this for a long time, and I want them to see how much you can grow something … if you don’t give up,” she passionately emphasizes.
As the excitement builds leading up to her show at Petra’s, there’s no denying that Makeda Iroquois is a rising star ready to shine. With her undeniable talent and captivating sound, she’s bound to dazzle audiences with every performance. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her music, this is an artist you won’t want to miss!
