Kutimba With Siima - How Gospel Music Influenced Brandy's "Full Moon" album with Mel Smith

How Gospel Music Influenced Brandy's "Full Moon" album with Mel Smith

03/12/24 • 39 min

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of Brandy's iconic album, Full Moon ,! Her mesmerizing vocal runs and innovative vocal stacking on the album revolutionized vocal arrangement, earning her the moniker, "The Vocal Bible."

I'm joined by award-winning songwriter, producer, culture journalist, music historian, and music executive, Mel Smith, to delve into the influence of gospel music on both the vocals and production of Full Moon. We discuss how gospel singer Kim Burrell's Everlasting Life album impacted Brandy's vocal evolution and expanded her vocal range. Additionally, we explore how producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, incorporates elements from the church into the album's production, the pivotal role of LaShawn Daniels in the vocal production process, and how Full Moon transformed the gospel music genre. Lastly, we talk about why Full Moon is an afro-futuristic work.

Host: Siima Itabaaza

Guest: Mel Smith

Newsletter: https://kutimbawithsiima.substack.com/

Email: [email protected]

IG: @kutimbawithsiima

Host: Siima Itabaaza

Guest: Mel Smith

Newsletter: https://kutimbawithsiima.substack.com/

Email: [email protected]

IG: @kutimbawithsiima

Previous Episode

Building an Art Collection that Reflects My Values with Winnie Byanyima

I am thrilled to kick off Season Two with Winnie Byanyima! She is widely recognised for her tireless advocacy for social justice and gender equality. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of UNAIDS.

We shift focus from her professional endeavours to explore one of her deepest passions – art. For the first time, Winnie opens up about her profound love for art and building her remarkable collection. She recounts her initial encounters with art, underscoring its role in expressing her African identity. Winnie tells me about unlearning Eurocentric notions about art and the notable artists represented in her collection. She leaves us with invaluable advice about collecting art.

Host: Siima Itabaaza

Editing: Wana Benjamin

Newsletter: https://kutimbawithsiima.substack.com/

Email: [email protected]

IG: @kutimbawithsiima

Next Episode

James Barnor: The Photographer Who Captured Six Decades of Change

On June 6th, 2024, James Barnor celebrated his 95th birthday! This pioneering Ghanaian-British photographer is known for his work in photojournalism and studio portraiture. He was Ghana’s first newspaper photographer and the visionary behind the country’s first color processing lab. Barnor’s photographs document life in Ghana as the nation transitioned to independence.

In the 1970s, Barnor moved to London, where he captured the multiplicity of Black diasporan life. As a freelance photographer for Drum magazine, Barnor shot covers, fashion editorials, and current events.

In 2021, I spoke with Barnor during his first retrospective at the Serpentine Gallery in London. Our conversation explored various aspects of his life and career. We discussed his experiences in teaching and police photography and how his family played a pivotal role in shaping his career as a photographer. Barnor shared anecdotes about his encounters with Ghana's first Prime Minister, Kwame Nkrumah, the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, and Ghanian Opposition Leader J.B Danquah.

Subscribe to the Kutimba With Siima newsletter to hear Barnor discuss his favourite photograph.

Host: Siima Itabaaza

Guest: James Barnor

Story editing and advising: Allison Behringer of Rough Cut Collective

Email: [email protected]

IG: @kutimbawithsiima