Although it may be the 21st century, the patriarchy continues to be fundamentally dependent on the tireless oppression of women, queer people, ethnic minorities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Whilst a significant portion of the music industry is complicit in burying their heads in the sand when it comes to issues regarding war, gender inequality, bigotry and classism, there’s still hope in the form of Tunisian born songstress EMEL, an artist with a message, a rebel with a cause. From performing for Palestinians just last year or participating in an illegal all-female show in Iran, EMEL has consistently proven that her legacy will be cemented on the right side of history.
‘MRA’ is a compelling concoction of tracks featuring artists from varying walks of life, the record is bold, innovative and powerful. With an exquisite vocal calibre reminiscent of that of Amy Lee, the album offers intense lyricism from the get go, lyricism that explores a yearning to overcome the horrors of conflict established by elitist leaders and authoritarians. Opening track ‘Massive Will’ does an excellent job of establishing the tone for the rest of the album, in terms of subject matter at least. The song is unmistakably anthemic, with several switches in tempo and production that help to create a harmonious tension between the slick instrumental and EMEL’s haunting vocals.
As the record progresses, there is a stunning air of fluidity in both language and genre. ‘Nar’ comes in cold with a gnarly bassline that allows both EMEL and collaborator Ami Yerewolo to glide over with their respective verses, which are conveyed in English, Arabic and Bambara. “My blood is freedom” was a lyric that struck me as being a stroke of simplistic genius. The project continues to deliver what can only be perceived as a marriage of influences, lending inspiration from both hip-hop and EDM. Guest artist, Justina, utters a poignant line and one of my favourites from the entire album on track four, L’amour; “They keep your eyes closed to call you blind”.
On ‘Souty’, EMEL recites beautiful Arabic lyrics of empowerment through an infectious melody that has the spiritual power to make one’s soul levitate. One of the lines that translates to “My voice blows like the wind”, is frankly an understatement; If the power of EMEL’s vocal strength alone could dismantle the patriarchy, it would be eradicated faster than a Jenga in a hurricane.
‘MRA’ at its core emits an aura of self-belief, it perfectly exemplifies the strength that can arise from one’s inner sense of purpose. Whilst I am by no means fluent in Arabic, ‘Mazel’ (with Camélia Jordana) transcends the boundaries of language, it feels as though the artists are speaking directly to the deepest depths of my being. The track concludes with the line, “I will create a new world”, which seemingly mirrors EMEL’s vision for this project; the desire for a world in which humans can co-exist without borders and bigotry.
Whilst I feel ‘Rise’ would benefit from the addition of alternating lyrics, perhaps it’s the simplicity of the mantra that is repeated through the track that EMEL wants her listener to focus on. The production, as per usual, is pristine and the breaks in the instrumental definitely elevate the piece sonically. On the opposite end of the spectrum, ‘I’ll Leave’ is a sublime, dark-ambient track that examines a collapse of faith and inner turmoil, which is beautifully tragic in contrast to the overwhelming hope bleeding through the rest of ‘MRA’. Perhaps it’s due to my Scorpio heart that I’m drawn to morbidity, but ‘I’ll Leave’ undoubtedly serves as my favourite solo composition from this project.
‘MRA’, is the Arabic translation of “woman” and appropriately, EMEL delivers her interpretation of feminism in such an innovative way with her new album. Every contribution to the record’s sound, cover art, production and photography come from a team of strong women. The ground-breaking musician is using her platform to create opportunities for both women and queer people from the inside, seeking to build a society that is compassionate and equal for all. With ‘MRA’, EMEL continues to rally on the front lines for equality, peace and justice.
EMEL: MRA – Out 19th April 2024
feat Ami Yerewolo – NAR (Official video) (youtube.com)
