Last Monday night, I had the pleasure of performing at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club for the first time. I can honestly say I’ve never had that much fun on stage! And all the thanks is due to my incredible brother-in-song Kenny Wesley, the band (Dante Pope, Zachary Cutler, Eliot Seppa, and Colin Chambers), and of course the audience, who really showed out for a cold Monday night! Also, I have to thank all the staff at BB&J for having me and being so helpful and professional!
I decided to enter the NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest this year. It was a good excuse to introduce you all to one of my newer songs. It’s called “Your Idea of Beautiful,” and I had an amazing afternoon recording the video with my band 🙂
Let me know what you think!
Composers: Cecily & Nii Quaye Aryee
Guitar: Zach Cutler
Bass: Eliot Seppa
Keyboard: Colin Chambers
Percussion: Dante Pope
Videography: Tirop araap Kiituur Sambu
I recently sat down with Taka Winter for his youtube series Discover My Voice. We discussed my influences, my travels, and I performed my original song “Real Love.”
I just posted a video of me performing one of my original songs, “Real Love.”
This song is about being in a long distance relationship, about how it is a struggle, but so worthwhile with the right person. I began writing it while in Ghana in 2012, and I finished it last year with songwriter Vaneese Thomas. This song will be on my upcoming EP.
There’s still time to contribute to my Indiegogo campaign. If you enjoy the song & would like to hear the fully produced & orchestrated studio version, please donate:
Verse I:
When I’m in your arms I know it’s where I should be
It’s a place that feeds my soul.
And I don’t see myself ever letting go,
Cause it’s a place I can call my own.
And I know I have wronged you with my careless words, But somehow you always see me through. And I know times get rough when I’m so far away, But you can trust that I’ll always be true.
Chorus: Cause this is love baby Ain’t nothing less. Yes we’ve got love baby. We’ve passed the test. Through all the hard times We kept holdin on. And I know that we’ll always be strong Cause this is real love.
Verse II: People do ask me why do I try And I tell them the same each time. I say, “When it’s the real thing, you give it your all.” I can’t help but to treasure our bond.
Cause when I look in your eyes I find all that I need And more than I thought I deserved, And with your hand in mine I know we’ll always succeed, Cause we’re willing to grow and to learn.
Chorus: Cause this is love baby Ain’t nothing less. Yes we’ve got love baby. We’ve passed the test. Through all the hard times We kept holdin on. And I know that we’ll always be strong Cause this is real love.