A Knight in the Urban Jungle
It is said that we here in Britain often get a watered down version of American culture. They get Oprah we get Trisha, they get Jerry Springer we get Jeremy Kyle, they get Dennis Rodman we get Alex Reid!? It’s not a notion that I personally subscribe to, although I do kinda understand the sentiment. However, I do prefer British artists that embrace their own vernacular; their own Britishness – as Mike Skinner aka The Streets has done with rap, or Adele with soul. For this week's Sunday Service, I’m recommending a British singer called Beverley Knight. She's one of those singers that’s been around for a while and never achieved the international success she deserves. I think one of the problems with Beverley Knight is, she has changed her musical direction a number of times (probably in order to reach a larger audience) which on occasion, alienated her original “urban” fan base and also, created a less than consistent opus.
Anyway, do check her out on itunes or YouTube. I recommend, Shoulda Woulda Coulda, Gold and Beautiful Night - a track from her latest album called 100% (click here for Beverley Knight website). There is absolutely nothing watered-down about Beverley Knight. I really hope she achieves the international success she so clearly deserves. One of the things that I find really charming about her - other than amazing vocals and dedication to her art - is her “no-drama” lifestyle. The sad truth is, the chanteuse pictured falling out of nightclub at 5am or burning down their house (no-shade ‘Lisa Left Eye Lopes’ you knows I love you) or banged-up on possession charges, will often receive more column inches - usually at the expense of their more rational and less dramatic, but equally as talented counterparts.
Good on ya Beverley Knight, for being true to yourself. You are quite a rarity in modern music – non-toxic and drama free. I do hope that one day, the whole world will get to hear you roar and see you illuminate the Beautiful. Urban. Knight.
- Cheyelle Omar
- Beverley Knight
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