Sudan Archives

        

Via BandCamp

 Sudan Archives is an artist from the record label, Stones Throw Records, and is one of the new artists who are changing the game with R&B music by mixing it with a kick from another genre. She incorporates electronic and her own fiddle playing which she was self taught in since she was a child. Inspired by West African folk music, she incorporates it into electronic hip-hop music. The two different sounds put together are interesting and what make her different from other female R&B artists. Archives has released two albums and one single since late 2017. All of her songs sound smooth and chill to the point where you will fall asleep and imagine her powerful lyrics discussing culture, violence, and love in your head.  Ultimately, she makes beats, records her fiddle, and sings raw vocals. Many of her songs incorporate raw instruments and vocals combined with electronic sound boards and beats. Archive’s idea of fusion creates a flowing, electronic-folk universe.

Via Vogue 

      I discovered Sudan Archives’ music through a playlist curated by Vogue which was posted in an article during NYFW shows. The song, Nont For Sale was featured and I instantly fell in love with the song, production, style, and the message it portrayed. The music video, co-directed by herself, focuses on embracing female African American culture, beauty, and what it means to be an African American woman today in the United States. The art, clothing, hairstyles, makeup, dance, and music are all materials from African culture which are incorporated in the beautiful film.

Watch the Nont For Sale music video here.

Listen to Color 17's Sudan Archives playlist on Spotify.


Written by Sara Zevallos