It’s always hard when those buzzing neon lights are dragged out from the record company’s office cupboard giving a roll call for the ‘next big thing’. Many are nothing but a hype exceeding substance moment and only few actually convince us they are something special. So what happens when an eighteen year old North Londoner takes over the highly prestigious jazz café venue for a night? It would be natural for you sceptics to think that the cracks would appear and the murmurs of ‘I told you so’ would begin to echo around the room, but let me introduce you to .
On walking into the offices of Warner at sixteen, most girls would hope at the very least to bump into a C-list celebrity. However, it was in these offices that gave an impromptu performance that ended up in the signing of a major recording contract. Not content with this, Keisha is here tonight to “allow us to be the judge”. That’s right; she is here to prove herself as more than just the ‘next big thing’ label, and as a real performer, someone with longevity in their sights.
The real test begins here, at the Jazz Café. The audience being made up of the usual trendy media professionals who are jumping on the musical bandwagon, and the mix of genuine fans and the elderly. Not your typical audience at an RnB/ soul gig, but nevertheless the place was crowded and anxiously awaiting tonight’s performance.
After seeing a smaller showcase from Jayme, the supporting act and another soul hope for the UK, we were all ready for the main event. The lights had been dimmed and the band had made their way to the stage as all head turned to the staircase that was being boarded by the excited looking Ms White.
Dressed in a flowing Indian style top and smaller than average military skirt, Keisha made her way to the centre of the stage ready and prepared to take on her enemy. With the opener “open like so” Keisha made it clear that she was here to prove herself as a real talent. She is one of those artists that appeals to all ages with her cutting edge ‘be true to yourself’ attitude and her astounding vocals that are similar to a well oiled machine. Her ability to breeze through melodically enriching tracks from her debut album ‘seventeen’ in such a mature way, is only one side to the spectrum.
In an over produced market, breathes a breath of fresh as she reintroduces us to melodies and a pure vocal that has been missing of late. This is showcased on performances such as the Joan Armatrading cover “the weakness in me” and her tribute to the Chaka Khan classic “aint nobody”. It is in these performances that we are allowed to witness pure emotion from this tender starlet who sheds a tear at all the bad in the world.
We all by now know the routine; under blazing bright lights and wildly exaggerated publicity, the music industry rolls out the 'Next Big Thing'. Whilst many unfortunately fade into inevitable obscurity, some prove their mettle and become ensconced in the hearts of music fans worldwide. , with her astounding voice, perceptive lyrics and infectious melodies is firmly in the latter category.
Keisha is one of those rare artists that appeal to all ages, genres and tastes. She treads the fine line between cutting-edge verve and all-encompassing appeal, embracing pop and rock while retaining her R&B roots. With an astonishing voice far belying her tender years and an impeccable ear for melody, this 18-year-old North Londoner brings a breath of fresh air to the UK music scene.
Keisha came to the attention of Warner Brother Records after her luscious vocals featured on Paul Oakenfold's 'The Harder They Come' and Desert Eagle Disc's 'Bigger Better Deal.' Hearing the huge buzz her vocal was generating, Warners invited Keisha to their offices, where she overwhelmed the assembled audience by performing a live acoustic set. Warner quickly seized the opportunity and immediately signed the prodigious talent.
Having been born to a professional soul-singing mother, the young singer has been surrounded by music since birth. First performing onstage at one of her mum's concerts, (she was just 8 at the time!) Keisha found her calling early and became instantly hooked on the live experience. Over the next nine years she carefully honed her craft, working on expanding her range and perfecting her song writing skills. Whether performing onstage at the Royal Albert Hall as part of Westminster Arts, or forming her own band, K.Rell'm, music has been a central part of Keisha's life. "Its like I knew about music since I came onto this earth," explains Keisha. "When I'm singing, whether it's live or in the studio, I go totally into my world; Keisha's world."
Keisha is clearly well on her way to the next level. In 2004 Keisha continued to provide the theme tune to popular BBC drama Tracey Beaker as well as performing a guest role in the last series. She also wowed audiences across the UK whilst on tour with Jamelia, Black Eyed Peas and most recently Lemar. During this time soft release 'Watcha Gonna Do' received massive press support and led to Keisha being championed as the 'One to Watch' by the likes of Sunday Times Magazine, Saturday Telegraph, Dazed & Confused, DJ, OK Hotstars, Bliss, Blues & Soul and Touch magazine.
Keisha went on to be nominated for an Urban Music Award (Best R&B Act) and even found the time to fly out to Hollywood to appear in Halle Berry's Catwoman movie; a role she was personally recommended for by none other than Alicia Keys. It was during this trip that Keisha caught the eye of sensational US rapper Cassidy, which has resulted in the pair collaborating on her infectious new single 'Don't Care Who Knows'.
Keisha has also finished recording her debut album, which will be released early next year. For this, Keisha teamed up with an amazing list of writers and: US producer Scott Storch (Dr Dre, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson), writer Balewa Muhammad (Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera) together with Storch, Marko Rakascan (Maxwell) and Lucas Secon (P. Diddy, Tweet, Sugababes).
Keisha insists "We didn't set out to make a typical R&B album because that's been done and it's being done. I don't want to be just another R&B artist. I'm just being me, I'm not trying to mimic anybody." Effortlessly alternating between a searing soprano and a honey-drenched alto, Keisha's sweeping range is guaranteed to get jaws dropping. "Singing to me just seemed to happen so naturally. I don't know where my voice came from, I just know I've always been able to sing and over the years it's developed," she says simply.
Keisha boasts a talent tailor-made for something almost lost in today's over-produced, saturated market - quality music teamed with an overwhelming passion for her art. Being brought up around the sounds of vintage soul has taught Keisha the importance of excellence. "I call them the 3 As - Aretha Franklin, Aaliyah and Anita Baker," proclaims Keisha of her musical mentors. "I learnt from these singers how important it is that music should be distinctive. Whether their CDs were played 20 years ago, today or in 2010, they're timeless. That's what I'm trying to do - make my music last forever. I want to help bring back something that has been almost lost for so long - great singing, live instrumentation and first-rate songs."
Needing no massive hype or huge fanfare, is getting ready to take the music world by storm. "Sometimes this doesn't feel real, it's almost like a fantasy because it's been my dream for so long," she enthuses. "When I'm at home with my family is when I get time to reflect on everything that's happening and then I'll also think how I can improve things or make them better. I'm always looking to be able to do better. It's so rare that people can live their dreams so I'm going to make the most of my dreams, whatever happens."
Remember, dreams can come true and for , they clearly already are.
Words By: John Busby
