When I read Rey Mayari facebook post announcing his new track, his opening line summed it up – Its. About. Time.
Yes, it’s about time an Asian artist found his or her voice in Scandinavia and delighted Rey found his through neo-soul vibes. He’s also challenging the music industry’s representation of Asians and fighting against gender stereotypes. It’s just another reason amongst many to applaud and welcome this Swedish singer/songwriter.
‘Its. About. Time.
I’m so sick and tired of only seeing one type of Asian beauty represented in the music industry. No tea no shade towards the Kpop community, but the only representation we get in the mainstream is an unrealistic perception of what Asian beauty is. WE NEED REPRESENTATION YALL!!! And not only in the stereotypes that are put on us.
This video is for all my Asian and fellow POC sisters! And hopefully, someone somewhere feels that they belong with the skin that they are born with, and don’t need any plastic surgery to ‘fit in’ to the western beauty standards.’
Born as Alexander Malinao, Rey Mayari is a 19-year-old Swedish singer-songwriter and premiéres with an impressive single and video – mesmerising in format, beautifully styled and perfectly cast. Visually inspired by Solange Knowles and Seinabo Sey, the styling and camera framing match the high-class visuals of these songstresses and has the lavish production also to impress. The detail in the contemporary costume designs is stunning.
Take away the visuals, and the song easily holds its own too. Rey brings soothing vocals on a neo-soul, slow-burner which dreams of the utopia of paradise.
Breaking the down racial barriers and stereotypes is a dream I still have, and it’s fantastic to include Rey Mayari into our beautiful, multi-cultural, Scandinavian garden of soul.
Yes. Its. About. Time.
Its. About. Goddamn Time.
Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/reymayari / https:/www.facebook.com/reymayari
