Mariama – Mama’s Feast

The artwork for the cover of Mama’s Feast is actually quite intriguing.

The illustration shows Mariama bare-shouldered, looking smolderingly behind her. It’s also designed with creases so it looks like a very neatly opened wrapping paper, perhaps representing that now the contents are being revealed. A very clever touch as having successfully teased us in November 2012 with a video clip from her single ‘Money’, it’s exciting to finally get to enjoy it in its entirety as part of her new four-track EP (released Aug 5 2013).

Mariama (Frida Mariama Touray) is a Swedish-born soul singer based in London who we’ve been keeping watchful eyes and ears on, and Mama’s Feast, produced by Feng Bao, is Mariama’s debut EP – and it’s a delight.

Mama’s Feast opens up with ‘Help Me Out’, soulfully smooth, beautifully written by Mariama (as are all songs on this EP) and with a balance that reminds me of Jill Scott.

Track two, ‘Money’ is my personal favourite. Slightly funkier than the other tracks on this EP, it’s a real cracking tune, and with a gratifying beat, but the abrupt ending continually forces me to play the track again… and this is a good thing!

Track three ‘My Only King’ feels rhythmically African-inspired, mixed with a jazzy soul. Listen to the live version below to give you a clearer image of her super-fine soul voice and lyrical ability.

The final track is the semi-acoustic ‘Unity’. This a great track to bring with you if you are planning to purchase a new home hi-fi. It should sound clear, warm and soulful because that is exactly how this track was produced!

However, Mama’s Feast is perhaps slightly incorrectly titled as this EP is more like a delicious starter of five-star quality, seasoned with carefully selected ingredients to leave you satisfied but despite all the succulent flavours, you are left eagerly awaiting Mariama’s next course…

Mama’s Feast reveals a Scandinavian Soul singer who’s come out of the covers, shown what she can do, and it’s time to take notice.

We certainly have and you should too.

SADLY THIS EP IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE