Multicultural Artist DAADA releases ‘Song For You
Multicultural musician Maike Valentina Kusserow aka Daada unveiled a new single, ‘Song For You’.. The track, which premiered via EARMILK, follows the recent release of her single ‘Moonlight’, which received praise from notable tastemaker CLASH Magazine as well as earning spins on Amazing Radio’s Charlie Ashcroft and Reprezent 107.3FM. In 2023 Daada not only performed at Sofar Sounds (Germany and Netherlands) and the Reeperbahn Festival, but has been cultivating her unique sound that evokes a universe between Africa and Latin America. Daada recently went viral on TikTok and Instagram in Kenya, amassing over 500K views on two videos of her singing. Her music has earned Spotify and Boomplay editorial playlisting, airplay and interviews in Europe, Africa and Latin America from the likes of RBB Fritz (DE), Radio Eins (DE), Global’s Smooth Chill by Global (UK), East Africa TV & Radio (TZ), TBC2 (TZ), Clouds (TZ), Nation FM (KE), attention from digital & print media (i.e. The Citizen (TZ), RBB Kultur (DE), Verdadera Locura (ES)) as well as a nomination by Amazon Music Germany Breakthrough & All Hands on Deck as Top-6 Newcomer. In June 2024, Daada will be releasing a second EP created between Berlin, Bogota and Nairobi.
A German-Colombian artist raised in Tanzania, Daada is now based between East Africa and Berlin. She began songwriting at age seven, accompanied by her violin. A few years later she picked up her grandma’s old guitar and never looked back; weaving stories in English, Spanish, Swahili and German ever since. ‘Daada’ derives from Swahili for ‘sister’; paying homage to the multicultural universe that holds Daada’s music and of course to sister- and womanhood: cornerstones of her message. Her first experience in a recording studio was in Lewes in the UK, after her secondary school headmaster heard her perform original songs and sent her there to his friend who owned the studio. She then went on to study at the University of Warwick in the UK.
Initially influenced by Shakira (her idol to this day), Daada began to draw inspiration from a wider range of sounds as she grew older. Her genre palette is vibrant, from Reggaeton and Cumbia to Bongo Fleva, Amapiano and Indie – she feels inspired by artists from around the globe. Her unique sound is sure to be enjoyed by fans of femme multicultural powerhouses like Mayra Andrade and Ibeyi, and those who would appreciate it if Billie Eilish, Karol G and Ayra Starr were fused into an unexpected, fresh take on Pop.
‘Song For You’ is an uplifting track that warms the listener from the inside. A gentle, hypnotic Afropop beat drives the song as Daada’s angelic voice croons in soft celebration of her loved ones, occasionally punctuated by sweet, sentimental guitar. The song is a tender anthem to wholesome love, with Daada’s euphoric yet calm vocal lines cementing themselves in your memory from the first listen.
Daada shared: “‘I wanted ‘Song for you’ to make you think of the people in your life who have been showing up for you since day one. I hope people hear it and send it to those angels. For me, it’s a love letter to my supporters, friends and family. I am so grateful for all the love I receive and for the beautiful souls that are on this journey with me. The whole upcoming EP is for you, but this song especially. I got to make this song in Nairobi, Kenya with an incredibly talented musician and producer called GL. ”
Image credit: Eliott Sebbag