What makes the month of March so special? Well, you must turn your clocks an hour forward for Daylight Savings Time. You also get to pick out something green to wear for St. Patrick’s Day. And it’s officially spring, so soon you will get to wear short sleeve shirts, shorts, and sandals out in public.
Although all these events occur in the month of March, I can’t forget to mention that March is Women’s History Month. The purpose of Women’s History month is to celebrate women from all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds who made a difference in our society by taking on issues of societal standards and norms associated with women.
Not only that, but last month was Black History Month, which not only celebrates the accomplishments of African-American women but also African-American men.
So, in honor of Women’s History Month, lets look at my top 10 underrated African-American musicians list.
1. India Arie
Four-time Grammy Award winning singer, India Arie made waves in 2001 after the release of her debut album Acoustic Soul which included the hit single “Video.” The following year she released another album called Voyage and then Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship in 2006 and a 2009 sequel album Testimony: Vol. 2, Life & Relationship.
Despite critical success, she took a break from music for a while stating “I wanted God to show me where I am supposed to be.” Arie didn’t release another album until 2015 called SongVersation: Medicine which is an EP meant to encourage healing and mediation amongst people.
Why should you listen to this artist?
India Arie has a calm and soothing voice, which I feel like adds to the uplifting and encouraging songs she releases. I think that if your every in a bad mood or need some words of encouragement, look no further than Ms. India Arie.
2. Sade
Nigerian British singer-songwriter, Sade was once a backup singer for the Band Pride in the 1980’s which split once record labels picked up the band. Some of the remaining band members left from Band Pride decided to call the band Sade which has since released albums such as Promise, Stronger than Pride and Solider of Love.
Although, the band has been on a hiatus for some time, in March 2018, Sade released a love ballad called Flower of the Universe which is featured in the Disney movie soundtrack for A Wrinkle in Time released in theaters March 9, 2018.
Why should you listen to this artist?
If you’re into artists such as Erykah Badu and Jill Scott who make neo-soul and R&B songs, then you will love Sade’s music too. With acknowledgement from both Beyoncé and the late singer Aaliyah praising her for her style, it’s no wonder more people should discover her music as well.
3. Marsha Ambrosius
This English singer-songwriter from Liverpool, England is a former member of the band Floetry which has released hit songs such as “Say Yes” and “Getting Late” from their debut album Floetic in the early 2000’s.
Ambrosius has since left the band going on to release a solo album called Late Nights & Early Morning in 2011 and a second album called Friends and Lovers. Although, Ambrosius has released new songs such as “Don’t Wake Me Up” in 2017, there is no word on her upcoming album yet.
Why should you listen to this artist?
Like the other artists on this list, Ambrosius is known for her R&B and Soul background which seems to be very underappreciated because its not up to par to the mainstream music of today. I guarantee you, will start singing along to her songs once you begin listening to her music.
4. Estelle
Although British singer, Estelle has been active in the music industry since 2004, she didn’t reach mainstream success until the release of her second studio album Shine in 2008 which featured the hit single, “American Boy” featuring Kayne West.
She has since collaborated with other musicians such as David Guetta, John Legend, and Robin Thicke gaining her more attention in Hollywood. Besides music she has also made cameo appearances in movies such as Beyond the Lights and Girls Trip and appeared on the FOX tv show, Empire.
Why should you listen to this artist?
Estelle is known for making and being featured in songs with an R&B and Soul vibe, so I feel like if you want an artist that makes you want to get up and dance and forget about the world around you, sit back and listen to some of Estelle’s music.
5. Jazmine Sullivan
Like Estelle, Jazmine Sullivan has been active in the music industry since the early 2000’s, singing background vocals for songs such as “Party’s Over” and “I am.” However, it wasn’t until 2008, when her debut single, “Need U Bad” was released when she began to get noticed by people.
She found further success after the release of her second debut single “Bust Your Windows” from her second studio album called Fearless which appeared on a few musical charts.
Despite a second album release in 2009, Sullivan had announced that she would be leaving her music career behind in 2011 but has since returned in 2014 releasing a new album called Reality Show.
Why should you listen to this artist?
With a powerful and soulful voice that demands to be heard, Sullivan brings a nostalgic feel to the R&B genre which brings back memories to songs that had a story or true meaning to them.
Of course, I could have added other great musicians such as Yuna, Elle Varner or Fantasia to this list but I wanted to limit this list to artists that people may not be as familiar with.
I hope you all enjoyed reading and learning about these underappreciated artists and will eventually listen to their music on your own time. Happy Women’s History Month!