Seinabo Sey: Rockwood Music Hall 2015

Swedish singer Seinabo Sey has beguiled everyone at WFUV. We first met this charismatic vocalist at SXSW in Austin back in March, where she performed her stirring single "Hard Time." She also dropped by Studio A in April for a session and a chat. This week, to celebrate the recent release of her debut album, Pretend, FUV Live presented Seinabo Sey in concert at Rockwood Music Hall, accompanied by pianist Mikaela Hansson, and also featured the album as our New Dig.

Prior to Pretend, Sey released two powerful EPs named after her parents — For Madeline and For Maudo. On smartly-crafted songs like “Hard Time,” “Words” and “Easy,” Seinabo harnesses defiance, determination and desire, not only reflecting the R&B and pop melodies she grew up listening to in Sweden, but also the robust legacy of Gambian and Senegalese music learned from her father and her family.

Seinabo, who performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert last year, is one of the most exciting new voices of 2015. Her songs ring with humanity, empathy, honesty, and strength … sentiments and attributes that feel especially important during these unsettled times.

[recorded: 11/17/15]

Funding for WFUV’s ongoing coverage of live concerts and festivals comes from the Agnes Varis Trust, supporting affordable access to the arts, education and healthcare.