Contemporary Gospel singer/songwriter Samona is a passionate artist guided by faith and a desire to inspire. Born in Oakland and raised in Sacramento, the California native says her inspirational music is designed to “comfort, and spread love and joy to all those that hear it.”
In 2020 the singer released a series of singles, effectively relaunching her solo recording career after an eight year hiatus. She immediately connected with fans worldwide with tracks that have reached hundreds of thousands of listeners across multiple streaming platforms. She followed up in 2021 with her debut EP.
“Encouraged to Inspire” is the brand new seven song collection from Samona, released worldwide to all major streaming services on September 21, 2021. On the record the singer delivers tales of worship, praise and encouragement set to cool R&B moods and mellow, funky grooves. At the heart of the mix is a soulful and virtuosic vocalist driven by a powerful faith.
“Wings of Love ” opens the set with a chill downtempo vibe featuring elements of 90’s-inspired R&B and Trip-hop. As the band lays down a mellow, Jazz-infused mood Samona introduces her signature mix of soulful leads colored by impeccable multi-part harmonies. “Be Strong” follows with an encouraging message of finding empowerment through faith riding a groovy Lo-fi Hip-hop beat.
On “Wilderness” Samona offers advice for persevering through hard times as she sings, “stay focused, right through the wilderness.” Vocally she matches the track’s Smooth Jazz and classic R&B feel easy flow and seemingly boundless range. The vocal and electric piano interlude “Prodigal” introduces the record’s current single “me & YOU.” The funky love letter to the Almighty features a great Jazz-hop groove as the singer alternates between soulful singing, Jazz scatting and cool melodic rap.
“Reason I Smile” pairs a 70’s R&B feel with a mellow synth and bass sound that brings to mind some of Prince’s classic chilled-out slow jams. The EP closes on “Heart Sings.” Samona pulls out all the stops with a powerhouse and flawless performance paired with some wildly creative backing vocal arrangements. The song is a moving and powerful testimony.
Check out the “me &YOU” video below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Beat playlist, and listen to the entire “Encouraged to Inspired” EP on your favorite streaming service. Follow the links below to connect with Samona. Get on her socials and get in the loop on all of the music to come from this deeply talented and inspirational voice.
