Razia Said: Her Music is Magical

Razia Said gave an outstanding performance recently when she appeared at Joe's Pub in New York City. She debuted her new CD "Magical" to a packed house. Her songs were so enchanting that all but six people stood up to dance. Her music, reminiscent of the styling of Sade, is smooth and inviting. The two women share a common bond in music as well as a mixed heritage. A woman of Afro-Arabic blend, Razia embodies the exotic beauty of both races. Her mother is Afro-Arabic and her father Indian. Born in Madagascar, an island situated on the southeast coast of Africa and the fourth largest island in the world, Razia has also lived in Europe, and Asia. She presently resides in New York City.

Music is no stranger to the lovely African whose youth was filled with the harmonious refrains of her uncle's guitar. Though she grew up listening to more traditional African artists like Mahaleho, Pierre Akendengue, and Geoffrey Oryema, she also listened to Western artists such as the Beatles, Bob Marley and James Brown. At age 10, she began to sing in accompaniment to her uncle's guitar. Later, she moved to Gambon in West Africa where she sang in her local church. "The traditional music of my country is called Salegy and it is has a different rhythm from that of the West. Salegy is predominately played in Madagascar. The interesting thing is that in the northeast region of Madagascar where I grew up, the musical tempo is faster than that of other regions within Madagascar. Madagascar is a rather big island with an ancient history. Over 200 million years ago, though attached to Africa the island drifted away into the Indian Ocean. So naturally, I have a bond to the music of my native land" explained the lively singer. "In this album, listeners can sense the spirit of Madagascar through my melodies and harmonies. In the future, I plan to use more of my native instruments. In fact, I have sweet memories attached to the sound of the valiha, which is a stringed bamboo instrument. I also use the kabosy, a hybrid of mandolin and guitar which gives off the harmonious sound that is associated with much of African music."

Razia is also a songwriter. "My uncle was very influential in my life. He taught me to write songs. One day he just picked up his guitar and suggested he and I compose a song. I had no idea how to write a song but my uncle just told me to clear my mind and allow myself to flow with the music. I did that then and I continue to write music the same way to this day." There are some people born to the rhythms of life thus Razia seems born to her destiny. "Although, I took a few music classes to learn basic chords for guitar and some singing techniques to avoid damaging my vocal chords, I am pretty much a natural singer. I can't say that I have had a lot of formal training," remarked Razia after debuting her magical CD.

Not only is Razia's vocals magical, but so are her songs. Her music seems to personify an eclectic sprinkle of jazz, R&B, blended into a World Music stew. The diverse artist began work on her Magical release last summer. Her CD is co-written and produced by acoustic guitarist Jamie Ambler and produced by Nir Graff and Ethan Graff. Songs such as "Under A Mango Tree," a ballad that is close to the singer's heart because it reflects Razia's memories of her childhood. Rade Rajonary, a bass player, also from Madagascar, is featured on her song "Ties Never Die." She describes the song, "I Made My Mind" featuring Antonio Danferfield on trumpet and Aaron Heick on sax, as a hymn to freedom. "The songs "Alio," "Magical," and "Under A Mango Tree," define my sound the best" elucidated Razia as she chatted about her music.

"I see myself as a world singer," said Razia of her music. "I would describe my music as "world soul," but with jazz inspirations." And indeed one can concur after listening to "Alio," another song featured on the "Magical" CD. Alio seems to pay tribute to the women of the world with its pulsating Latin and African beats which give birth to a fire and passion that lie deep in the female soul. Although, "Magical" is Razia's debut CD, she has already composed 30 other songs for her next CD. "I am always singing so it's magical to finally create this album" stated the prolific artist and songwriter. "It's true that people often compare my music to Sade's music. In fact, I'm compared to Sade all the time. I think we share the same kind of spirit, style, energy, and delivery. Maybe it's because we are two exotic women from Africa who have both lived in Europe and our music shares the same kind of soothing energy. I consider it a compliment when people put me in that same type of vibe as Sade because I love her music, but there are also nuances that make her music and my music very different" continued Razia.

Ms. Said, who has lived in America for 18 years, is married and lives with her husband and child in Harlem. Though music is her first love, she holds a PhD in Pharmacy which she earned at The University of La Tronche in Grenoble, France. She also expresses her creativity through painting and writing poetry.

Although the talented balladeer has had several singing engagements throughout New York City, she definitely has plans to feature her new release through an upcoming tour. She plans to tour in Paris and Italy in December. She also plans to attend a lot of jazz and world festivals while on tour.

Razia recognizes the virtue of being kind and doing the best she can in everything she does and it is clear that her music is the embodiment of her personal philosophy.

Interested parties can find out more about this intriguing artist at www.raziasaid.com.

Home  |  About Me  |  Contact Me

Article Archives

Contact Me

email: Deardra@DeardraShuler.com