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Music

Amai Kuda

AMAI KUDA opening for KINNIE STARR and others at Steelworkers Hall (25 Cecil), Friday (April 1), 8 pm. $10-$25. SS, nooneisillegal.org. And with ROSINA KAZI, KARIM SULTAN and others at 918 Bathurst, Sunday (April 3), 5:30 pm. $10-$25. 647-296-4117. See listing.


Unless you go to a lot of activist events, you probably haven’t stumbled across Amai Kuda. But if there’s any justice (get it?), that will soon change. The emerging local singer/songwriter has been quietly working on her sound for a few years, and she’s ready to take things more seriously.

“At first I was too shy to focus on singing, so I was more involved in social justice work,” admits Kuda over tea.

“I had a weird complex, feeling that there was so much political work to do that I couldn’t justify putting energy into something so personally satisfying to me. It took me a while to feel that I could approach that work through music as well.”

As you’ve probably guessed by now, Kuda’s lyrics focus on political issues – from race to immigration laws to sexuality – and can be a bit clunky as a result. Her newer material, however, shows real artistic growth and a less blunt delivery of her messages. Even when her lyrics stray toward the heavy-handed, the pairing of her powerful, soulful voice with sparse percussion is striking.

“At first, the simplicity of the arrangements was a result of what was available to me, but I’ve started learning from going into the studio that just because you can add sounds doesn’t mean you should.”

In Kuda’s case, less is definitely more. When accompanied by guitar, she can pull off a decent blues vibe, but she really shines when layering her voice over programmed drums. That’s when you hear traces of the folk protest songs that inspire her and elements of contemporary R&B, hip-hop and electronic music. She’s currently label-less but is hoping to release an album by spring.

While music is rapidly becoming a bigger part of her life than traditional activism, political matters still play a huge role. Both of her gigs this week are fundraisers for a multitude of causes (Sri Lankan flood relief, No One Is Illegal, etc), so you’ll be sure to come away with a renewed interest in fighting the good fight.

benjaminb@nowtoronto.com

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