Samuel Makanda’s latest single, “Darling…,” marks a vibrant return to the soul and rhythm that defined the golden eras of music. Released as part of his new album, *Character Assassination*, this track is a poignant reflection on gratitude and joy, deeply rooted in the musical influences of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
At its core, “Darling…” is an ode to appreciating the simple pleasures of life. Samuel Makanda describes the song as a celebration of being thankful for what one cherishes most. He emphasizes how the track inspires him to dance and express his emotions, transforming them into happiness and freedom. This personal touch is crucial to the song’s appeal; it resonates with anyone seeking to rekindle a genuine connection to music.
Makanda’s dissatisfaction with the current state of popular music—feeling that it has become as uninspired and processed as fast food—drove him to craft a song that feels alive and authentic. He sought to recapture the rhythm and soul that seems to have been lost in today’s musical landscape. His intention was clear: to bring back a sense of reality and instrumental authenticity that makes music truly memorable.
Samuel Makanda is the primary artist on “Darling…,” taking on both singing and dancing duties. His personal journey with music began in his childhood, but he only started to take it seriously in 2019. His evolution as an artist has been marked by a deep desire to reconnect with the essence of musical performance and joy.
The production of “Darling…” has been a collaborative effort. Originally released as a demo titled “(Take 1) Darling…” in 2019, Makanda was initially unsatisfied with the track’s sound. To refine it, he worked closely with Ricky Alfian in Indonesia, who played a significant role in reconstructing the song to better align with Makanda’s vision of a danceable, engaging track.
The song draws heavily from the R&B sounds of past decades, reflecting Makanda’s admiration for artists like James Brown. The intention behind the music is to evoke the communal and celebratory spirit of past eras. This influence is evident in the song’s groove and overall feel, which stands in stark contrast to the more processed sounds prevalent in contemporary music.
Samuel Makanda has actively showcased his music through live performances. Notably, he performed at the High Horse Bar Open-Mic and at LIVENDIRECT – THE BLOCK IS HOT (vol.2) in Louisville, Kentucky, both in 2024. These events have helped him connect with audiences and bring his music to life on stage.
The ethos behind “Darling…” reflects Makanda’s commitment to crafting music that feels both personal and profound. The song’s inspiration stems from a desire to escape the artificiality of modern music and return to a sound that feels genuine and emotionally resonant.
In Makanda’s own words, “I am an ‘Independent Artist’ drawing inspiration from the great pop artists of the 80’s and 90’s to create the person who I am today and the music I love! ‘Darling…’ is the last track from my new album *Character Assassination*.” This statement captures the essence of his artistic journey and the heartfelt nature of his latest release. “Darling…” is more than just a song—it’s a celebration of life, music, and the joy of dancing through one’s emotions. Samuel Makanda’s dedication to creating authentic and soulful music shines through in every beat and lyric.
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