Dannii C.
Aaradhna Jayantilal Patel, a singer hailing from New Zealand, will be releasing her new album Brown Girl on July 22nd. Overall, the record will discuss “love, heartbreak, and dealing with life in general”. But, her song of the same name (‘Brown Girl’) discusses a more heartbreaking matter: the onslaught of racism and its unfortunate existence.
In a letter written for her fans and listeners via Facebook, Aaradhna further explained how important the song means to her as well as a personal note. She states:
Growing up as an Indian & Samoan New Zealander, I’ve seen and witnessed others including myself being automatically ‘labeled’ for what we look like, what we wore, the way we spoke, where we resided. I’ve been called a curry muncher, a dumb coconut, all kinds of names in the book while growing up and I’ve always felt like I was looked down on. (‘God please let them see, they ain’t no different from me not above, not beneath, teach them equality’). I have many personal examples of being judged for what I look like. It’s frustrating that a simple label can take all that I am away, every single piece that makes me. ‘Brown Girl’ is a song about racism. I’m not going to pretend it doesn’t happen in the world, because it does. But what I’m expressing in this song, is that I’m made of many complicated layers – don’t just put me in a box. ‘I’m more than the color of my skin, I’m a girl that likes to sing. All I know is whats within, I’m not just the brown girl within’.
Filled with a strong R&B and Soul influence, slightly reminiscent sounding to artists such as Alicia Keys and Joss Stone, ‘Brown Girl’ is more than just a pinpointed arrow calling out the unnecessary cracked fragments of racism – but it’s negative effect towards individuals and society as a whole.
The tracks simple production combined with Aaradhna’s strong, soulful voice elevates this song to new heights. ‘Brown Girl’ isn’t just a song. It’s an anthem for many people around the world who have suffered the same fate: Being a victim of racism. While we are all somewhat tied from the same cloth, it doesn’t excuse the fact that hatred towards POC has and continues to roll in communities worldwide. The hit of these negative punches are grueling.
There is no holding back on this track, and it’s quite evident that the entire record will do the same as well.
You can cop ‘Brown Girl’ today on iTunes. Brown Girl, the album ,will be available to buy on iTunes July 22nd.
