Photo Credit: Jason LaVeris/ FilmMagic
The Princess of Peace and Funk, Sheila E., is one of the few artists who has consciously assumed the responsibility of being an active prominent voice speaking out against the social turmoil and increasing tactics of division that plague America. There is a galvanizing discord that seems to have recently gained momentum birthing outrage, escalating despair, and condoning the blatant disregard of respect, liberty, and justice for all. What has happened? Where is the unity…the righteousness…the peace…the compassion…the care? It all lies dormant within the people, and Sheila E. is on a deliberate musical crusade to revive it all and resuscitate humanity back into a state of loving.
Her concerts across the nation encompass a vast array of ethnicities while co-mingling several generations. They yearn to hear hits such as “Glamorous Life”, “RockStar”, “Girl Meets Boy”, “Lovely Day” and more. As they rock out to her tunes which summons the spirit of unity and peace, the message of love is quite apparent in her music; but the means of communicating the message doesn’t end there. At every show, for several crucial moments, the music and dancing stops. Sheila takes the microphone and audiences become so attentive that it’s almost as if you can hear a pin drop. She methodically scans the crowd in such a commanding way that it appears she is looking everyone straight in their eyes all at the same time. Everyone’s ears and heart yield as Sheila begins to speak and share from her soul the urgency and importance of eradicating hate and spreading love. Love is the key to making the world a better place. She goes on to share how each person has the power to spread love and make a big difference. Her mantra is “It takes just ONE person to change the atmosphere…and we can do it through love.” These are moments of absolute truth and unadulterated ministry where the crowds sense and embrace Sheila’s overwhelming compassion; and each member of her audiences around the world is now compelled to be the ONE person to be the change. The seed of love has now been firmly planted.
And there are many musical seeds of love, peace, and unity on Sheila’s latest CD entitled ICONIC: Message 4 America. Released in September, it is a prolific project of 15 tracks with each uniquely playing its part in the grand scheme of cultivating awareness and promoting oneness. Many of the songs may have been heard years before – but not in this fashion. Sheila adds her own personality and flair to the tracks and presents the messages to new ears in a brand-new way. ICONIC also includes intertwined spoken word with climactic excerpts from Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President Barack Obama, and activist Angela Davis. Songs like the remake of The Beatles’ “Come Together”, Sly and the Family Stone’s “Everyday People”, “Yes, We Can Can” originally recorded by the Pointer Sisters, Parliament Funkadelic’s “One Nation Under A Groove”, “Respect Yourself” by the Staple Singers, and Dionne Warwick’s “What The World Needs Now Is Love” are all just a sample from this melting pot of Funk, R&B, Latin Jazz, Rock, and Soul. Whatever your preferred musical taste is, you are sure to appreciate indulging in the palatable variety served on ICONIC. It is a well-seasoned unforgettable melodic experience.
And in case you didn’t know, on this segment of her journey, Sheila is not marching to the beat of her ornate timbales alone. She is joined by her amazing team of incomparable musicians Eddie M., Mychael Gabriel, Raymond McKinley, Bertron Curtis, John Wesley McVicker, Jr., and singers Lynn Mabry and Rebecca Jade. Also contributing to ICONIC is an array of legendary icons that are rich in talent, including Ringo Starr, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Freddie Stone, Israel Houghton and others. United, their voices and instruments join forces to create a loud Message 4 America – that it is time to take a stand and exercise authority for the good. Take a stand for peace. Take a stand for unity. Take a stand for justice. Take a stand for love. The time is NOW.
For more on Sheila E. and ICONIC: Message 4 America visit www.SheilaE.com
TELL US: Will you be purchasing Sheila E.’s latest project?
