Qbanaa, a rising jazzy neo-soul artist, draws inspiration from a range of artists including Erykah Badu, Hiatus Kaiyote, Kali Uchis, Khruangbin, Amy Winehouse, and Greentea Peng. She grew up in Dublin but frequently traveled back and forth to Cuba where music and salsa dancing were an integral part of her childhood. Having been a dancer for 10 years, Qbanaa’s passion for music and singing was nurtured through school choirs and singing with her grandmother in Spanish Mass. Her stage name, Qbanaa, reflects her identity as a Cuban-Irish artist, with the “Q” representing the way Irish people pronounce “Cubana”. Qbanaa’s debut single ‘Truth and Desire’ was released in October and was quickly recognized as a hit. The track made it to the top 40 Irish songs of the year by DJ/Radio presenter Peter Curtin and was playlisted on four Spotify editorial playlists. Qbanaa’s latest release, a two-track EP titled ‘Rise Above’, showcases her versatility as an artist. The EP features a collaboration with Dan Doherty, a producer, and mixer who has previously worked with Fontaines DC, Damien Dempsey, and Coolio. The first track, ‘Creative Perfection’, speaks about the addiction to striving for creative perfection and using creativity as a vice. The second track, ‘Set Me Free’, is about breaking free from this pressure and not limiting oneself to suit others. Through her music, Qbanaa sends a powerful message of self-acceptance and creative freedom. She has also founded the Soul Juice Jazz/Soul open mic in Dashi, which provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents. Qbanaa has two upcoming headline shows in Dublin in 2023 at the SoundHouse on April 28th and the Grand Social on August 4th. Her music continues to gain recognition and is worth checking out for anyone who enjoys jazzy neo-soul with a touch of Cuban and Irish influences.
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