An artist with a difference: Lizzie Emeh
Lizzie Emeh is a remarkable artist in more ways than one. Born with a learning disability, she was never expected to walk or talk. 32 years later, supported by arts organisation Heart and Soul, she is promoting her critically acclaimed first album.
Lizzie shares her incredible journey with us.
Can you describe in a few words what kind of music you sing?
Lizzie Emeh: Soulful, from the heart, it is about my life experience. Musically speaking it is a mixture of soul, funk, r&b.
You wrote the lyrics and also took part on the music arrangements on your album Loud and Proud, could you tell us more about this experience?
When we first started recording the album, Mark Williams said to me: “Loud and Proud is your album”…I didn’t think about what would happen. Only once the recording was well under way did I realize the magic. It felt so good. Going through the process of making the album to seeing the album finished made it feel part of myself.
What have been some of the highlights of your career?
When Beverley Knight introduced me at the Royal Festival Hall the night my album was launched, it was one of the most special moments in my career. Although she wasn’t there in person, she pre-recorded the introduction especially for the launch. It was a brilliant feeling.
My second special moment was when I saw my video Hard Love completed and screened for the first time at the Royal Festival Hall.
What were musicians Charles Stuart and Robbie Fordjour like to work with?
It was a privilege working with them. Charles is a great musician and it was brilliant to work with him on Loud and Proud. Robbie, he was excellent too! There were songs from the album that they felt were especially close to each of them so they put their own stamp on them.
They brought diversity and quality to Loud and Proud, they made my voice sound sweeter and of course we had a lot of fun too!
Did you learn something from them?
What I learnt is that on the next album I will push myself more.
Which artists have inspired you and influenced your music and career?
Stevie Wonder, Beverley Knight, Lauryn Hill, Temptations, The Supremes, Bob Marley & The Wailers, George Clinton and P-Funk, so many!
Do you think your music reaches both learning disabled and non learning disabled people?
Yes, yes! My music can be heard by everyone. I have had a lot of people saying to me what I do is inspirational and brilliant. I hear it from learning disabled and non learning disabled people.
You are the first solo artist with learning disabilities to launch an album in the UK, how does this make you feel?
I feel very proud. I did it not only for myself but also for all the people with learning disabilities out there.
Do you think your music career is giving you a voice in the learning disabled community?
Yeah, definitely. I can see it when they write to me, when people purchase my album at the gigs and every time they download my material.
Do you think your personal experience can inspire and make a difference in the future of other disabled artists’ careers?
I think so. People turn around and ask: “How did you do it? How did you manage with your disability?” They say: “ You have made us noticed”. I say if I can do it, so can you.
Are you working on new songs at the moment?
I’m hard at work on my next album. This album is going to be much more focused on my feelings and I am getting more deeply involved in choosing the right sound. I’m exploring and discovering new ways to use my voice. We’re bringing in new collaborators to keep the material fresh.
What motivates you to keep making music?
I just have the drive to do it all the time. I get up and I feel like singing, before I go to bed I feel like singing… in the shower I feel like singing! I also love being on stage, every time I am there my adrenaline is sky-high.
How has Heart n Soul helped develop your music career?
Heart n Soul has inspired me and made me feel more serious about what I want to achieve. Mark Williams (Heart n Soul’s Chief Executive and Artistic Director) who played the guitar on the album has always been behind me. Pino Frumiento, Heart n Soul’s founder artist has also been an inspiration. Pino has learning disabilities and has written over 50 songs. I want to be as good as Pino at songwriting.
Heart n Soul believes in me and have encouraged me to have faith in myself. It has been a lot of work but everything you want to achieve needs a lot of hard work.
Loud and Proud, Lizzie Emeh’s CD is available on iTunes or from Heart n Soul.
Call 020 8694 1632 to order a copy for £9.50 – includes postage and packaging.
Visit Lizzie’s website:
www.myspace/lizzieemeh
For more information, contact Heart n Soul:
Tel: 020 8694 1632
Email: info@heartnsoul.co.uk
Web: www.heartnsoul.co.uk
See Lizzie Emeh performing at Paradise Gardens Festival in Victoria Park, London on 19 & 20 June 2010
Go Lizzie! You’re an amazing artist and you deserve the credit you’re getting.