First Listen: Menoosha sends a powerful message in "Hair Cypher"

(June 10, 2020) In 2014's musically-driven romantic drama, Beyond The Lights, Nona and Kazam unexpectedly develop a relationship while rescuing one another from their inauthentic lives. After a crisis sends them out of town and into seclusion, Nona demonstrates her devotion to Kaz by removing the final barrier between them that is hiding part of her true self----flowing, plum-kissed hair extensions---to show him her natural hair. Women instantly related to that raw expression of vulnerability and strength, a combination that Menoosha sings of so convincingly in her latest release, "Hair Cypher."

The Cameroon native, now based in France and Germany, has been performing since childhood, opening as part of the les Oiseaux du Monde choir for world-acclaimed musicians such as Myria, Makeba, Kool & The Gang and Stevie Wonder. Hitting UK's Soul Charts with her distinctive blend of Afrobeat, funk and elements of rock and soul ("Talk To Me"), and earning a 2011 "Best New Artist” award nomination for London's BEFFTA Awards.

Menoosha's "Hair Cypher," featuring Kella, Donniele and Lyric L, is an upbeat, high-spirited tribute to natural tresses and melanin-rich complexions, with equal parts of praise for embracing the natural and barbs clapping back against those demanding adherence to the status quo: "They never wanted me to find out who I be, but then I locked it up and then felt my spirit fly free," says Donniele Graves."They said, 'you'll never get a job with your natural hair,' but I've performed for presidents and I didn't see you there."

No matter how she wears it, a woman speaks volumes through her hair, and the road to intimacy starts with acceptance of whatever statement she makes (see Nona and Kaz). Menoosha's "Hair Cypher" is only the beginning, and listeners will quickly become intrigued to explore what lies beneath.

By Melody Charles

 Menoosha - "Hair Cypher"