Last year, R&B singer Saleka started releasing music that showcased her strong vocals and even stronger songwriting skills. Using her songs to express what is on her mind, Saleka has touched on topics that help inspire and empower anyone out there who takes a moment to listen. She has a way of getting to the root of her emotions, using her deepest thoughts to better promote what she has to say – and after all that has transpired these past couple of years, Saleka has a lot to say.
Saleka’s latest single, “How Many,” takes a closer look at the injustice and betrayal that has plagued our system for centuries. Written during the summer of last year, Saleka captures the anger, the outrage, and the disbelief towards those who fail to enforce equality, towards those who refuse to acknowledge that we are all the same. She shares,
“I wanted this song to be a sort of protest song but it was written during moments of darkness and despair and so what came out was more an expression of my disbelief at the system, the absence of justice and accountability, and mostly the unfathomable lack of value and care for human life. I was overwhelmed with questions.“
Saleka’s questions may never have answers, and might even continue to be asked generations from now. She so powerfully asks in the chorus, “How many minds / Have been forsaken? / How many lives / Wrongfully taken? / How many lies, how many times / Before this movement starts to move?,” which just about covers it all. You can check out the captivating lyric video below.
The proceeds from “How Many” will go to two organizations based in Philadelphia, which is Saleka’s hometown. These programs, Beyond The Bars and YSRP, aim to prevent cycles of violence by fostering musical opportunities and assisting in thoughtful re-entry programs for those who have been imprisoned.
You can listen to “How Many” on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.
Grab tickets to Saleka’s Philly, DC, and NYC residencies in the fall here.
Keep up with Saleka: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website
