Ten years ago, Donna Arendse, a musical curator, transformed her shared Berlin apartment into a sanctuary of sound with intimate DIY house shows, complemented by flavourful South African meals. Under the name lekker presents, she created a family-like atmosphere, inviting early guests like Milly Blue and Noah Slee, the latter of whom she recalls as a standout R&B talent. Arendse sought to showcase soulful music that wasn’t highlighted amid Berlin’s electronic dominance.
In search of community and artistry, Noah Slee, fresh from New Zealand, shared Arendse’s vision. His background in church choirs found a home within Berlin’s sonic landscape, although he noticed a lack of recognition for R&B artists. This realisation became a catalyst for change; Arendse expanded her shows into the lekker collective, nurturing sounds from upcoming talents like Devantier Rain and Rosa Landers, while Slee co-founded the acclaimed A Song For You ensemble.
Berlin, often seen as a techno hub, shelters a growing yet understated DIY movement shaping the R&B scene. With a blend of affordability and a welcoming culture, artists create community-driven collectives and self-fund their work, embracing genre fluidity. Kissen, a vocalist and producer, described her experience arriving from London, producing her debut EP in lockdown and finding refuge in spaces like kwia—a listening bar that nurtured her early performances and boosted her confidence.
Artists like AKA Kelzz, who moved to Berlin in 2017, found a supportive atmosphere during the pandemic, leading to collaborations and an upcoming album titled Odyssey. Kelzz expresses gratitude for the tight-knit community they’ve cultivated, particularly as a Black queer artist, and acknowledges the ongoing journey of building these connections. Similarly, rapper and singer Ebow’s songs, steeped in queer love and identity, highlight the evolving, inclusive nature of the scene while addressing systemic hurdles artists face.
Chicago-born Marshall Vincent encountered challenges securing recognition for his R&B style after relocating to Berlin in 2016. His latest project, A Dream In A Room, matures his genre-blending sound, offering an intimate narrative despite the systemic struggle for opportunities. He remains committed to creativity, enjoying Berlin’s physical space for artistic exploration.
Singer-songwriter Zylva, trained in jazz and classical music, expresses reluctance at being labelled as alt-R&B. She engages with diverse collectives while evolving her music, demonstrating the tension between genre identity and sustaining her career. Bulgarian artist DENA, who has witnessed Berlin’s transformation, reflects on her journey and newfound community connections, illustrating that it’s the underground creative spirit and persistence that truly defines Berlin’s music scene.
Over the past decade, Berlin’s grassroots R&B scene has flourished thanks to artists like Donna Arendse and Noah Slee, who cultivate community through DIY shows and collectives. This movement, while sometimes overshadowed by the city’s techno culture, promotes diversity and creativity, with emerging talents like Kissen and AKA Kelzz exploring their identities and breaking genre boundaries. The constant evolution of the scene reflects an enduring spirit of collaboration and resilience.
Berlin’s grassroots R&B scene, spearheaded by passionate artists like Donna Arendse and Noah Slee, reflects a vibrant community-driven movement amidst the city’s techno reputation. The emergence of diverse talents, experimenting with genre fluidity and addressing systemic challenges, underscores a creative resilience. As artists navigate their identities and strive for visibility, their commitment to collaboration and innovation shapes the future of music in Berlin, fostering a rich tapestry of sound and community.
Original Source: daily.bandcamp.com
