“This latest album is very corporal; it’s about movement as a healing modality primarily,” she shares. “The focus is music you can dance to, wine to, get ready with. I think the genre blend would be moody soul having a fling with pop.”

Raised in Memphis, Safiya’s sound carries the weight of place and community. She speaks openly about the influences that shaped her:

“Lifestyle is the primary influence. Memphis, my family, my husband, and my body are big influences for what I talk about,” she says. “Memphis, The Hood Rave Memphis, my spiritual community, Jill Scott, N.E.R.D., and Beyoncé are big influences on how I sound in this project.”

Her evolution began on Bandcamp with Nightflight, a mixtape steeped in Dilla and Pete Rock, and has since moved through live instrumentation, blues, and now into something playful, frank, and easy to hold.

“I would rap and sing over these beats with lyrically heavy verses and visual storytelling. I think a lot of us were doing that at the time. I was reading a lot of novels as well, so the music has a literary quality to it. I evolved into working with more live instrumentation over the years as most of my music-making was done on stage. I was building songs in live sets. I’d perform sometimes for years before recording a song. This led to an era of raw live songs with full bands and big vocal moments and poetic lyrics.”

“Next was a blues album that was in conversation with a vintage collection of North Mississippi hill country or cotton-patch blues songs by legends like Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, and Jessie Mae Hemphill.”

“Now I’m playing with something that feels like a culmination of what I’ve learned over time,” she says.

Talibah’s music is moody, layered, and intentionally crafted to move the body as much as the spirit. She continues to transmute her real-life experiences into art that captivates anyone who listens.

“This latest album is very corporal; it’s about movement as a healing modality primarily,” she shares. “The focus is music you can dance to, wine to, get ready with. I think the genre blend would be moody soul having a fling with pop.”

Raised in Memphis, Safiya’s sound carries the weight of place and community. She speaks openly about the influences that shaped her:

“Lifestyle is the primary influence. Memphis, my family, my husband, and my body are big influences for what I talk about,” she says. “Memphis, The Hood Rave Memphis, my spiritual community, Jill Scott, N.E.R.D., and Beyoncé are big influences on how I sound in this project.”

Her evolution began on Bandcamp with Nightflight, a mixtape steeped in Dilla and Pete Rock, and has since moved through live instrumentation, blues, and now into something playful, frank, and easy to hold.

“I would rap and sing over these beats with lyrically heavy verses and visual storytelling. I think a lot of us were doing that at the time. I was reading a lot of novels as well, so the music has a literary quality to it. I evolved into working with more live instrumentation over the years as most of my music-making was done on stage. I was building songs in live sets. I’d perform sometimes for years before recording a song. This led to an era of raw live songs with full bands and big vocal moments and poetic lyrics.”

“Next was a blues album that was in conversation with a vintage collection of North Mississippi hill country or cotton-patch blues songs by legends like Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, and Jessie Mae Hemphill.”

“Now I’m playing with something that feels like a culmination of what I’ve learned over time,” she says.

We were first introduced to this majestic human when she joined us briefly for a tour across Memphis’ budding arts scene. Safiya welcomed us into her world through a live sound session, a stop at one of the city’s famed hot wing spots, and conversations about how she and her family are expanding Black wealth and sustainability through art and agriculture.

Some of our favorite tracks from Talibah include “Animal Kingdom,” “Sure Thang,” and her latest single, “Cloverdale.” Her music knows no bounds—and she shares her sound on her own terms, always with reverence for those who came before her, and with an authenticity that’s undeniable.

When asked how she’s been able to serve through her art, she responded plainly:

“Honestly, my craft itself is service.”

From curating retreats, parties, concerts, movement sessions, and thoughtful conversations, Talibah pours her experiences into a flourishing community.

“The music is made from love and is intended to support bursts of unmistakable joy and untamable pain,” she adds. “We’ve used our influence to promote healing through food, community, voting, yoga, prayer, and all the other shit that keeps us sane. No gatekeeping with the healing.”

That intention is especially present this month, as the world acknowledges World Mental Health Day (October 10). Talibah doesn’t shy away from how deeply mental wellbeing shapes her music and message.

We were first introduced to this majestic human when she joined us briefly for a tour across Memphis’ budding arts scene. Safiya welcomed us into her world through a live sound session, a stop at one of the city’s famed hot wing spots, and conversations about how she and her family are expanding Black wealth and sustainability through art and agriculture.

Some of our favorite tracks from Talibah include “Animal Kingdom,” “Sure Thang,” and her latest single, “Cloverdale.” Her music knows no bounds—and she shares her sound on her own terms, always with reverence for those who came before her, and with an authenticity that’s undeniable.

When asked how she’s been able to serve through her art, she responded plainly:

“Honestly, my craft itself is service.”

From curating retreats, parties, concerts, movement sessions, and thoughtful conversations, Talibah pours her experiences into a flourishing community.

“The music is made from love and is intended to support bursts of unmistakable joy and untamable pain,” she adds. “We’ve used our influence to promote healing through food, community, voting, yoga, prayer, and all the other shit that keeps us sane. No gatekeeping with the healing.”

That intention is especially present this month, as the world acknowledges World Mental Health Day (October 10). Talibah doesn’t shy away from how deeply mental wellbeing shapes her music and message.

“I have always wanted to make music that was a friend to folks in pain, as music has been so often for me,” she reflects. “I have songs that directly address some of the mental health challenges I’ve navigated without naming them explicitly. These songs have helped me process heavy feels and continue to encourage me through my many seasons of growth and change.”

Her superpower, as she puts it, is “saying the quiet part out loud” in a way that people feel. Whether through retreats, concerts, or her hypnotic live performances, Talibah curates spaces that remind us of music’s power to hold our deepest truths.

“What has been consistent is making great art and curating community healing opportunities that bring loving people in the same room where we can emote, connect and release together,” she says.

For Talibah, the path forward is rooted in honesty, adaptability, and courage. Her music is for the organic hotties who live deeply in their feels.

Safiya says, “[they] naturally adore me because they are me.” That response says everything about the woman behind the mic—no matter the space or time, she shows up as her full self.

And for the artists still figuring it out, she offers a bit of wisdom:

“Be honest with yourself. Keep learning. Don’t be scared to evolve.”

It’s a fitting mantra for October’s theme—a reminder that music, like mental health, is not about perfection, but about presence, truth, and the courage to keep going.

Be sure to follow Talibah Safiya’s journey [here].

“I have always wanted to make music that was a friend to folks in pain, as music has been so often for me,” she reflects. “I have songs that directly address some of the mental health challenges I’ve navigated without naming them explicitly. These songs have helped me process heavy feels and continue to encourage me through my many seasons of growth and change.”

Her superpower, as she puts it, is “saying the quiet part out loud” in a way that people feel. Whether through retreats, concerts, or her hypnotic live performances, Talibah curates spaces that remind us of music’s power to hold our deepest truths.

“What has been consistent is making great art and curating community healing opportunities that bring loving people in the same room where we can emote, connect and release together,” she says.

For Talibah, the path forward is rooted in honesty, adaptability, and courage. Her music is for the organic hotties who live deeply in their feels.

Safiya says, “[they] naturally adore me because they are me.” That response says everything about the woman behind the mic—no matter the space or time, she shows up as her full self.

And for the artists still figuring it out, she offers a bit of wisdom:

“Be honest with yourself. Keep learning. Don’t be scared to evolve.”

It’s a fitting mantra for October’s theme—a reminder that music, like mental health, is not about perfection, but about presence, truth, and the courage to keep going.

Be sure to follow Talibah Safiya’s journey [here].

Sista Salem describes herself as “an emotional vessel,” and her music embodies that intention—an offering that translates what can’t always be spoken. Our September Next Wave artist moves with alchemy.

“My music is a translation of the unseen,” Salem emphasizes. “Emotions, experiences, things we don’t always have the words for. Jazz taught me freedom, soul taught me truth, and R&B taught me intimacy. I weave them together to create spaces where people can feel and recognize themselves.”

“My music is a translation of the unseen,” Salem emphasizes. “Emotions, experiences, things we don’t always have the words for. Jazz taught me freedom, soul taught me truth, and R&B taught me intimacy. I weave them together to create spaces where people can feel and recognize themselves.”

For new listeners, she describes her sound as both “a mirror and a sanctuary”—music that doesn’t just meet you where you are but invites you to dig deeper.

For new listeners, she describes her sound as both “a mirror and a sanctuary”—music that doesn’t just meet you where you are but invites you to dig deeper.

“It’s soulful, it’s fluid, it’s honest,” she says. “The community I’m building is one of recognition and release, where listeners can feel safe enough to shed what no longer serves them and step into something freer, more true.”

“It’s soulful, it’s fluid, it’s honest,” she says. “The community I’m building is one of recognition and release, where listeners can feel safe enough to shed what no longer serves them and step into something freer, more true.”

Salem’s artistry lives in the space between vulnerability and power, drawing inspiration from voices like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, and Sarah Vaughan.

Salem’s artistry lives in the space between vulnerability and power, drawing inspiration from voices like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, and Sarah Vaughan.

“They remind me that artistry is also about bravery, about being unapologetically yourself,” she adds.

“They remind me that artistry is also about bravery, about being unapologetically yourself,” she adds.

From her mother’s home filled with the sounds of Sade, Miles Davis, and Björk, to her own explorations into rawness and simplicity, her sound has become a continuation of those conversations.

From her mother’s home filled with the sounds of Sade, Miles Davis, and Björk, to her own explorations into rawness and simplicity, her sound has become a continuation of those conversations.

“The difference now is that I’m no longer just listening. I’m answering back,” Salem declares.

“The difference now is that I’m no longer just listening. I’m answering back,” Salem declares.

September’s Next Wave theme continues to highlight Hispanic Heritage. While our September artists aren’t representing that culture, they understand how heritage often dictates and reflects artistry. For Sista Salem, culture is inseparable from creativity.

September’s Next Wave theme continues to highlight Hispanic Heritage. While our September artists aren’t representing that culture, they understand how heritage often dictates and reflects artistry. For Sista Salem, culture is inseparable from creativity.

“My culture has always been at the heart of my creativity,” she reflects. “Being Black means carrying a lineage of resilience, expression, and liberation, and that naturally flows into my music.”

“My culture has always been at the heart of my creativity,” she reflects. “Being Black means carrying a lineage of resilience, expression, and liberation, and that naturally flows into my music.”

She points to Selena as a major inspiration, saying, “She showed me how to blend presence, vulnerability, and joy in a way that feels magnetic. That balance of truth and allure guides my work as an artist.”

She points to Selena as a major inspiration, saying, “She showed me how to blend presence, vulnerability, and joy in a way that feels magnetic. That balance of truth and allure guides my work as an artist.”

What Salem brings to her artistry is transformation. She calls it alchemy—turning vulnerability into power.

What Salem brings to her artistry is transformation. She calls it alchemy—turning vulnerability into power.

“My voice is both an unveiling and a healing,” Salem shared. “It hypnotizes in the way a siren does—not to destroy, but to soothe, to draw people closer to themselves.”

“My voice is both an unveiling and a healing,” Salem shared. “It hypnotizes in the way a siren does—not to destroy, but to soothe, to draw people closer to themselves.”

In a fast-paced industry, she resists the rush to compete.

In a fast-paced industry, she resists the rush to compete.

“Where some may move fast, I move deep. I think the true rebellion in an oversaturated industry is to be authentic. Intimacy, vulnerability, and presence will always cut through.”

“Where some may move fast, I move deep. I think the true rebellion in an oversaturated industry is to be authentic. Intimacy, vulnerability, and presence will always cut through.”

Her work expands beyond sound, weaving into experiences that stay with people long after the music ends. One of her most impactful career highlights came when her friend Yana curated a dinner experience inspired by her EP. Each dish, drink, and detail was tied to the feeling of her songs.

Her work expands beyond sound, weaving into experiences that stay with people long after the music ends. One of her most impactful career highlights came when her friend Yana curated a dinner experience inspired by her EP. Each dish, drink, and detail was tied to the feeling of her songs.

“Experiencing that made me realize how deeply music can connect with others,” Salem says. “It affirmed that authenticity and emotional honesty can create experiences that linger.”

“Experiencing that made me realize how deeply music can connect with others,” Salem says. “It affirmed that authenticity and emotional honesty can create experiences that linger.”

She continues to carve out her own lane by creating immersive worlds where listeners aren’t just consuming music but entering spaces of reflection, intimacy, and connection.

She continues to carve out her own lane by creating immersive worlds where listeners aren’t just consuming music but entering spaces of reflection, intimacy, and connection.

“I show up by blending the unexpected with authenticity,” Salem says. “My approach honors Black artistry while also exploring vulnerability, intimacy, and depth. Spaces that aren’t always highlighted but are essential to our humanity.”

“I show up by blending the unexpected with authenticity,” Salem says. “My approach honors Black artistry while also exploring vulnerability, intimacy, and depth. Spaces that aren’t always highlighted but are essential to our humanity.”

For Salem, the future is about presence. She’s invested in meeting new listeners, building new connections, and embracing the unknown.

For Salem, the future is about presence. She’s invested in meeting new listeners, building new connections, and embracing the unknown.

“I’m most excited for the people I haven’t met yet and just all the experiences. Every new listener, every shared moment, every new story,” she said. “It all means something.”

“I’m most excited for the people I haven’t met yet and just all the experiences. Every new listener, every shared moment, every new story,” she said. “It all means something.”

Her advice to artists forging their own path is as powerful as her sound:

Her advice to artists forging their own path is as powerful as her sound:

“Honor your truth above all else. Find the parts of yourself that no one else can replicate and let that guide your art,” she advises. “The world is full of noise, but your authenticity is what will cut through and resonate.”

“Honor your truth above all else. Find the parts of yourself that no one else can replicate and let that guide your art,” she advises. “The world is full of noise, but your authenticity is what will cut through and resonate.”

Be sure to follow Sista Salem’s journey here.

Be sure to follow Sista Salem’s journey here.

Jade Forest doesn’t just make music, but she embodies it. A Black multidisciplinary artist, storyteller, and sonic poet, Jade is creating a legacy through her art, blending deep emotion with raw authenticity. Read more about this month’s Next Wave artist, curating vibes for the people and leading as a vessel for art, love and authenticity.

“I turn love into sonic poetry. I turn life into movies. I’m a lover of people and expression,” she shares. For Women’s History Month, Black Soundwave celebrates her as an artist shaping history in real-time, using her voice to inspire, create, and challenge norms.

“I turn love into sonic poetry. I turn life into movies. I’m a lover of people and expression,” she shares. For Women’s History Month, Black Soundwave celebrates her as an artist shaping history in real-time, using her voice to inspire, create, and challenge norms.

Born in New Orleans but raised on the “Soufside” of Riverdale, GA, Jade’s artistry is shaped by the duality of her roots. She’s making art that will last, which she accurately describes as gumbo music. 

Born in New Orleans but raised on the “Soufside” of Riverdale, GA, Jade’s artistry is shaped by the duality of her roots. She’s making art that will last, which she accurately describes as gumbo music. 

“Being a Soufsider keeps me rooted with southern rap influences. Being a New Orleans native gives me versatility,” she says. “I take my time. I’m not a microwave artist. I make gumbo meaning that these ingredients need to sit in this pot for a while before it tastes good.”

“Being a Soufsider keeps me rooted with southern rap influences. Being a New Orleans native gives me versatility,” she says. “I take my time. I’m not a microwave artist. I make gumbo meaning that these ingredients need to sit in this pot for a while before it tastes good.”

Jade’s sound is an intersection of lo-fi textures, 808s, and live instrumentation. She draws her inspiration from neo-soul greats like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott, as well as lyricists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. More than just sonics, Jade focuses on feeling like the greats she admires. 

Jade’s sound is an intersection of lo-fi textures, 808s, and live instrumentation. She draws her inspiration from neo-soul greats like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott, as well as lyricists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. More than just sonics, Jade focuses on feeling like the greats she admires. 

“With some of their songs, you can tell they cried before and/or after creating,” she says. “Being an artist is publicly bearing your soul.” Her work reflects deep introspection, growth, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity—she is the girl playing Rihanna, King Von, and Marvin Gaye back-to-back on the way to the club, unapologetically embracing all facets of herself.

“With some of their songs, you can tell they cried before and/or after creating,” she says. “Being an artist is publicly bearing your soul.” Her work reflects deep introspection, growth, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity—she is the girl playing Rihanna, King Von, and Marvin Gaye back-to-back on the way to the club, unapologetically embracing all facets of herself.

Forest’s artistic journey started early. She practiced rewriting popular Drake and Lil Wayne songs as a kid, crafting her own poetry, and recording one-take tracks in her bedroom. Though her early work no longer exists online (RIP to Lemon Water and Green Tea), she honed her sound at Atlanta’s Patchwerk Studios, where she found mentorship and deeper artistic confidence. 

Forest’s artistic journey started early. She practiced rewriting popular Drake and Lil Wayne songs as a kid, crafting her own poetry, and recording one-take tracks in her bedroom. Though her early work no longer exists online (RIP to Lemon Water and Green Tea), she honed her sound at Atlanta’s Patchwerk Studios, where she found mentorship and deeper artistic confidence. 

Through loss, grief, and self-discovery, she has emerged with a refined voice and a mission. She recalls her experiences from 2017 to 2022, when she released her last EP Reign Forest. After losing her mother and the loss of significant relationships, she discovered the most about herself.

Through loss, grief, and self-discovery, she has emerged with a refined voice and a mission. She recalls her experiences from 2017 to 2022, when she released her last EP Reign Forest. After losing her mother and the loss of significant relationships, she discovered the most about herself.

“Recognizing yourself is the best feeling for an artist,” she says. 

“Recognizing yourself is the best feeling for an artist,” she says. 

Some of her most memorable career milestones include going on her first tour and making impactful connections. Jade expresses immense gratitude to several people who made it possible. From DJ Waffles, Brother Rome, Leigh and Tabius for helping her musically to Adama, DJ Henhouse, K. Bey with Grind City Media, DJ Thematics, Kay Nate, Scott Morris who she met along the way. 

Some of her most memorable career milestones include going on her first tour and making impactful connections. Jade expresses immense gratitude to several people who made it possible. From DJ Waffles, Brother Rome, Leigh and Tabius for helping her musically to Adama, DJ Henhouse, K. Bey with Grind City Media, DJ Thematics, Kay Nate, Scott Morris who she met along the way. 

She highlights moments from the journey where she performed at Morris Brown’s Homecoming, which was an affirming time in her career. 

She highlights moments from the journey where she performed at Morris Brown’s Homecoming, which was an affirming time in her career. 

“It was surreal for me because I have a cousin who is a drummer and we watched Drumline every day for a summer almost,” Forest shared. “I also got a random text from one of my sisters in this music shit and she sent over a bunch of beats that our angel friend, JC, sent her and she passed them to me.” 

“It was surreal for me because I have a cousin who is a drummer and we watched Drumline every day for a summer almost,” Forest shared. “I also got a random text from one of my sisters in this music shit and she sent over a bunch of beats that our angel friend, JC, sent her and she passed them to me.” 

Jade talks about how this emotional time dealing with her own personal battles of homelessness and grief catapulted her feelings of creativity to another level. These experiences led her to a Stankonia Writing Camp, where she had an opportunity to secure sync placements. It’s also helped her reach her biggest accomplishment today two full rebrands later with her own creative agency. 

Jade talks about how this emotional time dealing with her own personal battles of homelessness and grief catapulted her feelings of creativity to another level. These experiences led her to a Stankonia Writing Camp, where she had an opportunity to secure sync placements. It’s also helped her reach her biggest accomplishment today two full rebrands later with her own creative agency. 

Jade is not only an artist but a visionary. She runs her own creative agency, A Forest for My Trees, LLC, blending branding and music together. She is also launching a new performance platform called, Welcome to The Forest Mic Sessions, which prioritizes positive and introspective music. 

Jade is not only an artist but a visionary. She runs her own creative agency, A Forest for My Trees, LLC, blending branding and music together. She is also launching a new performance platform called, Welcome to The Forest Mic Sessions, which prioritizes positive and introspective music. 

“I love all types of music, but I saw a need for this as we are constantly being fed things that lack positive, spirit-feeding wavelengths,” she explains. “There is a time and place for everything, but I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I need my spirit fed more often than not.”

“I love all types of music, but I saw a need for this as we are constantly being fed things that lack positive, spirit-feeding wavelengths,” she explains. “There is a time and place for everything, but I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I need my spirit fed more often than not.”

Just one day after International Women’s Day, Jade drops the first episode of Welcome to The Forest Mic Sessions on March 9. Similarly, her last single “You’re My Baby” was released last year on March 8. 

Just one day after International Women’s Day, Jade drops the first episode of Welcome to The Forest Mic Sessions on March 9. Similarly, her last single “You’re My Baby” was released last year on March 8. 

For Jade, Women’s History Month is a moment, but the impact of her and other women’s contributions to the world is a constant. 

For Jade, Women’s History Month is a moment, but the impact of her and other women’s contributions to the world is a constant. 

“Being a woman, being courageous, and breaking the societal norm of being ‘seen and not heard’ is important,” she asserts. “Quiet women rarely make history.” Her mission is clear: to tell stories that reflect the complexities of Black womanhood, whether or not the world is ready to listen. “If I can’t change the entire world, I have the power, impact, and responsibility to change MY world. That’s historic for me.”

“Being a woman, being courageous, and breaking the societal norm of being ‘seen and not heard’ is important,” she asserts. “Quiet women rarely make history.” Her mission is clear: to tell stories that reflect the complexities of Black womanhood, whether or not the world is ready to listen. “If I can’t change the entire world, I have the power, impact, and responsibility to change MY world. That’s historic for me.”

Jade’s work is a testament to resilience, creativity, and unwavering self-belief. Whether through music, visuals, or community-building, she is carving out space for herself and others, making history in every note. With a growing legacy and an undying love for art, Jade Forest is not just riding the wave—she’s creating her own.

Jade’s work is a testament to resilience, creativity, and unwavering self-belief. Whether through music, visuals, or community-building, she is carving out space for herself and others, making history in every note. With a growing legacy and an undying love for art, Jade Forest is not just riding the wave—she’s creating her own.