Felicia Alima performed with her band on Friday, May 22, at the Frequency in downtown Madison in an event to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking . The event, dubbed the Trade Show, marked the release of her single (of same name) which speaks about this oft-ignored issue. The night began with a poetry performance by Nigel Wade, Evy Gildrie-Voyles, and Caitlin McGahan. Immediately following the poets, several activists stepped-up to the microphone to share a message, and speak about the cause including Marianna Smirnova from Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance (OJA), Darius Alemzadeh from Trafficking Ends With Action (TEA), and Lilada Gee from Women of Worth (WOW).

Felicia Alima

Upon entering the venue, it was immediately noticeable that Alima had done her marketing and merchandising homework.  There were posters on the outer windows as well as on the walls of the performance space, which displayed a color scheme and theme to attract the eyes of those in attendance.  “Trade”-themed wrist bands (tradebands), were distributed with admission to the show. With merchandise and ticketing proceeds going towards the Coalition Against Trafficking In Women (CATW), the cause of the evening was a worthy one, and Miss Alima did fine work in preparing to inform and involve all of the attendees of her event. The socially-conscious urban artist was flanked by a small team at an information table, a number of fellow artists (including a six-person band), and even several photographers and videographers who were capturing all the proceedings of the entire evening.

The Frequency’s concert room swelled to capacity as DJ Pain 1 energized the crowd with several grooving numbers on the turn-tables. Soon after, Alima and her band fired into a twelve-song set which featured a nice variety of up-tempo numbers, grooving rockers, and even a few softer tunes. 

Darius Alemzadeh from TEA

About midway through the set, Alima performed the signature song of the evening, “Trade”. The mellow music served to emphasise the lyrics, which speak of the epidemic that is plaguing an alarming number of women across the world. On this song, Alima’s voice and message were clear: Stay informed and help however you feel you can.

Among a set of original music, a few covers were included, and the vibe of the evening hovered around an up-beat, dancing atmosphere. Kudos go to Ms. Alima on making this event a win-win for everyone involved.

Felicia Alima w/ Vocalists

DJ Pain 1

Felicia Alima Band

Felicia Alima Drums

FELICIA ALIMA – The Way We Do

(2006   Chantik Soul Entertainment)

With a smooth alto tone and a subtle sultry energy in her delivery, Felicia Alima is a fresh new voice in local R&B.  This debut EP, featuring smooth R&B jams interwoven with a club remix, is a fantastic introduction to the voice of this Australian born diva.  The harmonies are striking and delicate and the production is very tight and full, with acoustic guitars winding through full kick tones and techy snares.

The title track opens the EP with an immediately impressive sounding mix, with a romantic guitar progression hinting at a depth to the tune.  However, while the sounds remain solid, the song features some uninspired and uninspiring lyrics, repeating phrases and forcing rhymes into the structure.  The trend of good songs with lack-luster lyrics is maintained throughout the disc.  Granted, these are slow jams which are admittedly not intended to push too many poetic boundaries, but the lyrics on this offering often sound so forced that they sometimes get in the way of the vibe.

However, with very tight production and solid songwriting, tunes like “Nobody Else” and “Leavin’ Here Tonight,” which was nominated for a MAMA earlier this year, give Alima a solid foundation to demonstrate her considerable vocal talent.  The last song on the disc, “Stranger,” has a very unique and moving progression, with Alima’s voice dancing with nylon string guitar tones and harsh percussion.  It is a very strong finale for this collection.

Alima is a natural talent with an untrained, yet very skilled voice.  With a bit more control, a bit more training, and a bit more finesse, she has the potential to sound world-class.  However, at times her lack of training shows in her diction and phrasing.  Some of the soft notes lack control and the low notes seem a bit strained.  But the material that made it to this disc is a fantastic demonstration of young, raw talent that will benefit greatly from additional stage experience, studio time and learning what fits her voice and style.

This new release from a rising star in the local urban music scene is a solid showcase of a soulful young voice.  In time, her natural attributes would meld well with more experience and training.  With the proper dedication, energy and musical development, Alima may evolve into one of the finest voices around.