Mariea Antoinette Finds New Power in “Afrika,” Her First Foray Into World Music

R&B/jazz harpist Mariea Antoinette returned from a recent trip to Africa feeling transformed. What she encountered there—the elevated energy, deep-rooted wisdom, lingering pain, and overwhelming beauty—reshaped her creatively. The continent’s vibrant cities, joyful markets, breathtaking landscapes, flavorful foods, and the grace of its Indigenous communities offered her an experience far richer than any images she had known from afar. When she came home to San Diego, she brought that emotional imprint straight to the studio, teaming with producer Allan Phillips to create “Afrika,” now a chart-topping single and a contender for a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Global Music Performance. The song serves as the first glimpse of her forthcoming fourth album, Fierce, arriving next year.

Known for her genre-blending approach—funk, soul, hip-hop, contemporary jazz, and reimagined R&B classics—Antoinette enters new territory with “Afrika.” The track incorporates African musical textures, percussive rhythms, and subtle sonic nuances while keeping her harp front and center. Her playing becomes the guiding voice through this musical journey: sometimes delicate, sometimes bold, always deeply expressive. The song feels like a celebration, a homecoming, and a spiritual reunion, punctuated by a vocal chorus chanting the single word “Afrika.”

Antoinette describes the piece as a world anthem—a tribute to humanity’s birthplace and a reminder of the global ties that bind communities of African descent. Reflecting on everything from the blood diamond conflicts in Sierra Leone to the struggles in Congo, from the resilience of African Americans and Afro-South Americans to the mistreatment of Aboriginal peoples, she sought to create a piece rooted in connection. “‘Afrika’ carries the heartbeat of humanity itself,” she said. “Its creativity, its intellectual power, its energy, and even the untamed beauty of its wildlife. By honoring and healing Africa, we also honor and heal ourselves.”

The recording brings together a talented ensemble: Allan Phillips on keyboards, percussion, and vocals; drummer Tiki Pasillas; bassist Nathan Brown; guitarist Evan Marks; trumpeter Derek Cannon; tenor saxophonist John Rekevics; trombonist Jordan Morita; the AP All Stars Strings; and vocalist Natalya Phillips. The accompanying music video amplifies the spiritual and cultural energy of the song.

For Antoinette, the potential of a GRAMMY® nomination carries a special significance. She sees it not only as recognition of her artistry but also as an opportunity to elevate the harp—a rarely spotlighted instrument—to the global contemporary stage. Through “Afrika,” she believes she has connected the harp to Africa’s expansive rhythms, spirit, and natural majesty.

A visionary artist grounded in classical training but fearless in pushing boundaries, Antoinette has long been a force in contemporary music. Her recordings frequently climb the Billboard charts, with her single “Overture” dominating the No. 1 spot for thirteen weeks. She has dazzled audiences at prestigious venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, played major jazz festivals, performed with Ne-Yo at the BET Awards, and even entertained First Lady Michelle Obama. With “Afrika,” she opens a new chapter—one rooted in ancestry, artistic evolution, and global connection.