KANIKA 'IT'S MY BODY'

THE AFROPOP ANTHEM IS A BATTLE CRY: TO UNITE, PROTEST ROE V WADE & DEMAND AUTONOMY OVER OUR OWN BODIES.

“IT’S MY BODY makes bold political statements. It is an intriguing mixture of fun rhythms and production that make you want to dance. The combination is certainly unusual, and I think helps deliver the message. The vocalist is talented, and you can hear that they really believe the words that are being said.” SPOTIFY PLAYLIST CURATOR, GABRIELLE

TRIGGER WARNING: CONVERSATION SURROUNDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE & INSTITUTIONAL INJUSTICE

In 1969, a 25 yearold single woman, Norma McCorvey using the pseudonym “Jane Roe”, challenged the criminal abortion laws in Texas – forbade abortion as unconstitutional, except in cases where the mother’s life was in danger. Ms McCorvey was pregnant with her third child when she filed the case, and alleged that she had been raped. But the case was rejected and she was forced to give birth. In 1973 her appeal made it to the US Supreme Court, where her case was heard alongside that of a 20 yearold, Sandra Bensing. By a vote of seven to two, the court justices ruled that governments lacked the power to prohibit abortions, and judged that a woman’s right to terminate her pregnancy was protected by the US constitution. As a society in 2022, we see ourselves regressing. The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Mississippi’s ban on abortions and in doing so, it has effectively ended the constitutional right to an abortion for millions of US women. Individual states are now able to ban the procedure again, with the universal expectation that half of the country is expected to introduce new restrictions or bans imminently – removing basic human rights synonymously.

An activist curator and cultural spokesperson, KANIKA is a musician native to Baltimore, who deeply resonates with the injustices occurring on our doorstep. ‘It’s My Body’ is one of the highly anticipated songs on her 3rd solo album, coming Spring 2023. Invoking and facilitating conversations around important societal themes, Kanika’s work truly embodies the meaning of unity, female empowerment, and freedom of expression. Despite centralizing upon heavy topics, such music proves technically beautiful and atmospheric.

Layering uptempo dance tracks with soulful ballads over rock guitar, Kanika proves undefined by genre. Coupled with thought provoking lyricism and powerful vocals, ‘It’s My Body’ encompasses a melodic narration of lived experiences from the United States. Not her first political statement in protest, Kanika sang for over 24 hours straight in Washington DC, to break the record of the longest filibuster and demand the Senate pass the Freedom to Vote Act. Also a finalist in the Songs For Good national writing contest during the 2020 election cycle, her “Vote in 2020” soundtrack for democracy became one of the top TikTok sounds used by voters across the US – contrasting from The Real Housewives of Potomac to Sports Illustrated swimsuit models. A career day frequent flyer and TED Talk speaker, Kanika advocates for economic equality and has assisted over 1,000 unemployed Baltimore residents in receiving workforce training to acquire a healthcare career.

Well established in the proactive grassroot subculture, Kanika aims to change the world with the lyrics of her music, and to be the type of artist that can create unity through song. Hailed as a high energy performer with a catchy spark, Kanika is an accomplished singer, songwriter and “Artivist” who uses her gift of music and voice to uplift the world and inspire awareness and social change.

“PERFECT song and message and a great performance as well” BYON WILLIAM HARRIS, PRESIDENT OF BWH MUSIC GROUP

Where and how was the track produced?

The track was produced in collaboration with a Nigerian producer who is making noise in the world of afrobeat music. My core production team resides in Baltimore, MD and consists of songwriting partner John “JG” Gordon who is a veteran music producer and recording engineer, with over 30 years in the music industry working with some of the most iconic artists from Prince and Stevie Wonder, to DMX, Dru Hill and more.

What motivated you?

I create music because I believe words are power and music can have a message. I create music because I believe in the power of music to amplify social change/The release was inspired by the Supreme Court’s decision to end a woman’s right to decide what’s best for her body?although the song was written almost 1 year before RoevWade was overturned.

Who would you recommend your audience to listen to?

Pink and her protest song Irrelevant; Lizzo’s new album “Special”; Alessia Cara (Scars) and ME

What's your favourite song?

Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror. Such a simple yet honest message. Change starts with me…with each of us. This song inspires me to use my gift of music and voice to write/share messages of inspiration, motivation, controversy AND more. AND to not feel like my music won’t be commercially accepted. After all, the King of POP was a master at making people think about important issues, while still keeping us dancing.

@kanikamusic