While her father Milton Blake is a veteran singer and she grew up around popular artists, Danai had no intention of following in his footsteps by becoming a professional singer. But when he urged her to cover Sade’s ‘By Your Side’, she agreed.

Produced by Blake for his Lion and Lioness Productionz, it was released in early July and is her first song. 

“I have mixed emotions to be honest. I'm a very private person and this is the first time I'd be putting myself ‘out there’ in this way, so it definitely feels different. But I love music and resonate with this song so much, especially at this point in my life,” said Danai.

Based in Canada, she is a service hub representative who works in higher education. Although helping students earn their certificates, diplomas, and degrees is fulfilling, being around music all her life is also exciting.

“I grew up with mostly reggae, so Bob Marley, Luciano (I call him Uncle Luci), Mikey General (Uncle Mikey), Garnet Silk, Beres Hammond, Capleton, and the list goes on and on. When I branched off, I was all into the love songs…R&B and soul music,” said Danai.

Blake, who lives in Ohio, is her biggest influence. He made his name on the Central Village sound system circuit and has recorded songs for several producers as well as three albums.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL