Ni Maxine 'Strange Love' | Live from Sage Gateshead
Ni Maxine is a Neo-Jazz Singer-Songwriter; a black woman navigating the modern world and exploring themes of home, identity, self-esteem and belonging. It is a testament to Ni Maxine’s talent that so soon after taking her art seriously, her song ‘Justice’ was selected as BBC Radio 1’s Tip of the Week.
“I would like to be like a Billie Holiday of the 21st Century,” she says. “As an artist, I have the responsibility to reflect the times and to uplift people.”
Based in Liverpool, Maxine draws inspiration from her childhood split between Bristol and London, steeped in deep cultural reference-points of black history. She recalls her father’s love of jazz, her mother’s love of funk and rare groove, as well as her Sunday mornings in a gospel church, where she first learned to sing.
Her message is clear; “I want to inspire young people who are having (or had) a similar experience to what I had, growing up, and cultivate community. The algorithm divides us, but we are more powerful when we are united.”
‘Strange Love’ was recorded live in Sage Two at our third From the Glasshouse gig – an amazing series of gigs with special one-off performances, intimate sets, the occasional surprise guest and a cosy and relaxed feel. Offering up a place for you to discover your new favourite artist.
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