(September 16, 2019) Affecting and evocative, with all the intensity of a prayer yet the fervor of an R&B torch ballad, it’s hard to ignore Tamaraebi‘s latest single, “Heaven’s Gate.” Penned and performed by the Nigerian-born musical prodigy (he recently scored a publishing deal with the iconic Sony/ATV), his style is distinctive yet familiar, combining a falsetto reminiscent of Maxwell and the carnality/spiritual meld of an early Prince as he conveys the heaven and hell of serial monogamy, feeding his physical desires with many even as his heart and soul endure the hollow remains left behind: “Let the rain fall down on me, wash off the dirt on my skin/purify my mind again, forgive me for my sins…..see I wanted true love, but in this moment, so tough/I must admit I gave it up.”
The first single from the EP of the same name, “Heaven’s Gate” feels destined to become an anthem of struggling and reformed lotharios, even people warring with themselves and the world at large about expectations and falling short. In such image-conscious and turbulent times, who among us couldn’t stand to sing along with the humbling refrain, “Lord forgive me, don’t judge?”
By Melody Charles
Tamaraebi – “Heaven’s Gate”
