The Alabama-born artist’s debut with Secretly Canadian pays tribute to her heritage and the transformation that accompanies motherhood.
14 · 02 · 2025
Southern-raised alternative RnB singer-songwriter Mereba brings a sense of maturity and self-discovery with her sophomore album, ‘The Breeze Grew a Fire’. The project’s core philosophy focuses on nostalgia and enduring relationships, stemming from Mereba’s desire to reconnect with her inner child; it’s an exploration of new experiences largely influenced by motherhood, family stories, and the rediscovery of hidden thoughts and aspirations. “I was trying to find my way back to myself first. What do I like? What do I want to hear? What do I want to say to people now?” Mereba shared about the creation of the album.
For her inaugural release on Secretly Canadian, Mereba enlisted her longtime production partner Sam Hoffman to help shape the album’s sound. Together, Hoffman and Mereba imbue the tracks with a warmth reminiscent of folklore, resulting from the closeness of their DIY recording sessions. The lead single ‘Counterfeit’ launches the album with a melody evoking memories of a soda shop jukebox, featuring raw lines like “Friends transactions / Money-drenched passions”. The pre-chorus introduces soulful harmonies and ad-libs that effortlessly flow into the ethereal, mantra-like chorus where Mereba reminds listeners of their authenticity.
Motherhood marked a significant artistic shift for Mereba. The radiant ‘Starlight (my baby)’ serves as a heartfelt love song for her son, born in 2021; Mereba sings, “starlight follows you, fear is make believe”, assuring her son that he already possesses all the light in the world. Echoing Lauryn Hill’s tribute to her son, ‘Zion’, Mereba’s message of affirmation and self-love imbues the album with a deep sense of intimacy.
Tracks like ‘Ever Needed’ and ‘Phone Me’ express Mereba’s gratitude for the unwavering support from her loved ones during both the brightest and darkest moments of her life. In these “loyalty anthems,” her profound love and thankfulness resonate in every note and celebratory line. The title track features a vulnerable, reflective spoken word segment where Mereba quietly states, “My eyes blinds closed / But what kept light from leaving, kept it from coming in too”.
In many respects, this album represents a journey home. With an unforgettable chorus and graceful vocals, ‘Heart of a Child’ captures Mereba’s return to her paternal roots in Ethiopia, as stringed instruments from Abyssinia complement the song’s thoughtful lyrics and playful essence. The hymnal album closer ‘Sanctuary’ encapsulates the safe spaces Mereba cultivates within herself; this standout track serves as a route back to one’s true self, enriched with transcendent harmonies and chants.
Musically, ‘The Breeze Grew a Fire’ is a tranquil and minimalist creation. Mereba delivers melodic raps over mellow hip-hop beats in ‘Meteorite’ and ‘Hawk’, followed by airy harmonies in the spiritual ‘Wild Sky’, funky vibes in ‘White Doves’, and ancestral tones in ‘Spirit Guiding’, highlighting her subtle versatility. ‘The Breeze Grew a Fire’ is a joyful contemplation on the revelations of parenthood and how these insights connect her to her roots and her surrounding world—a soothing balm for a world in chaos.
9/10
Words: Melvin Boateng
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Southern-bred alternative RnB artist Mereba exudes a sense of maturity and self-discovery on her second album, 'The Breeze Grew a Fire.’