For Sea Akosua Davis, it never ended with just dancing. Growing up, she has always had the energy to do both. Sea is basically Tanisha Scott with soaring vocals. Humble, full of energy, and unapologetically Black, she is your modern-day entertainer. With just a year into her singing career, her first two singles are enough proof she may well be the world’s most rational optimist. She looks at everyday problems pragmatically and unflinchingly, with the knowledge that, in more ways than one, you are all you have, prioritizing herself, but also with a rare emotional nuance that allows this truth to coexist with a stubborn belief in the power of old-fashioned concepts like mercy, hope, and love.
“PEACE RIDDIM” has all those qualities, and on her latest single, “ATTN,” she sets her priorities straight. For iMullar, the Ghanaian singer-songwriter discusses the heavy themes of her latest single and life as an artist dabbling between two of her favorite hobbies.
Your craft is a testament to your talent. In your own words, how did the process of switching to an artist start? Was there any specific moment that confirmed the switch for you? Can you walk me through the shift in perspective that led to this change?
I don’t think the switch happened overnight. I think it has been my entire life in the making. I was enrolled in a professional dance school at four, did photography at GCSE, wrote novels and poetry, acted through to A-Level… creativity has always been at the center of my life. Music is like the culmination of all of it. I used to hide behind it a little, though. I’d sing with friends, do choir, backing vocals, write for other people, but I had really bad stage fright, so I never saw myself as the artist.
The real shift happened during lockdown when I started ghostwriting for artist friends. They kept pushing me to get behind the mic myself. I went into the studio kicking and screaming, but the moment I heard the playback, something clicked. It felt like every creative thing I’d done up until that point suddenly made sense in one place.
Before your switch, did you have any experience in music or was it all new to you?
Music has always been here. I remember blasting albums at full volume in my bedroom, singing every track from intro to outro. I was constantly performing around the house, imagining spotlights, creating songs and harmonies with my best friend… it was an expression for me, so it was also private to me. Always there, just untapped, if that makes sense.
What is the greatest challenge for you so far on your path to be one of the refined performers of our time?
Getting out of my own way. I had to realize that the key to this is being fully myself. That means speaking in my own language instead of trying to fit into somebody else’s idea of what an artist should be. I’m learning to trust that what makes me different is actually the whole point. I’m not trying to be a copy of anyone. I sit somewhere between an Alté baddie and a pop star, and that crossover requires a lot of self-belief. I am going to use all the mediums I’ve learned along the way to try and express that. The challenge is really about honoring the artist I see for myself, not just the version other people expect to see.
“ATTN” is a beautiful sentiment, and one that reflects on your theme, Marsha P. How did that record come about?
I was tired of feeling uncomfortable with receiving attention and how weak that made me feel. I didn’t notice this was intimidation or desire people projected onto me. I thought admitting that was arrogance, but it doesn’t matter to me anymore because I seek more; I seek depth. I ended up owning that attention, toying with it, and then wielding it on this track.
What was the experience like working with Mike Millz?
Millz was the first established producer to not only give me a chance, but let me express myself freely. He works with you knowing your identity is important, not against you. That’s my big brother for real. I’d trust him with my wildest ideas.
Any features in the future? What’s next for SEA THE UFO after ATTN?
I am really targeting features after this drop and have been working on a couple of things. You’re always going to see evolution and growth around these sides!
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