Edei

Edei is a UK singer-songwriter associated with soul and acoustic pop. She is from London and describes herself as rooted in the United Kingdom, despite a look that could suggest otherwise.

Early life and influences

She begins singing very young and grows up hearing a wide range of music at home and in her own listening. Rod Stewart is an early influence, and she later cites Marvin Gaye, Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Lauryn Hill among the artists who shape her taste. She also has a Spanish-language tattoo reading creencia, meaning belief, which she treats as an important personal word.

Early performances and first television appearance

As a child, Edei performs in the West End production of Annie. At about 10 years old, she sings on television with Jay-Z on Top of the Pops during a performance of “Hard Knock Life”.

Building a solo career

In her teens, she studies drama full-time but turns more fully towards music after finding the course uninspiring. She starts developing herself as a solo artist, writing to producers she admires and seeking performance opportunities, while turning down routes such as girl groups and television talent shows. She also tours the UK with Girls Aloud, supporting them across 36 dates and performing to large arena audiences.

Recordings and collaborators

Edei works with Boston-born producer and co-writer Misreid, with whom she develops a pop, funk and soul-based sound. They record material in New York with backing singers who work with Mary J. Blige and a brass section associated with Alicia Keys. Conner Reeves also contributes as a co-writer. Tom Elmhirst mixes her recordings, including work linked with Amy Winehouse and Adele.

Singles and album

Her debut single is “In My Bed”, followed by “Loved”, which is built around Jackie Wilson’s “To Be Loved”. She also records “Inside Information”, described as part of the material for her debut album Inside Information. The album is in preparation alongside her work on these singles.

Musical direction

Edei’s work is described through a soul-led pop sound, with an emphasis on strong vocals and independence in how she develops her career. Her background includes early exposure to big-name pop and soul artists, West End performance, and live touring experience with major acts.