Seinabo Sey to Bare Her Swedish Soul to El Rey

Stephanie Hernandez

There must be something in Sweden’s water system lately and whatever it is, singer Seinabo Sey has taken a huge sip. Breaking out from practical anonymity to global sensation just one year after the release of her debut EP “For Madeleine” in 2014. Tastemakers and music lovers looking for their new obsession can catch Seinabo Sey at the El Rey Theatre.

Seinabo Sey was born in Stockholm to her father Maudo Sey, a renowned West African musician; it is no surprise Sey decided to plant her roots in the world of music. Her parents discovered the power of her voice early on and placed Seinabo in Östergårdsskolan’s music program for musically gifted youth. Inspired by female R&B vocalists like Alicia Keys and Beyoncé, Sey found herself putting her academic aspirations aside to pursue a career in music instead. Graduating from Fryshusets University with a degree in soul music, Seinabo teamed up with producer Magnus Lidehäll to release her first single, “Younger” in 2013. Sey’s blend of soul and pop music garnered critical acclaim in Sweden and eventually caught the attention of Norwegian DJ Kygo. Soon thereafter Kygo released a remix of Sey’s track that exploded on dance charts around the world. In October of the following year, Seinabo Sey released her first EP, “For Madeleine.” The EP’s success won Sey a performance slot on the 2014 Swedish Grammy Awards as well as the opportunity to play the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

Her four-track follow up EP, “For Maudo” hit iTunes March 2015 and has only continued to build the excitement over Seinabo Sey’s name. If amazing vocals and soul music sound like a match made in heaven, Sey might be your guardian angel.

Catch Seinabo Sey at the El Rey Theatre June 9. Tickets available here.