India’s empowering words are critical in a world where too few women recognize their worth. The lyrics, “I’m not the average girl from your video and I ain’t built like a supermodel, but I learned to love myself unconditionally. Because I am a queen,” resonated with ladies everywhere. India Arie embodies strength and self-acceptance. The soul songstress disclosed to Oprah Winfrey that after years of healing and meditation she had a “spiritual awakening.” This “aha moment” Arie gained from introspective practices that would inspire her latest EP “Songversation: Medicine.” In an interview with The South Florida Times, Arie shared that, “My wish is that these songs bring softness, clarity, calm and inspiration.” 3 She inspires self-love. India Arie advocates mindfulness whether that be with prayer, meditation, yoga or simply a moment of silence. It’s about being more me in both my life and career.” She continued, “It’s about not having anything to prove except to simply express myself because it’s who I am - not as a means to an end. Arie disclosed in the interview that with this album she stepped into her own power for the first time. Photo via Instagram years after her retirement, Arie produced her fifth studio album “Songversation” which Vibe called “chicken soup for the soul.” The record in itself was an “aha moment” for the soul artist. She let go of others’ expectations and started to write for herself again.
So I decided to retire, asking God to show me where I am supposed to be.” Arie decided that she no longer wanted to perform to fit into the music industry. “I realized I had to seize the chance to make the career and life I wanted, not accepting what others wanted me to do. Several observers dubbed this event the worst snub in Grammy history and it devastated Arie. “In 2009 I let go,” Arie told her label imprint Soulbird. In 2002, she received nominations for seven Grammys and lost in every category. 2 Spirituality guides her through life struggles. She has collaborated with artists from various facets of the music industry, such as Carlos Santana, Adele, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder and legendary pianist Joe Sample to name a few. Other iconic musicians clearly recognize what Arie brings to the table. Her talents have not just been applauded by fans. Upon the album’s release in 2009, it was number two on the R&B Chart and number three on the Billboard 200. 2 Love & Politics” didn’t do half bad either. It went certified gold and was also Motown Records’ first number one album in 12 years with over 1.3 million album sales worldwide. 1 Life & Relationship” which was Arie’s first time earning a number one spot on the Billboard 200. In 2006, she released her third album, “Testimony: Vol. Collectively she has sold over 10 million records worldwide and 3.3 million in the U.S. In 2001, her platinum debut album “Acoustic Soul” hit number three on the Top R&B and Hip-Hop Albums and reached number 10 on the U.S. India Arie is a four-time Grammy winner and throughout her career, she received 12 nominations. Photo via Instagram did she know that singing beneath the trees in Atlanta, Georgia would pay off quite like it has. I had the natural inclination, combined with musical training.” Well, it certainly has paid off. She told Relevant Magazine, “As I grew up I was always playing music, it’s all I ever did. Arie’s entire family sings, dances and plays an instrument. It wasn’t just her parents, either, she comes from a deep bloodline of artists. Her mother was a Motown singer who opened for Stevie Wonder and Al Green when she was just a teenager. The soul singer-songwriter was born in Denver, Colorado to equally talented parents Joyce and Ralph Simpson. Here are five reasons to fall in love with India Arie if you haven’t already. When this singer-songwriter releases an album, it gives listeners an insider view of Arie’s opinions and her own personal journeys. She addresses issues regarding race, religion and self-love. Her songs tackle a variety of issues that speak to the soul. However, it is the rawness and sincerity of her words that keep the fans coming back for more. India Arie is the powerful vocalist behind the empowering early 2000s anthems “Video” and “I am Not My Hair.” Her soulful tone and melodies draw in the crowd.