About the performance

From the Darkness to Light Live is a live interpretation of the studio album From the Darkness to Light by British Moroccan artist Noraay. Her music incorporates thought-provoking, honest lyrics with neo-soul, pop, hip-hop, electronic and Arabic music styles. Noraay and her band offer audiences a personal perspective on life, exploring the emancipation of women, spirituality, real love and more.

Key Personnel

Noraay - Artist, Lead singer

Production Information

Running time at full length: 30 minutes

Suitable for all ages

Medium use of lyrics

Use of live music

English performance but can be appreciated by non-English speakers

Touring Information

Small scale (up to 400 seats) or Medium scale show (400-800 seats)

Appropriate for an indoor venue or any setting with a backline.

Number of people on tour: 6

Number of performers on stage: 5

Available to tour from October 2011

Suitable for rural touring

Company History

In 2005 Noraay self-released her debut EP 'First Glance' performing extensively across the South East to a wide range of audiences. The last few years have seen Noraay work on her debut album collaborating with producers such as Naughty Boy (Chipmunk, Bashy, Tinie Tempah, Emeli Sandi) and Drew Horley ((Mercury Nomination 2004, two UK Hip Hop Awards 2002, Natalie Williams, Ty, Immanuel Jah) .

Noraay took part in the BBC Showcase project run in the South East and was recently selected and took part in Serious’s Move On Up professional development program. Noraay has performed in numerous venues/events in Brighton and London including the Komedia (supporting Terri Walker), Brighton and Hove International Women's Day, Radio One Live (for Decibel SE), Womad (as part of As Is) as well as smaller pubs, clubs and events. Performances have mainly been either PA or with a backing track and percussionist, guitarist and keyboard player.

2011 will see Noraay release her long-awaited debut album 'From the Darkness to Light'. For the first time Noraay will work with a full band to share the music with audiences in the UK and abroad.

Recent Productions / Tours

Noraay has spent the last two years predominately writing music in the studio and performing occasionally at charitable events. 2011 will be the first time Noraay has embarked on touring.

Reviews

"Noraay is an engaging and thoughtful singer songwriter blessed with an engaging voice that makes you want to listen to what she has to say and she has plenty to say. She has an insightful assured style that draws on the musical influence of her dual heritage. Noraay paints vivid pictures with her music to create a sound that has unexpected depth and reach. She has the talent, ambition and desire to go on to become a major artist."
(Rita Ray – world music DJ and broadcaster (BBC World Service, BBC 3 & 4), 2011)

"I have been working and nurturing talented musicians for over 20 years in the music industry as an A&R man. I fully believe that Noraay is an exceptional talent. As a singer she has her own unique style that fits into several genres but has its own twist that can help her to gain her own recognition. She is also a gifted songwriter who is able to blend cross cultural references and a different take on gender politics that makes it vital that her voice is given an opportunity to be heard in a music marketplace where genuine original talent with something to say is in short supply."
(Paul Martin - former Head of A&R Talkin Loud and Def Jam UK, 2011)

“Noraay has all the makings of getting seriously noticed..reminiscent of India.Aire and Erykah Badu...her music is as cool as you can get.."
(Luv Magazine, 2005)

"I'm reminded of Massive Attack before they got so gloomy…touches of Natacha Atlas…the tenderness of The Sundays and Morcheeba and Nelly Furtado in there too. A confident, content performance, like she knows she's going places and plans to relish the journey." (RealBrighton.com, 2005)