Ten minute tea with Afternoon Tea. Spend ten minutes with Afternoon Tea. In the time it takes to boil one kettle, and let one cup of tea steep, we will have your daily art + music fix covered. Take your afternoon tea break with our Afternoon Tea curators.
Today’s tea + soundtrack + visuals are curated by Neela. Vancouver-born and Toronto-based East Indian artist, Neela, is rising to become an original voice in the Canadian music scene. Her unique soulful voice has been compared to the likes of Jhene Aiko, Fantasia, and Snoh Alegra. Her wide range, and smooth yet sultry vocal quality allows for versatility in styles ranging from R&B, soul, pop, folk, and EDM.
“You’ll Never Know” is a song inspired by domestic violence and abused boundaries – whether that’s physically, sexually, or otherwise. Neela wanted to transform this pain and turn it into music. The abuser will never know the damage they’ve caused with their actions.
Neela‘s song is about empowerment and expressing anger and frustration with injustice. While the subject is sensitive and raw, she explores the other side of this pain; resentment, strength to move forward despite the hurt, and acceptance.
Violence against women is prevalent and heart-wrenching, and unfortunately Neela has witnessed and felt this in her personal life and globally. 4.7 million women report sexual assault at least once in their lifetime. One in three women have reported physical violence by an intimate partner. In Canada and globally, we need to bring attention to the public of the horrific issue of murdered and missing Indigenous women and children.
– one piece of music
This song is so beautifully sung by Arooj Aftab, one of my most favorite artists who brings so much soul into her voice. I love listening to this because it immediately shifts my mood into a more peaceful state and reminds me of home. It’s a romantic love song and I get goosebumps every time listening to the arrangement paired with her voice. This song is for all the romantics ❤
– one visual
This photo is so powerful and is a part of a collection called Faces of God taken by Purusha Anokhei. I love her work and how she captures the beauty and complexity of Indigenous people around the world. The mata in the photo is a part of my ancestry and she is a reflection of timeless beauty. It’s nice to see art where there is power and beauty in aging and showcasing the rawness of life.
– tea
Well I’m currently in India, so I have to say chai! I love the aromatic smells and spices in the tea, and I started making it since I was a kid for my family. So not to brag, but I make really great chai that soothes the soul. ❤
Tea + Me 