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Zee Dyasi Honors the Legacy of D’Angelo with a Soulful Reimagining of “Send It On”
Introduction
Neo-soul has always been rooted in honesty, feeling, and musicianship values that were deeply embodied by the legendary D’Angelo. His influence continues to shape artists across the world, and now, South African vocalist Zee Dyasi steps into that legacy with a heartfelt reinterpretation of “Send It On.”
Working alongside Paris Mark Toon and the acclaimed neo-soul collective Mothers Favorite Child, Dyasi brings a fresh yet respectful perspective to the classic one that honors the past while embracing her own voice and story.
In this Feed feature, she reflects on the meaning behind the tribute, the creative process, and the emotional intention that shaped her performance.
Honoring a Legacy Through Music
Being part of a tribute to D’Angelo carries deep emotional weight for Dyasi. For her, it’s about more than just revisiting a classic it’s about recognizing the impact his artistry has had on the sound and soul of music itself.
“His music represents a level of honesty and musicality that shaped neo-soul,” she shares. “It reminds artists that music can be soulful, raw, and deeply human at the same time.”
Balancing Respect and Self-Expression
Approaching a song as beloved as “Send It On” required a careful balance between honoring the original and allowing her own identity to come through.
“For me, it started with respect for the original,” she explains. “I spent time understanding the emotion behind it. Once you connect with the heart of the song, your own voice can naturally find its place.”
Rather than imitate, Dyasi leaned into authenticity letting her tone, phrasing, and vocal textures guide the story.
Reflecting on D’Angelo’s Artistry
Throughout the process, it was the honesty in D’Angelo’s delivery that resonated most deeply with her.
“The honesty in his artistry stood out to me the most,” she says. “Neo-soul allows space for emotion, for imperfection and that really influenced how I approached the vocals.”
It’s that sense of humanity the groove, the vulnerability that became a guiding force in her interpretation.
A Creative Connection with Paris Mark Toon
Collaboration played a key role in shaping the final sound of the record. Working with Paris Mark Toon allowed for a shared vision rooted in authenticity and respect for the genre.
“Paris and I connected through our respect for the musical roots of neo-soul,” Dyasi explains. “There was a clear understanding that the music needed to feel organic and true to its origins.”
Capturing the Right Energy in the Studio
That shared vision translated into an environment that encouraged instinct and emotional expression.
“The energy was very musical and collaborative,” she says. “It allowed me to respond emotionally rather than overthink every note. That’s where the real feeling comes from.”
It’s an approach that prioritizes connection over perfection something that defines the essence of neo-soul.
Understanding the Message of “Send It On”
At its core, “Send It On” carries a timeless and universal message one that resonated deeply with Dyasi.
“What stood out to me is the idea of sharing love and positive energy,” she explains. “It’s about passing something meaningful forward, whether it’s love, kindness, or wisdom.”
Shaping the Vocal Performance
To bring that message to life, Dyasi focused on restraint and storytelling within her vocal delivery.
“Instead of overpowering the track, I leaned into subtle dynamics and phrasing,” she says. “Neo-soul lives in those quiet, intimate moments.”
The result is a performance that feels both grounded and emotionally rich.
The Power of Live Musicianship
A defining element of the recording is its use of live instrumentation something that significantly influenced her interpretation.
“When musicians play with real groove and soul, the voice becomes part of that conversation,” she shares. “It allows the performance to feel more expressive and spontaneous.”
Bridging South Africa and the United States
Despite recording from South Africa while collaborating with musicians in the United States, the creative connection remained strong.
“It showed how music can connect people across distance,” she reflects. “That shared love for the sound brought everything together naturally.”
A Message for Listeners
Ultimately, Dyasi hopes the song resonates on a deeply human level.
“I hope listeners feel the warmth and sincerity in the performance,” she says. “If it inspires someone to share love or kindness with someone else, then the message has truly been passed on.”
A sentiment that beautifully echoes the spirit of the original and ensures that its legacy continues to live on.
As D’Angelo once said: send it on.
Photo’s By Delmaine Donson
Article Written By : Romeo Mashala
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