How Music Minds Matter helped Kemi find her way back to music

Kemi is a soulful British singer-songwriter and music entrepreneur from East London, known for her nostalgic R&B sound and uplifting, authentic storytelling. She’s also the founder of Sulola Music, a boutique studio and community platform built on a simple ethos: music for all.

Her journey hasn’t been easy. Just as her career was taking off, Kemi began experiencing severe health issues – chronic fatigue, headaches, and eye pain – later diagnosed as Neurosarcoidosis. ​“I just couldn’t really do anything,” she recalls. Homebound and supported by her parents, she kept writing, even penning an album during a hospital stay that was never released. ​“When you’re in the thick of things, it’s quite hard to be so open about it.”

Unable to travel or access studios, she converted a nearby garage into a creative space that grew into something bigger – a studio, a teaching space, and a community hub. As her health stabilised, she led a 12-week music programme for local artists, giving her a renewed sense of purpose: ​“It gave me the flexibility to recover but still create and earn from what I loved.” This inspired Kemi to keep opening the studio space for communal events and workshops under the name Sulola Studios.

But recovery wasn’t just physical. Kemi faced overwhelming uncertainty and creative blocks. That’s when Music Minds Matter became a lifeline. She accessed therapy at two pivotal moments: ​“The first one was when I was still in the thick of it… It was like, how do I still do my music but deal with this?” The second round, which she’s recently undergone, focused on recovery and direction: ​“Now, where can I go from here?”

The sessions were practical and grounding. Kemi especially values the tools she could take away: ​“One therapist sent me a prioritising sheet… I still use it. It’s something I keep with me and refer to often.” For her, having someone who understood the pressures of music and could offer consistent support made all the difference: ​“It wasn’t just about talking – it was about finding ways forward.”

Inspired by her experience, Kemi now advocates for mental health in music. She’s hosted wellness days, run surveys, and shared insights to help shape better support. ​“The days of romanticising struggle and self-destruction for the sake of the art weren’t healthy,” she says. ​“Yes, we may create great songs, but how are you supposed to perform that song and maintain doing so if you still haven’t dealt with the trauma or sought help for your situation? There is help out there.”

Today, Kemi feels stronger – mentally, physically, and creatively. ​“It’s been quite a journey, and for a long time, I was stuck in a huge creative block. But now, I’m finally getting back to myself, maybe an even better self, and I can get back to what I love most: making music.” 

Hear her music here.