Harmony Samuels, the Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum-selling producer-songwriter, has made an indelible mark on music by working with icons like Beyoncé, Janet Jackson and Ariana Grande. Known for crafting hits like Destiny’s Child’s “Say Yes” and Janet Jackson’s “Made for Now”, Samuels has a knack for merging the sounds of the diaspora with mainstream appeal. However, his dedication to supporting emerging artists is just as pivotal to his legacy.
His recent collaboration with Summer Dennis, a Caribbean-R&B fusion singer whose track “Pink Lotus” featuring Kaash Paige is a blend of different Black music. With the remix earning placement on Spotify’s Fresh Finds, Apple Music’s New in R&B, and Amazon’s Breakthrough R&B, Dennis is an artist whose voice and story are poised to resonate far and wide.
Harmony Samuels’ journey from leading his church choir as a child in London to becoming one of the industry’s most sought-after producers is steeped in a deep love for music and culture. “We went to a white garment church. There were a lot of Afrocentric cultural elements that took place, Samuels reflected. “That also played a big role in the way I hear music because it wasn’t like your traditional gospel or American gospel church.”
His passion for Afrobeat and R&B helped define hits like Tiwa Savage’s Kele Kele Love and Destiny’s Child’s Say Yes. For Samuels, these tracks are more than just songs; they’re cultural bridges. “I always knew I had a responsibility to our culture to show that. When the opportunity arose [to bring a Nigerian hymn, ‘Say Yes,’ to Destiny’s Child], and I saw how influential I could be without saying much, I took it.”
Even as he works with the world’s biggest stars, Samuels remains committed to championing new voices. “I see it as my responsibility to help those who are one record away from success,” he explained. “There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing an artist breakthrough.”
One of those artists is Summer Dennis. For Summer Dennis, music has been a constant presence in her life. Raised in a Caribbean-American household, she grew up singing in her church’s praise team while soaking in the sounds of gospel, reggae and R&B icons like Natalie Cole, Earth, Wind & Fire and George Clinton. But her journey to becoming an artist wasn’t without its challenges.
“Well, it’s been a long journey. I was a praise team baby. I don’t know if you got raised in church, but I went to praise team with my mom, like, since I was a baby. My dad was a sound guy at church,” Dennis shared.
Dennis has been honing her craft for many years, from her church choir to weddings and now her own festivals and shows. She has been transparent by sharing her grind outside of music, in order to help fund her career – a reality for many modern musicians.
Dennis remains focused on her music, a vibrant blend of dancehall, R&B and touches of Afrobeats. She takes an intentional approach to crafting her songs, balancing lighthearted, fun messages with deeper, more sensitive topics. She aims to challenge expectations of what women should express in their music, explaining, “I don’t think women should have to fit into molds, but we often do. Women like Kaash Paige are breaking those molds. For me, I try to write music that talks about real situations rather than just, ‘Oh, I found my husband, I’m so in love, or I’m going to have a baby.’”
Dennis is set to continue working on next body of work and is constantly writing and working on her craft. As Dennis builds on this momentum, her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance, authenticity and collaboration.
