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“Sign Your Name” – Sananda Maitreya “Sign Your Name” Artist: Sananda Maitreya Album: Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby Genre: R&B / Soul Year: 1987 Listen on Spotify: “Sign Your Name” is a classic single from Sananda Maitreya’s 1987 debut album Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby . With its smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and memorable melody, it became an iconic R&B track of the late 1980s. Its timeless sound continues to influence contemporary soul and R&B artists today. Maitreya, formerly Terence Trent D'Arby, is a Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter known for hits like "Sign Your Name." He changed his name in 2001, stating it came to him in a dream as his true spiritual identity, marking a rebirth after personal struggles. Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. ...

African Chicken Peanut Stew African Chicken Peanut Stew A rich, comforting West African–inspired stew made with chicken, sweet potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes and warm spices. Hearty, aromatic and deeply flavourful! Yield: 6–8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes   Cook time: 115 minutes Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes Ingredients 2–3 lbs (1–1.4 kg) chicken legs, thighs and/or wings 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 large yellow or white onion, sliced 3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced 6–8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped 2–3 lbs (1–1.4 kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 1 × 15 oz (425 g) can crushed tomatoes 1 quart (1 litre) chicken stock 1 cup peanut butter 1 cup roasted peanuts 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste) Salt and black pepper 1/4–1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro ...

“Wish I Didn't Miss You” – Angie Stone “Wish I Didn't Miss You” Artist: Angie Stone Album: Mahogany Soul Genre: Neo-Soul / R&B Year: 2001 Listen on Spotify: “Wish I Didn't Miss You” is the crown jewel of Angie Stone’s 2001 album Mahogany Soul and one of the defining neo-soul singles of the early 2000s. Built around a masterful sample of The O’Jays’ 1972 classic “Back Stabbers,” Angie delivers raw, heartfelt emotion over that unmistakable guitar riff. The song captures the bittersweet ache of loving someone who’s no longer yours—regret, pride, and longing all wrapped into one irresistible groove. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Adult R&B chart and remains a staple on quiet-storm radio, wedding playlists, and any moment you need that perfect “I should be over you… but I’m not” vibe. Timeless, soul-stirring, and undeniably smooth. Embed powered by Spotify ...

“Use ta Be My Girl” – The O'Jays “Use Ta Be My Girl” Artist: The O'Jays Album: So Full of Love Genre: R&B / Soul Year: 1978 Listen on Spotify: “Use Ta Be My Girl” is one of those timeless R&B grooves that shows why The O’Jays remain pillars of soul music. It’s smooth, upbeat, and wrapped in the group’s unmistakable vocal blend—rich, warm, and effortless. Released in 1978 on So Full of Love , the song became a massive crossover hit, topping the R&B charts for five weeks and climbing to number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The lush melodies, confident delivery, and silky Philly soul production make it a classic that still turns heads and lifts moods decades later. A true feel-good anthem—with a groove that never quits. Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. See my other blogs 😂 Ret's ESL Jokes – Laugh & Learn...

Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew with Pearl Onions & Red Wine Beef Stiffado A classic Greek beef stew slow-cooked with pearl onions, red wine, warm spices and herbs. Rich, hearty and incredibly flavourful – perfect comfort food for colder days! Yield: 4–6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes   Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes Ingredients For the beef 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef rump (or stewing beef), cut into large chunks 4 tablespoons plain, all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste Vegetables & aromatics 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped 8 small shallots and 8 pearl onions (silver onions), peeled and left whole For the sauce & seasoning 2 tablespoons tomato paste 70 ml (¼ cup) passata (or ...

“So In Love” – Jill Scott & Anthony Hamilton Photo: Mika-photography, via Wikimedia Commons Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 “So In Love” Artist: Jill Scott (feat. Anthony Hamilton) Album: The Light of the Sun Genre: R&B / Soul Year: 2011 Listen on Spotify: “So In Love” is one of those warm, feel-good soul tracks that reminds you that joy has a sound. Jill Scott and Anthony Hamilton bring an effortless chemistry—two storytellers trading smiles, harmonies, and the ease of grown folks’ love. The groove leans into classic R&B—sunlit horns, an easy percussion pocket, and voices that wrap around each other with tenderness and certainty. Released in 2011 on The Light of the Sun , the song became an instant favorite for listeners who appreciate romantic soul with depth, maturity, and a touch of celebration. It’s a tune that always lifts the room—and t...