DoNormaal
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = DoNormaal
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Christianne Kenrieke Elise Karefa-Johnson
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1991}}
| birth_place = Long Beach, California, United States
| origin = Seattle, Washington, United States
| genre = Hip hop
| occupation = Rapper, actress
| years_active = 2010s–present
| label = Crane City Music, Not On Label
| associated_acts =
| website =
}}
DoNormaal, also known as Christianne Kenrieke Elise Karefa-Johnson, is an American rapper and actress. She emerged on the Seattle music scene in the early 2010s and is known for her experimental style and thought-provoking lyrics.
Early life and education
Christianne Kenrieke Elise Karefa-Johnson, professionally known as DoNormaal, was born in Long Beach, California, into a lineage of historically prominent black individuals from across the globe, including West Africa, the Caribbean, the United States, and South America. She is one of five siblings and has a twin sister, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, a stylist and fashion editor.{{cite news
| last = Moura
| first = Rob
| title = DoNormaal & Welp Disney: Adaptations
| url = https://www.washmusicmag.com/blog/donormaal-amp-welp-disney-adaptations
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20241224105432/https://www.washmusicmag.com/blog/donormaal-amp-welp-disney-adaptations#selection-731.0-769.9
| archive-date = December 24, 2024
| date = December 23, 2024
| work = WASH Magazine
| access-date = December 25, 2024
}}
Her maternal grandfather, John Karefa-Smart, was a prince of the chiefdom of Rotifunk in Sierra Leone and played a pivotal role in the country’s independence from Britain in 1961. Her maternal grandmother, Rena Joyce Waller Karefa-Smart, was the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Divinity School and the first to earn a ThD (Doctor of Theology) from Harvard.
On her father Kenrick Karefa-Johnson's side her lineage includes Guyana’s first Black physician, as well as Ken “Snakehips” Johnson, the leader of Britain’s influential West Indian Dance Orchestra active in the 1930s. Her paternal grandmother, of Trinidadian and Bajan descent, immigrated to the United States in the 1960s in search of better educational opportunities for her children. DoNormaal’s father, an urban planner, passed away shortly after her birth at the age of 42.
Following her father’s death, her family relocated frequently, including a year spent in Sierra Leone before the civil war forced their departure. They eventually settled in Southern California when she was six years old, though her childhood remained nomadic as they moved between cities under the care of her mother, Suzanne.
{{cite news
| last = Chung
| first = Juliana Ukiomogbe
| title = Fashion Editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson's Bed-Stuy Brownstone Is a Living Archive
| url = https://www.curbed.com/article/gabriella-karefa-johnson-house-bed-stuy-tour.html
| url-access = limited
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20240227141742/https://www.curbed.com/article/gabriella-karefa-johnson-house-bed-stuy-tour.html
| archive-date = 2024-02-27
| work = Curbed
| date = 2024-02-22
}}
DoNormaal studied poetry at and received her Bachelor's degree from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.
Career
DoNormaal began her music career in the early 2010s, performing at local venues in Seattle. She gained recognition for her unique style, blending introspective lyrics with experimental beats.{{Cite news
|url = https://www.nodepression.com/adia-victoria-at-the-sunset-seattle/
|title = Adia Victoria at The Sunset, Seattle
|first = Peter
|last = Dervin
|date = March 3, 2017
|work = No Depression
|access-date = May 3, 2024
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503214341/https://www.nodepression.com/adia-victoria-at-the-sunset-seattle/
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
|url = https://www.cityartsmagazine.com/album-month-jump-or-die-donormaal/
|title = Album of the Month: 'Jump or Die' by DoNormaal
|first = Jonathan
|last = Zwickel
|date = December 23, 2015
|work = City Arts Magazine
|access-date = May 3, 2024
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503212448/https://www.cityartsmagazine.com/album-month-jump-or-die-donormaal/
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
|url = https://www.kexp.org/read/2018/6/27/donormaal-fights-zombies-splits-multiple-forms-and-embraces-self-esteem-ego-slave-music-video-kexp-premiere/
|title = DoNormaal Fights Zombies, Splits Into Multiple Forms, and Embraces Self-Esteem in "Ego Slave" Music Video (KEXP Premiere)
|author = Dusty Henry
|date = June 27, 2018
|website = KEXP
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503211010/https://www.kexp.org/read/2018/6/27/donormaal-fights-zombies-splits-multiple-forms-and-embraces-self-esteem-ego-slave-music-video-kexp-premiere/
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
|access-date = May 3, 2024
|url = https://seattlemag.com/food-and-culture/band-week-donormaal/
|title = Band of the Week: DoNormaal
|first = Gwendolyn
|last = Elliott
|date = January 25, 2017
|work = Seattle Magazine
|access-date = May 3, 2024
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503211701/https://seattlemag.com/food-and-culture/band-week-donormaal/
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
{{Cite news
|last = Uitti
|first = Jake
|date = August 10, 2016
|title = DoNormaal's creative mix of harmony and dissonance
|url = https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/donormaals-creative-mix-of-harmony-and-dissonance/
|work = The Seattle Times
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240306112806/https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/donormaals-creative-mix-of-harmony-and-dissonance/
|archive-date = March 6, 2024
}}
In 2015, she released her debut album, Jump or Die, which garnered positive reviews from critics.{{Cite news
|url = https://www.realchangenews.org/news/2016/09/21/raven-matthews-and-donormaal-do-what-music-supposed-do
|title = Raven Matthews and DoNormaal Do What Music Supposed to Do
|first = Gui Jean-Paul
|last = Chevalier
|date = September 21, 2016
|work = Real Change News
|access-date = May 5, 2024
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240504052229/https://www.realchangenews.org/news/2016/09/21/raven-matthews-and-donormaal-do-what-music-supposed-do#selection-699.0-707.19
|archive-date = May 4, 2024
|url = https://queerspacemagazine.com/donormaal-she-will-explode/
|title = DoNormaal. She Will Explode.
|author = Sam Chapman
|date = February 17, 2016
|work = Queer Space Magazine
|access-date = May 4, 2024
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240504051857/https://queerspacemagazine.com/donormaal-she-will-explode/
|archive-date = May 4, 2024
|url = https://www.thefader.com/2015/11/11/donormaal-jump-or-die
|title = Listen To DoNormaal Put It All On The Line With "Jump Or Die"
|first = Emer
|last = Hughes
|date = November 11, 2015
|work = The Fader
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503210004/https://www.thefader.com/2015/11/11/donormaal-jump-or-die#selection-575.0-610.0
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
|access-date = May 3, 2024
}} The album showcased her versatility as an artist and established her as a rising star in the hip-hop scene.{{Cite news
|url = https://www.seattleweekly.com/music/blackout-dates-be-damned-donormaal-dominated-2016-by-doing-what-she-wants/
|title = Blackout Dates Be Damned—DoNormaal Dominated 2016 By Doing What She Wants
|first = Kelton
|last = Sears
|date = December 21, 2016
|work = Seattle Weekly
|access-date = May 3, 2024
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503213116/https://www.seattleweekly.com/music/blackout-dates-be-damned-donormaal-dominated-2016-by-doing-what-she-wants/#selection-913.0-927.44
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
}}
In 2017, she followed up with her sophomore album, Third Daughter, which further solidified her reputation as an innovative and boundary-pushing artist.{{Cite news
|url = https://www.thestranger.com/artandperformance/2019/06/05/40404645/donormaals-not-so-normal-hip-hop
|title = DoNormaal's Not-So-Normal Hip-Hop
|first = Charles
|last = Mudede
|date = June 5, 2019
|work = The Stranger
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503210434/https://www.thestranger.com/artandperformance/2019/06/05/40404645/donormaals-not-so-normal-hip-hop
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
|access-date = May 3, 2024
}} The album received critical acclaim for its bold experimentation and thought-provoking themes.{{cite news
|last = Davis
|first = M. Anthony
|date = July 19, 2017
|title = DoNormaal's Sophomore LP Is a Sprawling 19-Track Epic Written in Her Own Image
|url = https://www.seattleweekly.com/music/donormaals-sophomore-lp-is-a-sprawling-19-track-epic-written-in-her-own-image/
|work = Seattle Weekly
|access-date = March 6, 2024
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503203757/https://www.seattleweekly.com/music/donormaals-sophomore-lp-is-a-sprawling-19-track-epic-written-in-her-own-image/
|archive-date = 3 May 2024
}}
Her participation in the Roland-sponsored "Desert Days" event in 2018 led to a reinvention of her musical style, garnering praise from critics for her willingness to explore new sonic territories. The event inspired her to experiment with different sounds and techniques, resulting in a new level of creativity and innovation in her music.{{Cite news
|last = Uitti
|first = Jake
|date = August 10, 2016
|title = DoNormaal Desert Days, Rapping, and Reinvention
|publisher = Roland
|url = https://articles.roland.com/donormaal-desert-days-rapping-and-reinvention/
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503204037/https://articles.roland.com/donormaal-desert-days-rapping-and-reinvention/
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
}}
In 2021 DoNormaal released the single "Baby May" along with an accompanying music video.{{Cite news
|url = https://www.audiofemme.com/playing-seattle-donormaal-baby-may/
|title = DoNormaal Quietly Releases Video for Brand-New Track "Baby May"
|first = Alexa
|last = Peters
|date = November 21, 2021
|work = Audiofemme
|access-date = May 3, 2024
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240504052646/https://www.audiofemme.com/playing-seattle-donormaal-baby-may/#selection-297.0-321.17
|archive-date = May 4, 2024
}}
According to The Seattle Times, DoNormaal's creative mix of harmony and dissonance has captivated listeners with her vibrant and intense studio work, as well as her compelling live performances.
NPR highlighted DoNormaal as one of the key figures in the Seattle music scene, describing her as a visionary artist pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. The article praised her sophomore LP for being a fearless explorer of sound and lauded her ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop while maintaining authenticity and integrity.{{Cite news
|last1 = Boilen
|first1 = Bob
|last2 = Cole
|first2 = Kevin
|date = June 25, 2019
|title = Why the Seattle Music Scene is a Glimpse at the Future
|url = https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2019/06/25/735371820/why-the-seattle-music-scene-is-a-glimpse-at-the-future
|work = NPR
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20190625235617/https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2019/06/25/735371820/why-the-seattle-music-scene-is-a-glimpse-at-the-future
|archive-date = June 25, 2019
}}
DoNormaal also ventured into acting, appearing as a supporting actress in the 2023 film Fantasy A Gets a Mattress.
Discography
| class="wikitable" | ||
| Year | Album | Record label |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Jump or Die | Not On Label |
| 2017 | Third Daughter | Crane City Music |
| 2024 | PALMSPRINGA (with Welp Disney) | Not On Label |
Critical reception
DoNormaal's music has been praised for its innovative approach to hip hop.{{Cite news
|url = https://www.kxsu.org/2018/03/15/if-you-dont-know-her-you-should-a-conversation-with-seattle-artist-donormaal/
|title = If You Don't Know Her, You Should: A Conversation with Seattle Artist DoNormaal
|first = Julia
|last = Schwab
|date = March 15, 2018
|work = KXSU
|access-date = March 6, 2024
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503212022/https://www.kxsu.org/2018/03/15/if-you-dont-know-her-you-should-a-conversation-with-seattle-artist-donormaal/
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
}} In a review for Respect My Region, her music video for "Ego Slave," directed by Noah Zoltan Sofian, was described as "a work of art that perfectly complements the intensity of the track".{{Cite news
|last = Pfeifer
|first = Mitch
|date = July 13, 2018
|title = DoNormaal's 'Ego Slave' is a Work of Art
|url = https://www.respectmyregion.com/donormaal-ego-slave-video/
|work = Respect My Region
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503204606/https://www.respectmyregion.com/donormaal-ego-slave-video/
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
}} American Songwriter included DoNormaal in their "Five to Discover" feature, noting her as an artist on the rise.{{Cite news
|last = Uitti
|first = Jacob
|date = 2020
|title = Chong the Nomad, McCall, Loyal Lobos, Trishes, DoNormaal: Five to Discover
|url = https://americansongwriter.com/chong-the-nomad-mccall-loyal-lobos-trishes-donormaal-five-to-discover/
|work = American Songwriter
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503205001/https://americansongwriter.com/chong-the-nomad-mccall-loyal-lobos-trishes-donormaal-five-to-discover/
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
}} Additionally, What's Up! Magazine praised DoNormaal's versatility and described her music as "a little bit of everything", highlighting her ability to blend various styles and influences.{{Cite news
|last = Ketzner
|first = Keenan
|date = June 2019
|title = DoNormaal: A Little Bit of Everything
|url = https://whatsup-magazine.com/2019/06/donormaal-a-little-bit-of-everything/
|work = What's Up! Magazine
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20240503205351/https://whatsup-magazine.com/2019/06/donormaal-a-little-bit-of-everything/
|archive-date = May 3, 2024
}}