My new project: women and chocolate!

A musical exchange with female musicians to empower female cacao farmers of Virunga State Park Congo.

Hope all is well. I have finally started the pre-order and crowdfunding campaign for my new album project on INDIEGOGO! And yes, you can get a lot of chocolate!!

The Beginning of the Project

Over the past year, I have been developing a new project that is very close to my heart. It started with a simple idea: to bring together women from around the world through music, collaboration, and creativity. As a result, what began as a small thought slowly grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined.

In fact, the project has become not just about music, but also about community, empowerment, and the stories of women who inspire me. Furthermore, it has created opportunities for me to connect with artists I might never have met otherwise.

You can get a first glimpse of the project in the One Note music video, which beautifully captures its essence. 

Why Chocolate?

At first glance, combining women, music, and chocolate might seem unusual. However, chocolate has always symbolized comfort, indulgence, and joy — things that resonate with people everywhere. In addition, it carries deep cultural and social meaning, particularly in communities where cacao farming is a primary source of livelihood.

Therefore, I chose to pair this project with chocolate not only because of its universal appeal, but also because it represents strength, resilience, and care. For example, many of the women involved in cacao production face challenges that mirror the struggles of women in the music industry. By bringing these worlds together, the project creates a bridge that is both symbolic and practical.

Collaborating With Women Worldwide

One of the most exciting aspects of this project has been the chance to collaborate with women from across the globe. So far, over 100 musicians have joined me, each bringing her own voice, style, and perspective. Consequently, the music has become a colorful tapestry of cultures and experiences.

Moreover, the process has been as meaningful as the final result. While recording, arranging, and producing the songs, I also had the chance to listen to stories that shaped the lives of these women. In many ways, those conversations became part of the music itself.

Creating Music With Purpose

This is not just another album. Instead, it is a project designed to raise awareness and create impact. The chocolate bar that comes with the album is produced by women farmers in Congo, and part of the proceeds go directly to supporting their work. In this way, the project gives back to the community that inspired it.

Similarly, the songs themselves are filled with themes of resilience, hope, and solidarity. Therefore, the music is not only enjoyable to listen to, but it also carries a message that extends far beyond the notes and rhythms.

If you’d like to support the project and taste the story yourself, you can order the album and chocolate here. 

This week, the project was featured in the Berklee Alumni newsletter. Also, Teddy and I were featured on the new project Makers2.021 by Dutch photographer Renzo Candido – I’ve used one of his new pictures for my campaign.

So, I hope you will check it out, and please share it with all your chocolate-loving friends. And, if you happen to know people that want to contribute and could connect me with them, that would be much appreciated.

What Comes Next

Of course, this is only the beginning. I am currently working on finalizing the album and preparing for its release. At the same time, I am planning events where people can experience both the music and the chocolate together. As a result, the audience will not just hear the songs but also taste the story.

Ultimately, I hope that this project inspires others to think differently about how music can connect us. After all, when we share our voices, our art, and even our chocolate, we create something that is larger than ourselves.

Click here to read about my one note video for international womens day

“We still have the music,” I remind myself in moments when life feels overwhelming. If you’re feeling the same, take a deep breath and let this thought bring you some peace.

ViviTalks is a podcast where I sit down with the 100 women who helped shape my album Typuhthâng. Each episode explores their stories, creative journeys, and the role of community