In Her Rhythm: R&B Star Ciara Talks About New Album "CiCi"

Photography EMMAN MONTALVAN
Styling ELIE MERVEILLE

Since she burst onto the scene, Ciara , 39, has been an unstoppable force, so cool, confident and self-assured in her sexuality. In the 20 years since, the star born Ciara Princess Harris has maintained the kind of career path that contemporary R&B girls clamor for: Grammy nominations (five, with one win); her own record label (Beauty Marks Entertainment, founded in 2019); a flurry of gold and platinum singles, plus acting experience (she starred in the 2023 film adaptation of “The Color Purple”). But what’s most enviable? Her continued relevance: Even though she’s no longer just a singer and dancer, they’re areas in which she continues to excel. Her upcoming LP, “CiCi,” is an ultra-sensual journey through the fundamentals of R &B. The title is a nod to the family nickname that has been co-opted by her fans, and the album itself is full of classic Ciara material: humility, self-love, desire, rhythm, sensuality. Now a mother of four, she has created one of America ’s most fascinating families with her husband Russell Wilson, a former Seattle Seahawks quarterback now with the New York Giants. She calls me on FaceTime from her home in San Diego, where she and her family live when her husband isn’t playing. On the wall behind her is a grid of beautiful black-and-white family portraits. She tells me they were mostly taken by her husband, who is “so creative,” she says, glowing.

L'OFFICIEL: How did the parent-teacher conference go?
CIARA: I'm very happy because the children were very good.

LO: One of the reasons I wanted to talk to you is that we were born on the same day. I don't know if you're into astrology, but is there something about the Scorpio nature that belongs to you?
C: I don't know much about astrology , but I think there's some truth to it. Scorpios are very, very confident. Very bold, very affectionate, but when you go against us, we give you three strikes. On the third, you're out.

LO: I heard you talk about how your father introduced you to Tupac, who you call one of your biggest musical influences. What did you take from his style?
C: Tupac is probably my favorite rapper of all time. He was a true songwriter, but his melodies were incredible and infectious. He was deep in his lyrics, but his songs resonated with everyone; it was music for the world. He always had a clear perspective on what he was writing, and I appreciate that. When I write songs, my forte is melodies. Tupac was the epitome of an artist and an entertainer. He was bold in his choices. He seemed to be outspoken and knew who he was. All of those things describe what a true artist should be.

LO: He was an unapologetic, political and personal artist: his lyrics are so personal, as are yours. Do you process emotions through songs?
C: It’s a combination of everything. On my new album, the first song, “Made It,” is a little more personal. It’s fun to start the album with a slow song, I’ve never done that before. I want to make the audience dance! But I also want to make sure that when I write songs, there’s a sincerity that comes through in my lyrics, because I think that’s important. I’m grateful for the platform that I have and I don’t take lightly that God has given me this opportunity. I use my life, I use my story. I think it’s a gift to be able to do that through songs. Sometimes I feel something and I’m like, “I have to write about this.” “Made It” is a song that’s full of gratitude for me and my growth.

LO: There’s a lot of honesty in your lyrics, but also humility, which is so fascinating. Do you think this is part of the relationship with your fans?
C: One hundred percent. It’s important to me to connect with my fans in the best way possible, because that connection is here to stay. It’s amazing when you hear people talk about how a song has made them feel, and it’s so powerful to know that my songs can inspire someone or impact their life, or be the soundtrack to their life. Music is a timepiece, and I feel grateful to be able to do that. Ultimately, I want to make the world dance and have fun, but I also hope to inspire, to have an impact on someone who’s looking for something through my music.

LO: What have you been listening to lately?
C: Old school. I’ll give you an old school song, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” by Al Green, it’s not something I’m into, but it’s my favorite song. There’s a song called “Yamore” (by MoBlack and Salif Keita). I’m obsessed with Afro beats and I like European dance energy. I like [DJ and producer] Kaytranada. I also like gospel. I also like “Lord, You Are Good” by Todd Galberth.

LO: Even though your style has evolved it’s still – to borrow your phrase – fundamentally R&B, which is very sexy. How has your relationship with sex and sexuality changed?
C: There won’t be a project without a good song to have sex with. Especially after the first album, when CiCi had grown up – now she’s grown up all the way! The big CiCi, not the little one!

LO: I guess you’re talking about “Ecstasy,” which is probably one of the sexiest songs I’ve ever heard.
C: “Ecstasy” is a feel-good song. There’s something beautiful and powerful about tapping into the sensual side of yourself. I look back at my evolution as a woman, and there are things you start to feel more comfortable with. I like being where I am now. I like my curves. The video for the song is like the big sister to “Ride” and “Promise.” I shot it with Diane Martel, who did “Ride” and “Like a Boy.” We’ve known each other for about 19 years, and I felt like only she could do this the way I wanted it to.

LO: We’ve established that there’s an R&B core to this project. What’s the emotional core?
C: When I was reflecting on my journey – and I’ve been through a lot; sometimes you have to fake it till you make it – there were moments where I was questioned and I felt like I was being second-guessed. I remember one woman asking me, “How are you going to stay relevant?” Because, obviously, I wasn’t 19 anymore. I thought that was so weird. Are we really going to ignore the journey that I’ve been on to this point? Someone else asked me, “You’re a mom and a wife and you have all this stuff going on… how are you going to tell that story?” They were basically saying an artist can’t do all this stuff. But that motivated me, because I was like, “Why can’t I be a great artist and a great mom?” It’s really fascinating when you realize that some people only see success in one way and then they pigeonhole you because of the dynamic of your life. Because my husband plays soccer and is really good at it, suddenly I’m just a “soccer wife”? With this project, I am completely at ease and confident. I have not achieved everything I wanted, but I think I am on the right track.