FEM du lit's 'Stigmata' Transmutes Stigma Into a Powerful Musical Experience

According to Oxford Languages, stigmata is the plural form of stigma, a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. It's an all-too-familiar term for those of us who've dealt with shame, especially from Abrahamic religions. However, up-and-coming French and Congolese artist FEM du lit turns stigmata on its head and transmutes it into a body of work that challenges the stigma of queerness in the African diaspora through their emotionally striking storytelling.

I've always been fascinated by the intersection between religion, sexuality, and shame, so the album title Stigmata called out to me before I even had a full chance to listen. The description alone sold me.

According to FEM du lit's website, Stigmata "juxtaposes religious and occult motifs interwoven throughout the 13-song full-length album."

Described as "deep witchy electro-soul," and music "pour la fin du temps," FEM du lit's music is trippy, thought-provoking, and at times, sexy. The artist behind FEM du li, Francesca Eluhu (who was also the primary writer and producer on the tracks), has channeled their innermost thoughts and experiences into an album that will resonate with listeners. Additionally, I can best describe that Stigmata is a whole vibe, and the ideal nighttime listen.

Stigmata is a bilingual lyrical journey through familial joy, generational trauma, romance, and heartache. The album starts with the wordless "GUITARRARRARRA," which includes some tinkering in the studio over the sound of flowing water. It's the calm before the storm. The music then transtions to "SUCRE,"which translates to "sugar" in English. In the song, FEM du lit laments a long-distance relationship and the longing for connection.

The title track croons over a tune that's reminiscient of old school R&B. "Stigmata" is an ode to queer sex, yet at the same time questions the feelings behind it. Certainly, in the moment, intimacy in its purest form is the closest path to God, yet why is there so much shame in it?

"Stigmata" propels the rest of the album forward, hinting at the unintended consequences of queer romance and identity. However, the sometimes heavy lyrics are intertwined with smooth, jazzy beats interspersed with guitars, saxophones, piano, and sultry percussion. Going back and forth, FEM du lit ponders sex, family relations, domestic violence, and the pressure of capitalism while trying to create. The artist is joined by Da Qween on the sensual slow jam "LILYJAM," and then again on the tense "WITCHCUNT." On "BANKRUPT," FEM du li is accompanied by Obsvdian.

Throughout Stigmata, FEM du lit weaves together the French and English language within their lyrics. Songs such as "EUCHARISTIE/CREEPY CRITTERS," "COLD COLD WORLD," and "SORTILÈGES/SPELLS OF DOUBT" showcase the artist's mastery of bilingual storytelling. It not only heightens the impact of the musician's words, but sounds pleasing as well.

"SORTILÈGES/SPELLS OF DOUBT" is the album's closer, following the solemn "DEAD MAMA" and "SOLDIER." Before exiting, FEM du lit pleas for listeners to appreciate the time we have on this earth and repels "spells that plant seeds of doubt"... translated from the French lyrics. Based on the album's entirety, there's nothing left to doubt, as FEM du lit is the real deal.

So far, Francesca Eluhu has garnered comparisons to the likes of Anita Baker, Kadhja Bonet, and even Erykah Badu. However, Eluhu's point-of-view makes them a standout to continue to watch, because Stigmata is certainly a remedy for the soul.

Stigmata is now available to stream on Bandcamp as of February 28th.