Solorah the Essence

Charmaine Douglas (Solorah The Essence) is a Minneapolis-born jazz, soul, and R&B singer whose voice carries the weight of lived experience and the light of healing. A dynamic performer and multidisciplinary creative, Solorah weaves personal growth, love, joy, and resilience into every lyric and craft. Her art is a journey inward and upward—an invitation to feel deeply and grow boldly.

A seasoned backing vocalist, Charmaine has supported Grammy-nominated artists such as MMYYKK, Brandee Younger, and Stokely, as well as local powerhouses like Pavielle French and Vinny Franco. Her artistry has graced iconic stages like First Avenue, The Dakota Jazz Club, The Green Room, and The Turf Club.

Charmaine’s roots in music began at 11 with piano, soon followed by songwriting and performance. In 2021, she released her debut EP The Orange Sand and The Black Sea, a vulnerable reflection on her teenage years and early encounters with adversity. Today, she fronts the group BAKKWOODDRIFT, known for their genre-blending sound, electric performances, and packed-out shows.

Beyond the stage, Charmaine is also a dedicated teacher and crafter. A former early childhood music educator at School of Rock and now a full-time instructor and administrator at MacPhail Center for Music, she combines her passions for music and creativity in the classroom. Her crafting journey—spanning crochet, punch needle, and embroidery—began as a tool for self-expression and mental health, evolving into The Heartcraft Collective and its flagship community event, The Crafter Party, where others are invited to find healing and connection through art.

Sometimes, you’ll even catch her crocheting on stage—an act of grounding and focus that embodies her mission: to live and create with purpose, presence, and soul.