Sevana – Soul, Sounds & Style
Originally published in The Collection Moda
“I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember,” Sevena muses with a big smile. “The first time I sang publicly was for my family. It was a Sunday morning and I was sitting at the table having breakfast. I started singing along to Celine Dion’s ‘A New Day’ which was playing on the radio in the background.” Her eyes widen as she recalls, “my mother walked into the room and said ‘wow, you sound really great!’ I remember my brother laughing and saying ‘yeh man, she can sing; she can really sing!”
Born in Westmoreland, Jamaica, twenty-two year old vocalist and songwriter Sevana has practically burst her way onto the Kingston music scene armed with a fresh soulful sound and a funky, youthful sense of style. In spite of her age, Sevana is no stranger to the stage. At age 16 she entered the popular Digicel Rising Stars talent competition, placing third along with two other bandmates who made up the group ‘SLR.’ The group disbanded shortly after the competition but Sevana says she has never given up on her dream of becoming a musician. “My music is very important to me,” She says. “I want people to listen to it and be inspired.” “My songs are about my own experiences and the things I see around me. I think that is what makes my music relatable.” The singer cites a broad range of musical influences but notes that she is cautious, of attaching any particular label/genre to her work. “I want to have the creative freedom to explore all kinds of music. I don’t want my listeners to come to expect just one style from me.” Sevana’s first single, “Bit too shy,” produced by Winta from Overstand Label and Protoje is a smooth soulful summer tune that brings together her love for old classics and a fresher more youthful sound.
Outside of her music, Sevana’s bright playful personality shines through in her eclectic and cutting-edge fashion choices. When asked about her sense of style, she responds with a laugh, “I’m a country girl, but my style is definitely Kingston style. Kingston style is freer, it’s fun, flirty, and gritty. In Kingston, rules aren’t really rules – they are just guidelines but no one follows them.” “Sometimes when I go home I think my mother would like it if I dressed a bit more conservatively,” she continues, “but she never tells me what to wear.” Crediting her stylist and friend Ayana Riviere for some of her looks Sevana says, “I like to keep it basic and don’t accessorize much, although this summer I really love those colourful wide-brimmed velvet hats; I would love one of those.” “My stylist, Ayana is great about pulling together looks for me,” she adds. “Kingston is a great place for thrifting and finding basic pieces that you can dress up” Sevana says knowingly. “Your personal style shouldn’t feel like too much work,” she says. “It should reflect your personality.”
For someone still so young Sevana exudes an incredible level of confidence and sense of self. She is very clear about her music and her expectations. At the same time, she is undeniably herself— fun, playful, and exuberant, effortlessly discussing everything from her love of what she calls ‘gaudy sandals’, to playing alongside No-maddz, and her day-to-day work. Before we part ways, Sevana looks off into the distance musing about her visions of success. “What ‘success’ feels like to me,” she says is “Contentment. It is honest. It feels sure. It is that sense that this is what I am supposed to be doing right now. What ‘success’ tastes like? She asks flashing a smile; “Hmm. It tastes like chocolate! Like an almond Snickers. Yes, that is what success tastes like!”
SEVANA’S STYLE FILE
Summer Style: My summer look is casual and playful. You will find me rocking denim overalls, big t-shirts, sandals and big gold hoop earrings. I’ve also always wanted a pair of doc martens so I guess those are on the top of my wishlist.
Sevana’s style is…Boho-chic, minimalist, bummy, vintage
Muses: Definitely Solange. I love her so much! I love the way she plays with her style it’s free and funky and you can tell that she has fun with it. I guess that’s why I also like Rihanna - she doesn’t follow anyone’s rules. I also really like the visual artist Charice Lundy.
I’m never without… lip balm, pen and paper, a bottle of water, my phone, and hand lotion. I also walk around with a spray bottle in my bag. I find that I have to moisturise my hair often to beat the Kingston heat. I have natural hair and I used to be such a product junkie. Nowadays my hair regimen is pretty basic. I wash my hair with TRESemmé clarifying conditioner and moisturise with coconut oil, twist and that’s it!
When I am online I am: Almost always on ‘YouTube’ (I love YouTube, it’s great for people research - like interviews of people who create the music I love!) I also love ‘Hey Fran Hey,’ ‘The Huffington Post.’