Singer-Songwriter Keyana Delves Into Her Journey of Individuality
"The journey of individuality and moments of alignment in an artist or human is one of the most profound and gorgeous beauties there is to exist"
This August, we shine the spotlight on three up-and-coming creatives — Keyana, Qualeasha Wood and Dayi Novas — who have taken their respective fields by storm.
When considering rising powerhouses in Singapore’s music community, Ghanaian-Singaporean-Chinese singer-songwriter Keyana easily comes to mind — the 19-year-old has been making waves since her debut, following her passion for creative art forms since her youth.
“Music captivated my heart from a very young age. I embraced it through dance and the joy of karaoke,” she says. “Its presence has been a constant companion, filling my world with curiosity. Though my childhood dreams envisioned me as a dancer or a hidden force, life gracefully guided me towards the path of an artist.”
Now known for her honest lyrics and chill R&B melodies reminiscent of artists like Jorja Smith, Keyana’s singles have secured their rightful place in Singapore’s modern music index. Following her debut singles “Save It” and “Scorpio”, and “Afterglow” in 2021, the songstress is back with “Shelter from the Rain”, a reflection of her darkest hours post-heartbreak.
Below, we talk to Keyana about how she stays true to her character, her interests outside of music, and how beauty helps with self-expression.
As a rising independent artist, how do you stay true to yourself and your values in such a cut-throat industry?
I think there are various ways that I’ve been taught through conversations and have developed within myself through experience to navigate difficult decisions and spaces. The industry will stay beautiful and complicated, but the one consistent and full-proof thing I’ve always reminded myself of through these is always remembering that behind each action or word is me living with it. It reminds me to never do anything that goes outside my present scope of what’s comfortable and right.
Would you say there is beauty in individuality?
Of course, there is. I fully believe that the journey of individuality and moments of alignment in an artist or human is one of the most profound and gorgeous beauties there is to exist. It shows so much — one’s narrative of the life they’ve been presented and their natural response in processing it. I think having individuality in whatever you do teaches the people around you to be more empathetic without words.
Tell us about your favourite artists. Have they helped to shape your identity as a singer-songwriter?
Many artists played a huge role in my growth and love for expression. I couldn’t list them even if I wanted to. There’s been countless over the years. However, if I had to list my current favourites, they are artists like Melanie Charles, Blue Lab Beats, Flying Lotus and Foggieraw.
What are some of your interests outside of music? Are there any you would’ve pursued had you not gone into this profession?
Yeah, too many things in my opinion. Sometimes it just feels like there isn’t enough time. One of the main things would have to be pottery, more specifically wheel-throwing. It has been an interest I’ve built a lot of love for over the past year and a half. However, I definitely think I would’ve still explored and found different expressions of art even if I didn’t choose to pursue music.
Do you have any beauty rituals to keep yourself grounded?
It’s quite simple for me. I love a good masking session and a thorough body scrub.
What’s your go-to stage makeup look? Do you think it helps with self-expression when you’re performing?
Yes, absolutely! Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ve developed a go-to just yet but I do know that enhancing and darkening my eyes has always been a constant for me to feel more powerful and myself.
What’s next for you?
I’ve got a ton of music that my producer, Fauxe and I have been working on, all of which circulate the topics of love and loss, and my personal experiences through teenagehood. I’m working hard to pair the music with visuals that translate the music tastefully as well with my following releases.
