Please introduce yourself. What do you do? Why? What do you want people to know about you?
International performer Naweh is a singer–songwriter with an uncanny ability to connect cultures through her music. Born in Washington D.C. to Liberian parents, her musical style fuses her African-American roots perfectly with a contemporary R&B, hip-hop and afro-pop flavor.
The singer’s artistic reach is impressive; appealing to fans that relate to her messages of activism as well as followers that simply love a hypnotic beat.
Her hit songs “Visions”, “Not There Yet”, and “Find You” demonstrate the singer’s ability to shift from reflective songwriter to outspoken reformist.
Naweh’s impressive portfolio includes being featured on WUSA 9’s Great Day Washington, digital performances for Love and Marriage DC’s DJ Quick Silva and the Braxton Sisters.
Naweh continues to pay homage to her African influences, and has performed at the prestigious Alpha Phi Alpha ball in Paynesville, Liberia, The World Bank’s cultural night at Howard University, and The Liberian Awards, in Delaware.
What qualities make you different and unique from everyone else in the industry?
I believe what makes me unique, is my soulful and colorful voice, but also my heart. I have experiences working as a social worker, and so I have been able to speak with people during their most vulnerable moments.
This has helped me to be able to write and perform songs, in a way that touches people to the soul. People in the world are struggling, and through my music, I get to help them.
Describe THAT moment when you realized you’re doing what you were born to do.
The moment, I realized that I was doing what I was born to do, was when I was 9 years old singing in church. It was Easter Sunday, and I went to my aunt’s house for the holiday. My aunt then realized, while we were driving to church, that I was the only child, that did not have anything to perform during the Easter Sunday service.
She decided to teach me, the song “Away in the Manger” in the car driving to church. When I got to church, which was in a small “house” in Washington DC, I remember getting on stage, and singing the song.
The mind of a child is so beautiful, because I had absolutely no fear, even though I just learned the song in the car. I remember I started singing, and while I was singing, I heard people saying “amen”.
In that moment, I remember being surprised, and shocked that people were responding to me singing. It was just a beautiful experience, and it was actually my first time ever getting on stage and performing.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to go through and how did you grow through it?
When I was in high school, I hated how colorful and soulful my voice was. I wanted so badly to have a soft, pretty, pop friendly voice. I always thought that was more appealing. I quickly learned, what I hated about my voice, was exactly what people loved about it.
Now I absolutely love the gift that God gave me. I was able to overcome this challenge by strictly working on my craft and studying vocalists that had similar voices to me. This helped me to appreciate the uniqueness of my tone and range.
I also started taking voice lessons, with a teacher that understood all the layers of my gift. She helped me, to know how to use my voice, in unique ways depending on the song and genre I am singing.
Who are the TOP 3 people you’d want to meet that could elevate your career or business? Why these specific individuals?
The three people that I would love to meet that would elevate my career would be Beyonce, Fantasia, and Steve Mackey. Beyonce would be amazing to speak to.
I admire the way that she handles business. She has a way of being direct and clear about what she wants, yet still maintains beautiful relationships with others, and makes others feel valued. Fantasia would be another person that could help me, because her passion when she gets on stage is beyond amazing.
I always joke and say, that Fantasia could sing and R& B song, and have people deliver their life to Christ. She takes you to church! She just makes you feel what she is singing that deeply.
Lastly, Steve Mackey, because he has without a doubt studied his vocal craft in such detail. His knowledge of music and knowing how to bring the best quality out of your voice is amazing.
Drop your social media links.
IG: nawehmusic
TikTok: nawehmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrfmepcqjOdLIw5ImXVdp8w
Website: www.nawehmusic.com