Sabiyha is a 19 year old Indo-Caribbean Londoner who sings American folk music; her voice is unique and she does already sound like one of folk singing legends as she sang to the Asian World team.
She does not come from a musical family however has adopted her musical influences from her Guyanese fathers who loves the blues, and her uncle’s record collection.
She told Asian World she has spent a lot of her childhood in her bedroom in Croydon writing and researching on the internet developing her passion and perfecting her vocals.
She is certainly heading toward the right direction as she has been approached to collaborate with legendary Indian singer Shammi bedea and asked to do quite a few festivals over the summer which will start with her opening London folk festival and performing at the Westfield shopping centre.
Sabiyah describes herself as “Charismatic introverted a bit eccentric”
Asian World interviewed this up and coming young talent as she became Asian Worlds August Artist of the month.
When did your musical journey begin?
I started signing at ten years old and than learned how to play a guitar.
I was 14 or 15 when I new I wanted to make my singing into a career; I use to go to open mic evenings, and sing anywhere and everywhere. Most of the time I get a great response.
Why America Folk Music?
I like stuff that’s a bit strange like reading weird fiction, dressing up when I go to burlesque shows, I’ve always loved American folk music as it tells a story and like the overall sound of it like the fact that folk music tells a story and has a deep rhythm to it.
Are you still in education or have you given up everything to pursue music?
I am at university studying English and American Literature.
If something comes up regarding my music career, I will put my degree on hold and take up music full-time.
Your have an Indian genetic link, would you sing for Bollywood movies?
I do listen to India music because I use to have the films with my family.
I really like classical Indian music I can see myself doing some sort of collaboration with that side of Bollywood.
When will you know you have truly made it with your music?
I want to be a genuine artist not aiming to be a pop star, so when I have a strong steady following I think I will know I’ve made it.
Do you get stage fright?
I get really bad stage fright, but I think positive as the more nervous I am the worse I could perform.
I always take my guitar with me it helps me with my stage fright.
How have your friends reacted to your music?
They are supportive they are all different but come together to support my music.
What inspires your writing?
Real life situations inspire my lyrics. I write poetry a lot, and draw on literature a lot.
I would write about real life situations even if I had broken up with a boyfriend I would write about it.
What is your favourite song that you have written?
Willow. In my house there’s a painting of a cottage, there was not a willow in the picture but I always saw one, the painting is like escaping reality and wondering off.
Why have you not made an album yet?
I think when I build myself up more and have a bigger following I can justify creating an album.
If you could write a song for anyone who would it be for?
Someone genuine about music, like James Blake, his stuff is so fresh and I love listening to it.
Have you considered TV talent shows?
No I don’t really agree with them all that much, so I would not go onto a talent show.
How would you convince people to listen to your music?
It can be quite emotionally intensive if they feel like exploring that side of lyrics and fresher they would certainly enjoy it.
Apart from writing and singing what else would you like to do?
Writing books, I have always written I have a passion for writing.
I would like to have a book published; my dad’s always wanted me to write my own book.
By Emb Hashmi
