Original, engaging, genuine – these are all perfect words to describe the vibe of OK Naledi, the Afro House music project by Bella Vista Entertainment artist, Naledi Sunstrum.
Last year, OK Naledi released the album Bones, a strong introduction to their unique musical language that melds traditional sub-Saharan guitar lines with deep bass and driving beats. And Naledi’s captivating performances have stirred crowds at events from intimate venues to outdoor festivals.
Recently, Naledi was in Botswana – where she grew up – collaborating with local musicians and producers to release new music later in the year. For now, you can read more about how an OK Naledi song comes to life and why this Ottawa-based talent loves performing.
DESCRIBE YOUR SONGWRITING PROCESS.
I think my writing process has really evolved over the years! Lots of people talk about the creative “lighting bolt” that hits you, and you have to scramble to catch it and get it all down – this definitely feels familiar. But when I decided to start doing music full-time as a career, I began to actively carve out creative writing time at least once a week. This process makes me feel like I have more control over my bursts of creativity, and now I feel like I can harness that feeling with more intention in order to write and craft songs that speak to my lived experience on many levels. I love writing about love and heartbreak, but I also love writing about being all the dimensions of myself – especially as a queer, black Motswana Canadian person who grew up in Botswana and now lives and creates Canada.
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’VE CONNECTED WITH A CROWD?
There’s a palpable moment when you’re on stage performing when it feels like you’ve brought everybody into your creative bubble. It’s that moment that makes the performance feel so much more alive and authentic – when you know that you’ve connected with your audience and they’re in it with you along for the ride, ready to go in whatever direction you wanna go. Creating that connection can only happen when you know that you’ve put out a safe energy that allows people to feel welcomed and able to get on board.
WHY DO YOU LOVE PERFORMING?
As an independent, full-time musician, producer and songwriter, I obviously wear a lot of hats. Out of all of those hats, I find performing is my favourite hat to wear. It’s the part where I get to present my hard work in a way that authentically represents myself and showcases tangibly why I do what I do in a way that demonstrates the absolute love that I have for music.