JAHNYA SIMONE: "Sunny Woman", Storytelling, & Musical Impact

PHOTO BY IMANI HAMILTON

From experiencing a live show to hearing her sound on streaming platforms, Jahnya Simone has the ability to both captivate and engage an audience. Since the tender age of three her voice has echoed from the sanctuary of her private school and blossomed into Sunny Woman. Read all about her journey of singing, storytelling, musical impact and what's next!

DISCOVERY OF SOUND

YV MEDIA: At what age did you start singing? Describe the first time you ever performed. Take us back to that moment.

JAHNYA SIMONE: I began singing around the age of three. I attended a Christian private school and sang in the sanctuary and at cleanup time. It was my favorite time. My first performance was when I was about six or seven at my home church. I sang “My Heart, Your Home”. I prepared for weeks to sing that song. I was a bit shy, but I couldn’t back out; I was already at the stage ready to go up. I remember everyone being so proud of me. We were fairly new to the church and so it was nice to be welcomed and supported.

YVM:  For non-singers, what does it feel like to go from writing a song to hearing it played back to you? How does that feel as the artist?

JAHNYA: It’s a powerful feeling. When you hear your work played back, it’s a reminder that you’ve been endowed with a special gift. A lot of the time I’m like, “Wow, I really created this”. It’s like how God felt after creating. You give it a good listen (in this case), and you just know it’s good.

YVM: Wonderful. Who are some of your musical influences and what shapes your lyrical content and sound?

JAHNYA: My influences come from an array of genres. From Gospel, R&B, Reggae, and Pop. Influences like Kim Burrell, The Clarke Sisters, Cece Winans. Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Brandy, and Mariah. Beres Hammond, Lauryn Hill, and Jazmine Sullivan. I love their tones and storytelling. They’ve all influenced me greatly and helped me shape my own authentic sound.

PHOTO BY JAQ DAV STUDIOS

MUSICAL IMPACT

YVM: Your song “Together” has the ability to transport a listener to an autumn day in NYC and cause them to think about that one special person. From leading people to see more of themselves or simply giving a person chills, what does it mean to you to impact others through your music?

JAHNYA: Making an impact means giving the listener the ability to frame my music into the mold of their own lives. If they are able to find relatability or develop their own creative style through what I’ve made, then I’m on the right track.

YVM: As an artist, how important is telling a story, not just creating a song?

JAHNYA: It’s very important to me, especially as someone who loves reading. It just naturally translates into how I create as an artist. Not every song is necessarily made for that purpose, but when I am storytelling, I want to tell a good story and paint a picture to go along with it. Stories are what shape our world. Everything is one big story unfolding to me.

PHOTO BY IMANI HAMILTON

SUNNY WOMAN

YVM: Who is Sunny Woman? Why was it important to tell her story?

JAHNYA: Sunny Woman…she’s a source of strength, beauty and joy. She’s laughter and warmth personified. She’s someone you can count on, but she’s gotten to the point where her giving is actually taking from herself and the self-responsibility of others. Her story is important to tell because while she is all of these things, she is also repressed anger personified. She’s what it looks like when you do all these “good” things without making sure your cup is full first. She represents many other women who have the same experiences. I’m just here to put their exact feelings and experiences into words.

YVM: Who is the inspiration behind Sunny Woman? How has she shown up in your life?

JAHNYA: She is me. I was that woman who over extended, stepped in the gaps, said yes when I wanted to say no, and lost myself trying to do more when others were okay with doing just enough. Ultimately, it is all my responsibility. Taking it allowed me to put it into a song.

YVM: What is Sunny Woman truly looking for?

JAHNYA: She’s looking for respect, appreciation, and consideration from those closest to her.

YVM: Yes...the simple yet profound things. Now, before we let you go please share your upcoming projects and how can everyone stay connected to you.

JAHNYA: The video for Sunny Woman will be out soon. I’ll also be performing a few shows. I have a special surprise later in the month of November for my supporters, so I’m excited about that. I can be found on all social media platforms @IAmJahnyaSimone. My music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music and any other platform for music.

EDITORIAL QUESTION

YVM: Why does using your voice matter?

Using my voice matters so much to me. I realized how much I suppressed over the years from being shut down and how much of what I would say that wasn’t authentically mine. I’m ready to tell my stories and sing more freely. Music is my gift not only to the world, but to myself, to heal myself.

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Be sure to check out Jahnya Simone at Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn on November 21st. Follow on Instagram @IamJahnyaSimone for real-time updates.

Photo Credit: Imani Hamilton (Instagram: @che_ro_kee)

Photo Credit: JAQ DAV STUDIOS (Instagram: @jaqdavstudios)