Rising Stars: Meet Sewa of Ottawa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sewa.

Hi Sewa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in a music-loving family, Saturday mornings meant waking up to my dad’s playlists of various artists from Jimi Hendrix, King Sunny Adé, to Anita Baker, and even albums from his local church. Looking back, it feels like those sounds were quietly shaping me long before I knew I’d end up in music.
I found my voice gradually and started singing at my local church, but at the time, music was still secondary. Medicine was the plan, and I went on to study Biomedical Science in university. But the more I tried to focus on science, the more music demanded space. It slowly shifted from a hobby to a passion I couldn’t ignore.

Things took a turn when I found myself surrounded by creatives and songwriters. Being in that environment felt like the music rooted in me since childhood was finally rising to the surface. One songwriting session led to another, and to my surprise, my songs started gaining global traction.

My second song, “Yahweh,” became the moment I realized this wasn’t an accident. It gave me the confidence to accept that music was always meant to be part of my purpose. Since then, I’ve gone from writing songs to creating full albums that have reached people across nations. My most sentimental highlight is hearing my own music on my dad’s Saturday morning playlist; the same playlist that shaped me.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were a lot of bumps in the road, many of which were internal. I’m naturally an introvert, so stepping forward instead of hiding in the background was a big stretch for me. One of the hardest parts was figuring out how to be bold and really go for what I felt called to do, while still staying grounded and humble.

To be honest, not every song landed. There were moments where the results didn’t match the effort, and that can be very discouraging. I had to learn how to “fail forward,” and keep my momentum even when things didn’t look successful on the surface. Those moments taught me just as much as the wins.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a recording artist and singer/songwriter in the Christian space, and I’m most passionate about writing songs for myself and for my local church. Over time, I’ve developed a unique way of approaching songwriting; one that’s rooted in listening and interpreting sounds people might overlook.
A lot of that is rooted in my spirituality and childhood. I was exposed to so many genres growing up, and you can hear that blend in my latest album, “Songs of Ascent”, from acoustic warmth to electric elements, and somber moments.

As my love for music has grown, so has my desire to pour into others. That has led me to build the Worship Culture Network, an initiative that allows me to mentor and equip upcoming singer/songwriters around the world. My hope is to help them discover their sound, grow their confidence, and thrive in their artistry.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’m currently focused not only on releasing my own music and mentoring emerging artists, but also on building the Worship Culture Collective: a space where these artists can have the freedom and support to release their own songs. It’s been incredible to see creativity and faith come together in a way that empowers others to find their voice and share it with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sewa.crd.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sewaayoola/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SewaTV/videos
• Other: https://www.worshipculture.shop/

Image Credits
Valerie Marmolejo
Sabrina Niyigaruye