Today we’d like to introduce you to Lubiana Kepaou.
Lubiana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started playing the piano when I was eight years old and to sing when I was 13 years old. What I loved the most about singing was that I was able to write my own songs. I would play chords on the guitar (back then I was playing guitar too) and I would invent stories. I loved it. Three years later, while randomly going through youtube, I heard to most beautiful song “In a sentimental mood” sang by Sarah Vaughan. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a singer, jazz was my first love.
Growing up, I felt like as an artist & human being, I had a missing part. Being a mixed girl from Cameroon and Belgium made me feel like there I was missing something that I wasn’t fully embodying my heritage. Then three years ago, I had a dream, and in my dream, I saw the kora, a West African instrument. I would see myself playing this beautiful instrument. Back then I didn’t know what a kora was and I didn’t pay too much attention to my dream.
But a month later, in Spain, I heard the sound of the kora in the street. I’ve never heard a more beautiful sound in my life, I looked everywhere, and I saw someone playing the instrument I dreamed of. At this moment I just knew, I knew it was meant to be. I came back home and knowing that I found my missing part. This moment changed my life forever.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t think life is meant to be smooth, otherwise, what would we learn?
But I can tell you one story:
When I graduated from High school, I audition to go in a music school (in french we call it “le conservatoire”/conservatory). That’s when I started to have my first tests, life was testing me to see how much I wanted to pursue music. I failed my entrance exams in two music schools and the only school who accept me told me to stop pursuing music after my first year of school, “maybe it’s not for you” they said. “Maybe you don’t know me,” I thought.
Four years later, I finished my studies with great distinction, the highest grade, the director of the school told me how I was an example for the school. “Hard work always pays off,” I thought. I’m not saying this story to be pretentious, fare from that, I’m sharing this story because way too often we stop ourselves because someone told us we were not gifted or talented enough.
But I don’t like to focus on the “struggles,” I rather focus on the journey and be thankful. I wouldn’t be who I am today without those experiences. If I had to do it all again, I would, without a doubt, I wouldn’t change a thing.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m a singer, songwriter, and musician. I’m proud to be a mixed woman, I embody my heritage through my art. My music is a journey to self-love.
My song “Break Free” talks about the struggle to be fully yourself and aiming for our dreams. The music video of this song is a beautiful metaphor and shows that, in reality, the only person who is stopping us from being completely filled is yourself.
Self-love is not easy, but it is one of the most important things in our life. And in today’s society, it’s way too often put aside. My music gives you theSelf Love that you & I need.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Mmh good question, I might surprise you, but I don’t really believe in luck. I believe more in “Rendez-Vous” and continuous work.
Pricing:
- My first EP is releasing in 2019
Contact Info:
- Website: http://lubiana.be
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lubiana_k/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kepaoulubiana/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LubianaKepaou
- Yelp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Lyh-HM6hA
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etwBy7tFlAY
Image Credit:
Tundae Olüfemi, Rubi Morel, Céline Roekens
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