Today we’d like to introduce you to Inaya Ashanti.
Hi Inaya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I feel like I’ve been pursuing the arts for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Hollywood, starting my entertainment career at a young age just felt natural. I was the kid getting picked up from school and changing clothes in the car for auditions, coming home late from rehearsals, and spending my summers in performing arts programs.
Even with all that early experience, I really consider the start of my music career to be after quarantine, in 2021. Like everyone, I went through a lot of life changes, and I found myself feeling low. I’ve always noticed that happens when I’m not creating. I knew it was time to make my own music and bring to life the vision I’d carried since childhood.
At 19, I took the saying “fake it till you make it” to heart and put myself out there. I connected with other creatives who quickly became a meaningful part of my journey. Since then, I’ve continued collaborating with close friends to shape my songs and visuals. I’m deeply grateful I pushed myself the way I did just a few years ago.
Now, as a fully independent underground pop star, I’m working every day to grow, evolve, and turn my desired reality into my actual one.
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?
Although being an artist has always felt natural to me, I’ve often struggled with being my own worst critic. I know that’s something many can relate to. I’ve dealt with nerves and the discomfort that comes with being vulnerable through my art. But as a deeply spiritual person, shifting my mindset toward positivity has helped me grow and move forward on this wild journey.
I am exactly who I believe I am. We all have the power to reshape our lives in any way we choose even if the path isn’t always linear. Keeping a positive mindset, offering ourselves love, and healing from within will always be the key.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Although I love to bend genres, I consider myself an alternative pop artist at my core. I’m a singer-songwriter, my own creative director, and a visual producer. My entire life is poured into my artist project. This year, I’m especially proud of the music videos for my songs *Ur Cologne* and *Cyberstar*, both directed by my close friend Emma Pine (@ofmanyhumans), as well as my most recent single *French 75*.
As a queer woman of color with a platform, my “I made it” moment has been connecting with people who see themselves in me and in the world I create through my art. My dreamy, divine feminine energy shapes everything I make, and I stay deeply authentic in all that I do even when I’m being silly.
If you want it to sound more formal, more playful, or more concise, I can tailor it further!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I feel my career unfolding exactly as it should. My biggest hope is to inspire others, keep connecting with people who truly enjoy the music, and eventually travel the world to share this experience live.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inayaashanti
- Youtube: youtu.be/hLk5KNQlFw8
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/PKdengApQu8Z4ykJ19
- Other: https://linktr.ee/inayaashanti
Image Credits
Emma Pine
