Saura, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

My artistic journey officially took flight in 2017, marking a definitive chapter in my pursuit of a creative and artistic path professionally. This period encapsulated the convergence of my lifelong affinity for music, dating back to my early years at the age of 5, and my passion for writing that had blossomed during my time in primary school. As the go-to music enthusiast within my social circles, I found a unique sense of fulfilment in sharing my musical insights and recommendations.

The pivotal decision to become a DJ in 2015 added a dynamic layer to my artistic endeavors, propelling me into a realm where I could actively curate and share the auditory experiences that resonated with me. By 2017, this amalgamation of influences and experiences coalesced into a more defined and intentional artistic path. The decision to delve into the world of DJing, coupled with my continuous exploration of writing and music, solidified my commitment to a professional trajectory that celebrates creativity in all its forms. Thus, 2017 serves as a milestone year, encapsulating the beginning of my dedicated journey along a vibrant and expressive artistic path.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello, readers! I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself and my musical/creative journey. My foray into this field began with an idea that I can in fact do the unthinkable, all it takes is a vision, strong work-ethic, good company and a step in the right direction. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and developed a deep appreciation for songwriters, artists, producers, engineers, dancers, and everyone else involved in the process of creating great music!

I take pride in offering solutions that aid inspiring artists who are in the same position I once was in, with nothing but a vision and a dream.

What sets me apart is my background in marketing. I achieved my bachelors degree in marketing and have been working within this field for the past 5 years. There are so many transferrable skills that can be applied to myself as an artist, especially when it comes to branding. On that note, my brand is known as ‘SweetSavage’. This captures the essence of balance and works to create a happy medium between polar opposites. This is also applicable to my heritage as I am of mixed descent; Moroccan, Nigerian and Guyanese.

Some of my proudest achievements include appearing on BBC Radio 3 times, opening for MOBO award-winning artists at Cyprus Break Festival in 2019 and more recently, gracing the stages in Los Angeles and Texas for my first North American Tour. These achievements exemplify my commitment to my craft and the living proof of sharpening a creative blade with nothing but experience, losses and learnings. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that creativity knows no bounds and that idea in your head should NOT stay there, share it with the world!

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work. I’m excited to connect with you and explore the possibilities ahead!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

In the early stages of my artistic journey, I grappled with a debilitating lack of confidence in my abilities as an artist. Despite harbouring a deep passion for music, self-doubt held me back from fully embracing my potential. This lack of confidence led me to divert my creative energy into becoming a DJ, a role where I felt more comfortable behind the decks than centre stage.

For a while, this approach seemed like a reasonable compromise. I could express my love for music without confronting the vulnerability of being in the spotlight. However, as I delved deeper into my DJing career, I couldn’t escape the persistent feeling that I was hiding behind the music rather than authentically engaging with it.

The turning point came when I realised that my fear of being seen as an artist, of putting my own creations out into the world, was limiting my true potential. The breakthrough moment occurred during a pivotal event where I had the opportunity to showcase not just as a DJ but as a creator of original music. The fear of judgment and failure loomed large, but I recognised that I needed to unlearn this paralysing fear to truly grow as an artist.

Summoning all my courage, along with some great friends egging me on, I took the leap and presented my own compositions to the audience. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it became clear that the barriers were more internal than external. Unlearning the notion that I wasn’t worthy or capable as an artist was a transformative experience. From that moment forward, I embraced the multifaceted nature of my creativity, both as a DJ and a music creator.

This journey taught me that confidence is not an inherent trait but a skill that can be developed over time. Taking that leap into the unknown was the catalyst for shedding self-imposed limitations and embracing the artist within me. It’s a lesson I carry with me, a reminder that growth often resides on the other side of fear.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2020, recognising the need to elevate my performing skills and shake off lingering self-doubt, I took a decisive step by joining an artist development group in Brixton, South London called Youth Futures. What began as a pursuit of skill refinement evolved into an unexpected journey with a community of like-minded artists. This group, forged in the challenging landscape of virtual collaboration, became more than a collective endeavour; it became a resilient artistic family.

Amidst the uncertainties of the times, we navigated challenges together, adapting our creative processes to the digital realm. The shared experiences, constructive feedback, and unwavering support of this artistic family became a powerful catalyst for my growth. In this environment, I not only honed my skills but also discovered untapped wellsprings of creativity within myself.

The impact on my performing skills and work rate was transformative. The collective passion and determination of the group challenged me to push beyond perceived limits. The resilience fostered within this community fortified my journey, proving that seeking out resources and building connections can be the key to unlocking untapped potential. This experience stands as a testament to the power of resilience in the pursuit of artistic dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.saura.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/therealsaura
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/therealsaura
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC03LDOpmDb7t4742pN6hPtg
• Other: Beacons: https://beacons.ai/therealsaura?fbclid=PAAaZeGbFbokKXjd2_J8FpiEK991IGxJHG1pKxudWZ4QHn4L6qeWOwRdq59mQ

Image Credits
Jutiar Salman (@jutiarphoto)