We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Swapna Abraham a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Swapna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

As early as my high school days, I knew that I was going to pursue something to do with music. I didn’t think twice and got to it right away. Much later, when I became a single mother, I knew I would have to get to corporate work that would pay the bills and relegated music to a strong side hustle.

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

I am a singer-songwriter from Kerala with my roots and formation in India and prime experience in the UAE.

I authored and produced 21 musical albums and performed extensively on the international gospel music platform (www.swapnaabraham.com). Holding 4 world records in singing and songwriting with the Golden Book of World Records (www.1000songsin1000days.com), I also published a memoir ‘She Played In The Dark’ entailing the journey and lessons through the 1000-day world record journey.

I’ve been a mentor in singing and songwriting, championed the first branded karaoke cafe ‘Kafeoke’ in India with a school for singing and songwriting and a recording studio. I am also known for my acting performances as Donna in the Mamma Mia musical directed by the late Mithran Devanesan, and Meenakshi in the Tamil feature film Nadunissi Naaygal directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. An alumnus of the T A Pai Management Institute and Indian Institute of Management Kolkata, I am the India Country Chair for Media Arts & Communication of G100, a global organization for the equitable elevation of women. Leaving no flair unpursued, I am also an interior designer and member of the Designers Society of America (www.alikainteriors.com).

My most recent musical work is the 12-song album titled LOVED. One of the songs NO LOVE LOST (feat Devan Ekambaram) received the following awards through 2023:
 Silver – One Earth Awards – Best American Roots Song
 Silver Medal – Outstanding Achievement – Global Music Awards – Country, Female Vocalist
 Finalist – Spring 2023 – World Songwriting Awards – Best Modern Country Song
 Official 2023 Finalist – InterContinental Music Awards
 Official Nomination – Hollywood Independent Music Awards – Country (Crossover)

I am presently producing the 1000 songs that were written on A Children’s Song A Day through the 1000 days and that set one of the four world records; and am soon expecting it to be published internationally along with the song book in five volumes. This will be the biggest album of original songs made for children in the age group of 4-12.

In culmination, I am the recipient of the NeedStar Award (2010), a Women’s Day Citation ‘Role Model for progress and success in the field of Mainstream Career, Art & Entrepreneurship’; the Lamp-Icongo Karmaveer Chakra for Gospel Music Maestro Award (2012) for the contribution to gospel music from 1991-2012; the Aspire World Award (2019) for Passion for Excellence at the 31st Global Women’s Empowerment Summit, Dubai; and the Women of Excellence Award at the Women Economic Forum (2022). I was awarded a doctorate (honoris causa) in music in 2022.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Composing, producing and publishing atleast two songs on a daily basis for 1000 days can be quite the challenge. One wonders why you decide to do such things. In my case, after all the music production and performances through 25 years, I felt unfulfilled as an artist. Once the decision was made, there was no turning back. Despite a 9-6 highly demanding corporate role and life in general – both my children graduated from college through this time, one of them had two children as well, my father suffered a fatal fall and survived, I had a severe bout of Influenza A, I lost my voice atleast twice, got stuck in an elevator on the way back from work… and the list goes on. But I would show up everyday and do the songs.

When I look back I’m so grateful I did that setting a standard for myself, knowing that if I decide to do something, I can and will.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Rising to one’s calling, maximizing creativity, productivity and innovation and handing it to generations that will follow as a legacy.

I believe that each person has some to leave back that only that person can do. And if they don’t, the universe will be devoid of as much.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.swapnaabraham.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swapnaabraham1000in1000/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swapna.abraham
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swapna-abraham-570bba5b/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwapnaSings
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW_kXmtiofwGSA8Xy0cq78A
• Other: www.1000songsin1000days.com