Rising artist Yana Toma is a force to be reckon with. Hailing from South East London, she has an international sound that captivates the mind almost immediately upon hearing. Coming fresh off of her new “Fire” single, Toma’s dashing looks are just as “fire” as her music. She is ready to break into the mainstream music industry.
I had the pleasure of catching up with Yana Toma for a quick interview to discuss how she fell in love with music, working with Rob Holiday and living out her dreams. Check it out below.
How did you know you would have a career in music?
My mother was a classical singer back home and taught me how to sing. I used to train for 5 hours a day with her and knew my purpose was to be a worldwide superstar. I eventually attracted some amazing people in the industry and have had the pleasure of working with many influential names.
How old were you when you made your first song?
The first time I wrote and recorded a song, I was 12. The song was called “Wrong Love”. It is so funny because what did I know about love at the time? I still have the cds and recorded covers of me singing in the studio of Celine Dion, Tina Turner and Mariah Carey. By the time I was 17 I had management and haven’t looked back since.
What has been your experience working with Rob Holladay?
I met Rob in LA when I traveled there with my bestie Silent Star. She played him my music and he said he wanted to make a project with me. Three years later, we created a project grinding out for a whole magical week. We recorded a whole EP in a week by recording records at Bad Boy and Universal Island, finishing a song a day.
He’s talented and very established. His beats just slap different so I was overwhelmed to have such a opportunity and we are even in talks to create more songs out in LA.
How would you best describe your sound?
I would describe my sound to be very universal and versatile. I am made of the old and new sounds so I don’t like to be in a box. Music to me is a feeling not something that should be anything else.
Who are your music influences?
Nina Simone, Céline Dion, Tina Turner, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Huston are definitely my music influences.
Who do you hope to work with in the near future?
I do have a song I could imagine J. Cole on. I would also love to work on a project with Missy Elliot and Timbaland. But the people I deeply hope to have a a duet with are Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Drake, J Balvin, and Cardi B. To think of it I wouldn’t mind working with Mark Robson and Calvin Harris and Coldplay. My list goes on but to I just wanted to mention a few legends.
I would love to sing the next Bond theme song, and acting in movies which is my dream.
What is the inspiration behind your latest single?
The inspiration was about having clarity and boundaries for yourself while letting someone know you don’t do games anymore. It is about not letting someone effect my aura, or take away my fire. If you ain’t coming correct it is a problem because I am a whole blessing so your mindset has to be on my level and your fire needs to match my fire.
It is a hot record over a Rob Holladay beats that slaps. I also am working along side amazing writers such as Visto.
What is up next for you?
I have projects ready for the world to hear and can’t wait to share and bless the world with some timeless music. Now that the world is freeing up again from the pandemic, hopefully unlimited performances and songs will be an option.
Where can we find you online?
My videos are released on www.ceek.com you can also find me on all social platforms at @yanatoma.
Press play below to stream Yana Toma’s new “Fire” single.
