Her name is ESNAVI

Written by Valennis Garcia

Music is rapidly evolving. Our generation is taking the sound from our pioneers and creating it in their own way. Their own sound. But with so many artists changing the game, following a particular sound is hard to keep up. Genre is no longer defined with creative artists taking bits and pieces from all kinds to create something special.Special like the sound of ESNAVI. She has opened the door to not only her generation but future generation of music.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; ESNAVI, also known as Electric. Soulful. Natural. Authentic. Vivacious. Intriguing. ESNAVI embodies all of these characteristics and more.

Through her “futuristic soul” sound, as she likes to call it, she is one artist who isn’t afraid to be unique and herself. She has recently dropped her second album called Exit E, an album that she likes to think of as a road trip through an array of emotions, traveling through various scenic views before you “Exit E”. If you don’t believe me, test her out and meet her on “Planet E” where she will take you on a “ride and open up your mind”.

The initial high you get is just the start to an “Electric Fantasy” that will sooth your inner core and make you feel her lyrics through your bones. Esnavi’s voice is so electrifying you might be split into “Two Worlds” and you will have to decide whether you want to continue or not. Trust me. The “Mind Elevation” she delivers will blow you away with each and every track you hear. This is just the simplest way for me to describe the power Esnavi holds over you once you press play. I couldn’t tell you my favorite track because it changes daily.

If you’re still feeling skeptical check her out at one of her up and coming performances. I witnessed her first hand at my favorite Harlem hot spot, Shrine. Once she took the stage Esnavi blew away the audience and innocent by standers who were there for the usual drink. Amazed with her powerful voice and charisma it’s no surprise she kept the crowd mesmerized and lined up to buy her album once her performance was done.

I caught up with Esnavi on her down time to find out more about her music, where she finds inspiration. Esnavi shared that her inspiration comes from “the universe, life and positive energy”. She says that she’s always loved performing but recalls that as a child she couldn’t sing. It wasn’t until high school where playing around with a friend and singing a tune they both were caught by surprise with her hidden talent. After that it was all up hill for the up and coming star.

Esnavi joined her schools gospel choir, performed in talent shows and became part of a duo with her friend. She co-wrote her music in high school and wrote all her songs on Exit E. She’s often been compared to India Arie and Lauren Hill. Esnavi doesn’t mind it, she says “when people compare me to such great artist that means they see a potential in me, they can see me as a big star headlining my own concerts, music videos and making it big in this industry.”

One of her dreams is to collaborate with Stevie Wonder, Prince and The Roots, three of her top favorite artists that have inspired her to continue on her own personal journey. During one of her live performances she free styled with Rahzel from The Roots and to this day has been a highlight in her musical career. Although, I’m sure there are more great moments to come, Esnavi, like many new artists has had her share of hardships. But what makes her stand out from the rest is her ambition and positive outlook on life. She doesn’t see them as struggles but as “gifts” that have pushed her to forward.

Going down memory lane she recalls the walk home after recording “Someday” as the moment in her career where everything became clear. With tears of joy running down her face and potentially looking crazy to other pedestrians she envisioned herself performing in front of thousands of people and delivering her positive message through her lyrics.

As an International Top 40 artist, Esnavi is definitely on the rise to realizing her dreams. With her album on iTunes and Amazon now on sale and more upcoming live performances this summer I guarantee you, it’s only a matter of time until she is on the Red Carpet and performing next to legends. Don’t get it twisted her dream goal isn’t to become just any singer/song writer. Esnavi’s passion for her music isn’t for the money; she says “I do this for ME! This is my passion. So if I’m getting paid for it then GREAT! But if not either way I’m still going to pursue it because its what I love to do. I don’t want to become an artist that their record label tells them what to sing or what to wear because it’s what’s going to sell or because they want me to follow a trend. I am the trend. I want to get to a point in my career where I can speak to the public and tell them this is who I am and who I’ve always been. I’m not catering to anyone but myself.” Spoken like a true leader, Esnavi wants her image to be genuine and wants to be able to lead her fans into a world full of individuality. A place where we accept each other for who we are and support one another. Esnavi has always felt like a leader and strives to teach others to be true to themselves, dare to be different, enjoy life and everything that comes with it as a blessing. One of her life motto’s is “It’s not a time line, it’s a life line.”

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Lateefah Everett

Lateefah Everett is an award winning, multi-talented performing artist. Dedicated to the constant evolution of her craft, she graduated from an international baccalaureate theatrical program and has studied with some of the creative industry's leading impresarios. After pursuing a dance degree at UNC-Greensboro, Lateefah became the CEO and choreographer of Kayo's Dance Ensemble. She is currently working on establishing an outreach program that will educate, support and improve her community.

Lateefah has been featured on national television shows such as Project Runway and Dateline NBC, performed on historical stages, and has worked with internationally renowned companies and brands including Reebok and JCPenney.

Lateefah breathes and lives through the arts. It is her truest form of expression - the way that she channels her energy. A consummate perfectionist, she possesses a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence creatively and professionally. Lateefah aspires to succeed in all of her endeavors and is focused on building a career of longevity. Her growing success and relentless drive to positively advance her career derive from her ambition, zeal and sincerity - attributes that are instilled at the very core of her character. She is destined to be a legend in the creative arts.