Yanna
Please introduce yourself: what do you do? where are you from? where are you now?
I'm Yanna, I currently make urban music (hip hop). I'm from Lima, Peru and I'm in Lima, Peru.
Representing Afro-Peru to the world, you have a very unique position in combining music & activism. Afro-Peruvian femme heroes have made huge impact & impressions on the world, and whose works continue to echo throughout the diaspora. Some use poetry as their vessel, some use politics, and some use film. Your lyrics & messages are wrapped in the faithful rhythms of Reggaeton, Dancehall, and Trap. How has your ‘conscious perreo’ been received in the industry so far?
So far, all the reception I have had has positively surprised me. I think the people who listen to me and follow me are expecting more from me, and I can't wait to show them more than I have. It is quite a journey, truthfully. I am getting to know myself in ways in which I never thought possible for me. Being able to express myself in an artistic way is a great achievement for me, since I have always been very connected with art - especially since the dance and painting- and now from music. I feel that I am living my wildest dream, and although it is not easy at all, I am grateful for each step that I climb.
You’ve released some very strong releases within the past year and a half. One of those singles, “La Vuelta”, is inspired by Victoria Santa Cruz, the renowned Afro-Peruvian artist & intellectual, who made it clear since the mid-20th Century that not only Black lives matter, but that Black women’s lives matter – not just in Peru, but all over the globe. How strong of an inspiration is Victoria Santa Cruz in your artistry and identity?
Yes, for me to return to the people who came before is an important claim to do in my music. I have enormous respect for all black women who in some way have left their mark on me, be it people related to culture, poets, music, creators, and my own family.
Victoria Santa Cruz plays a very important role in my life since I heard her when I was approximately 7-8 years old. I remember that in a performance at school, I recited her poem in front of many people, and although at that moment I did not understand the song as I understand it now, for me it was an important event because it meant a ‘before and after’ in the long way of loving myself and accepting me as I am.
Susana Baca inspires me a lot because of her strength and delicacy that go hand in hand. I am also very inspired by my mother, my cousins , and my aunts.
Your newest single, ‘Viviana’ (from your upcoming album of the same title) is a sharp blade of a song that slowly carves away its way into the listeners’ minds & hearts. Your deep vocal delivery fits perfectly within this haunting dembow track, and your lyrics reveal a story of ‘Viviana’, a black Peruvian woman who has suffered sexual violence, physical & psychological abuse at the hands of previous lovers & partners. Despite the usual complaints from the bruised egomaniacs that work hard to uphold patriarchy without remorse, has the public response been supportive for the most part?
I feel that ‘Viviana’ is a strong, shocking song and perhaps many people still do not understand where I want to go with this effort. However, the responses I have had so far have been quite positive. I suppose because most of the people who listen (to the song’s message) - that I have know of - they are women and dissidents.
In any case, my intention in making this song is to make known, put a voice and a name to the reality that many women experience in Peru and in Latin America: patriarchal violence and state abandonment…whether intended or not, these traumas leave very deep marks from generation to generation. Those who are most affected are peripheral, impoverished women who make a living from day-to-day work.
You make your own beats, and write & perform your own lyrics. Has the pandemic hindered your creative process?
Yes, it has definitely been a rise and fall of emotions that, at times, have not allowed me to have as much creative fluidity as I would like. Even at times, I have thought about leaving everything to look for a permanent job to be able to have economic stability as before I decided to devote myself fully to music. However, when I weigh the fullness and happiness that I feel when I compose and flow with my creativity - because the weight is much greater - I think that is why I decided to continue creating and believing in myself, above all.
If you were to fulfill a dream collaboration with three current vocalists (singers or rappers) on one of your original beats, who would they be, and why do you pick them?
I would love to be able to do a co-feature with Young M.A. I really like her style, her flow, and I admire how she has managed to position herself in a macho industry by being openly lesbian. Another artist with whom I would like to collaborate would be with Susana Baca. It would be an honor and a very great achievement for me.
And finally, I’d collaborate with Meryl, an artist from the French Antilles who has a very interesting musical persona & sound.
What's next for Yanna? What can the public expect from the new album?
Now it is important for me to start creating from the soul, beyond the labels that accompany me. To work on this album, I ask myself the question: what would I talk about if I were not black, sexually dissident nor a woman? Based on that premise, I am letting myself flow without judging what comes out of me. So, I would say “expect the unexpected”. I am growing personally and professionally, and that will be reflected in my music. Of course, expect a lot of rumba and challenge, because as you have already seen, I don't keep things to myself. I like to sing the truth.
Lastly, what advice would you give to a youth from the diaspora who wants to do what you do?
I would tell that youth that the most important thing is to believe in yourself, follow what instinct asks, constantly educate yourself and be as original as possible - because the industry is full of voices that sound almost the same, and simply daring to be loyal to yourself is rewarding.
It is also important to maintain a close connection with spirituality, so as not to go after fame, but after your own growth as a person. And finally, you've got this! Everything is perfect as it is - we always find ourselves on the way. The thing is that you have to start somewhere.