Rina Sawayama (Photo Credit: Damienfry.com)
The Revolution of Rina
Lately the word "special" has been used to describe our most recent content, but today's post might just be even that much more special (and for many good reasons). In our last post we secretly hinted toward who the next LGBTQ+ artist would be and we are more than excited to be talking about our next world changer. So far, we have explored media on both the big screen and the bookshelf, but we have yet to chart into the territory where LGBTQ+ representation is making huge breakthroughs and certainly has been for decades. Despite what you may have seen on screen or read in-between the lines, this LGBTQ+ artist is changing the way that the world both hears and listens to representation. And she is doing it one hit song after another. Rina Sawayama is a Japanese-British singer/songwriter superstar who is using her stage as a platform to create inspirational music and bring awareness to important issues of our society, all while taking the world by storm. Sawayama identifies as both bisexual and pansexual and at thirty years old, has been transforming the music scene into one like never before. It seems like just yesterday that a friend of mine had introduced me to Sawayama and her unique and artistic talents. I should also add that this is not surprising in the very least, as my friend has impeccable and stylistic tastes, with an eye for the extraordinary. And Sawayama is an extraordinarily iconic visionary. I would also like to take this time to credit that friend, because every since then, I have experienced the phenomenon that is Sawayama as a singer/songwriter sensation and have never thought once about looking back since.
Rina Sawayama (Photo Credit: Vogue.com)
If I have not personally done a great job of convincing you just how amazing Sawayama is, then I owe you an apology (and most likely my friend too). With a career that kicked off back in 2013, Sawayama seemed like yet another LGBTQ+ artist destined to shine in the spotlight. I think one of the most admirable things about Sawayama as an artist, is her natural ability to be so open with herself (something many of the artists on this blog so bravely do). In addition to lending her beautiful vocal chords to the genre of pop, rock, and R&B, she also is known for using her voice to speak out about issues in the LGBTQ+ community. It also seems that Sawayama does not limit herself in any aspect of her career. In addition to making magic happen on stage, she is extremely well-rounded in her educational endeavors. Having studied a wide range of topics such as political science, sociology, and psychology, her interests for people and passion and for others truly reflects in her pursuit for an understanding of the world around us. And her political science studies certainly came to full force when as late as last year, Sawayama signed an open letter, addressing the UK Equalities minister, Liz Truss to speak out against all forms of LGBTQ+ conversion therapy - an issue that has long been problematic. It is clear that Sawayama is using her platform to raise up the masses.
And when not touring the stages of the world, her platforms online prove to be just as inspirational. Sawayama has made numerous motions within her music sphere. From music videos to creative YouTube content, her media source adds something extra unique and special to LGBTQ+ representation. If you have yet to see her music videos for songs such as "Comme Des Garçons (Like the Boys)," "STFU," or even "Bad Friend," please do yourself the loveliest of favors and check them out! Seriously, I promise you will not regret it and it would make my friend feel very proud. What is more, is that Sawayama does not stop at speaking verbally about societal issues, her artistic expression comes just as alive within her music. The music videos that I have listed are prime examples of where Sawayama simultaneously shines under the spotlight, while also shining on the important issues of our time. This is yet another admirable thing about Sawayama that makes her so revolutionary in modern music. Her ability to so effortlessly weave in controversial topics and make creative content is unparalleled. And she does this all while staying true to herself, invoking the most inspirational of icons. When Sawayama sings, the worlds just seems to listen and her impact on her fans and the LGBTQ+ community only seems to grow day-by-day. And despite stepping out onto the scene in 2013, it seems that her light is just only more recently reaching more skyline, yet, destined to keep skyrocketing (and she certainly deserves all the air time).
Rina Sawayama (Photo Credit: Dazeddigital.com)
Sawayama's Succession
As the word "special" continues to reflect the extraordinary talents that come from the LGBTQ+ artists on this blog, the future of representation in the media only seems to be growing brighter. And it is artists like Sawayama who are leading that energetic charge to fuel the flame. I can only imagine what other amazing and magical things this musical artist will do with her magic. As the world of music keeps shifting and evolving (just like other sources of media) the road to representation is only expanding its pavement. And as long as stars like Sawayama are on the road, paving the way toward that destination does not only seem possible, but fully promised. I would like to add that it is important to highlight artists like Sawayama and her incredible talent, as it seems that too often, the media only makes room for so many faces and voices that our generation gets exposed to. With her open heart and wide range of talents (and vocals to match), the world and the music industry should expect much more incredible and inspirational wonders from her and others like her to come. As time moves forward, it is my greatest hope that through the changes of our lifetime, we will lend an ear and an open mind to more artists like Sawayama who are willing to speak out against issues and willing to be themselves so boldly and proudly. And it is just as important for other members of the LGBTQ+ community to be exposed to this kind of unshakable spirit. When I sat down to write about our first LGBTQ+ artist who is representing in the musical media, I knew that I wanted to do someone extra special. Someone who is not doing music like anyone else in our society. Someone who could only do what they do and do it with style. I think that person was destined to be Sawayama and I am most certain that my friend would think so too.
Rina Sawayama (Photo credit: Dazeddigital.com)
Visionary Videos
Rina Sawayama on empowerment - YouTube
Rina Sawayama performing "Tunnel Vision" - YouTube
Thank you for your time. See you in the next post!
*None of these images or videos belong to me and were found on Google.
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