Today we’d like to introduce you to Kela Sako.
Hi Kela, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was always dreaming of performing on the stage. I started in elementary school with choir and musicals, graduating to my first talent shows and high school
spirit rallies, eventually recording the original songs I had. This led me
to my first original performances just after high school and since then I’ve never stopped striving. Still today, my sense of belonging to the stage has not faded. It’s truly a place I call home, sanctuary even.
My love for music came from my parents who were always listening to records in the car and in the house. They never skipped a track and they never played the radio. For this, I owe so much of my inspiration to them.
Growing up for my five siblings and I wasn’t easy; we raised each other in an environment of hardship and turmoil. Through the difficulty I experienced, I managed to always find peace in a pen and notebook, turning my thoughts and feelings into lyrics.
Writing poems and songs about this hardship brought me always closer to myself so that I never felt alone. I found my safety in the lines of the paper, in the pouring of my thoughts into them.
Again, still today I feel this way. The place I feel the safest and strongest in are my songs. The place I feel I can live my purpose in is the stage, sharing my story for all those who can relate to it, healing together in the process. It’s been a really beautiful journey and it’s very crazy to look back at how far I’ve come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been exhilarating and amazing. It’s been high and low, smooth then bumpy, motivating then crushing, all at the same time.
One of the biggest struggles for me and I think for a lot of us is how exactly we make it through those struggles. Especially being a female and an independent artist for most of my career, times can get really trying and it becomes a question of ‘How do I move forward from here’?
Whether that struggle is financial, familial, balancing your passion with your day job or something internal that you’re going through (all of which I’ve been experienced), all that matters is what we decide to do next.
When I was in college at UCSB, I knew in my heart I wasn’t where I was meant to be. Biology is great and I loved it! But the love for my passion of songwriting felt greater.
This dissidence sort of left me lost. It took a long time for me to come to terms with potentially letting my family down for not being the college graduate they had all thought I would be.
That’s another really huge struggle. When you’re living life on the terms you feel are best for you, when you have these goals to go chase down and work for what you really want,
others – even family and close friends – will judge you. Some will say you’re up in the clouds. Some will tell you to follow status quo and climb the ladder, any ladder but the one of your own making. That also took a long time for me to come to terms with. I had to find within myself that working for what you’re passionate about is all that matters, whether others support that vision or not.
If the road is too smooth, something is likely out of place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am musician and vocalist, but a lyricist above all. Turning my deepest emotions and experiences into lyrics and songs is what makes me feel whole. I’m known for my ballads and relatable lyrics.
I am most proud of being able to share my story through song with others so that they can relate and heal with me. I have a passion for healing. Through music, we can do that. We can relate with one another without having to speak. All we have to do is listen.
It’s not always easy, but having the ability to go into my deepest, darkest emotions and pull out the light in them in order to create sounds and lyrics to share with others to relate to is extremely special to me.
I always say – it’s okay to feel. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to hurt. Even more, it’s okay to share that with others.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
For being the constant light and safeguard in my life, I thank my father with all my heart, for never giving up on me. Without hesitation, he’s always believed in me. Through all of the seasons, he has always been there.
My mom, sister and brothers have all been my inspiration, even if at times I scared them with my decision to pursue a passion. They will always be my home base, those who remind me of who I am when I’m lost. I thank them so much for loving me through the years.
Pacific Records in San Diego is the first and only label I’ve been apart of thus far, and for their taking a chance on me I am forever grateful. The mentorship I have received from them has been immense and will never be forgotten.
To my big brother Laki, my uncles Jeff, Darren and Keopele, and to my cousin & best friend Nick – I thank them for the safety they provided me. Though they aren’t here physically, spiritually they guide me every day. Without them, I simply wouldn’t be where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lovekela.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kela.sako
