Originally from South Sudan. Amanie talks to REPLAY about her journey to Toronto, adapting to life in a new home, what keeps her going and some of the challenges she faces as a woman as she navigates life.
So Amanie Illfated, who is she, where’s she from, the name and what motivates her?
I am a South Sudanese born recording artist. Amanie is the name that was given to me at birth. When I first told my family that I wanted to start a music career, I was told that I was going to have a very bad future, no money and that I am illfated. I decided that I would do it regardless and decided to use the word Illfated. My biggest motivation is connecting with people around the world with music.
Musical origins: How and why did you start?
I’ve always felt a soul connection to music, but the time when I realized I really wanted to do music was when I was 4 years old playing lava in the living room with my siblings (the game where you cannot touch the floor). The TV was on and I saw Celine Dion performing and I stopped and decided right there that that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I started out doing traditional dances at many events in the city from 6 years old to 12. In that time, I also started to write lyrics and by 12 years old I learned how to produce music with a computer.
How has the journey been to get to this point?
The journey was very difficult at the start. I left home at 16 to move to the big city of Toronto in order to get a chance at starting my career. Adjusting to the city and going to school while practicing, producing and networking was a big challenge but as the years passed it got easier.
At what point did you know you could really do music seriously?
I had always been doing whatever I could to make my career serious, though the moment that I knew that this was possible was when I got the support of my high school music teacher, Mr John Gladwell. At that time, he was the only person I knew who understood the industry and was able to give me the advice and coaching that I needed to get there.
What has been the peak of the journey so far? and how did that make you feel?
I’m still on the upward climb and it feels incredible. Being able to travel around the world, perform on various stages, meet and work with many icons and legends in the industry is the biggest blessing I’ve been given so far.
What’s the thing that keeps you going, making sure you are focused to achieve your goals?
There are 2 things that keep me going. The first is that music is just ingrained in my soul and the second is that there are many young girls watching around the world who may or may not yet know they want to pursue their own career. I want to be able to show them that it is possible.
The last few years due to the pandemic has been somewhat unpredictable. How has it been for you and what have you been doing to cope?
It was TOUGH! Not being able to perform or connect with people live was a massive challenge. I did wind up in a very bad depression by the end of 2020, but fortunately had some amazing people around me who supported me as I rebuilt my strength. The following year (2021) became one of my best years in music with 5 music videos, numerous international performances, recording a new album and winning a music award in South Sudan.
Describe your style of music?
My music is an eclectic mix of Pop, R&B, Afrobeat, Reggae and Trap. Many would say it is a combination of M.I.A & Beyonce with an African twist.
Why did you use the name Saturn on your last project, was it before or after the project?
The planet Saturn started the vision for my latest album. It was a way to describe being considered beautiful on the exterior, yet having so many conflicts and storms within that are being battled.
Your last project was released in 2019 is there any reason for the gap?
The pandemic really blew through album plans. I was set to go on an international tour in 2020. Everything got canceled and postponed, however, by then I had started on a new project.
What was the process like from start to completion and how long did it take?
It was a wild 4 year journey to get to the completion of the album. It had been written 2 times before. The first time, it was written with a band and was completed, but a member in the band had issues with the release and it got scrapped. The second time was with a producer who didn’t quite get the vibe of the album. The third time working with multiple producers was the charm and we completed the album.
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