A Palestinian you should know: Juvahn Victoria
Palestine in America: What’s your name?
Juvahn Victoria
- Who are you?
I’m a recording artist, songwriter and own my own independent label JV Inc.
- Where do you live?
Los Angeles
- How has your experience been in the music scene there?
It has been incredible, working with like minded creatives and also character building because I’ve had many experiences where my resilience has been tested.
- What type of music do you make and how did you get into it?
I make RnB and Soul music. I was brought up on music. My mother is very musically inclined and would always sing and play the guitar. So I was heavily influenced by her love of Motown and soul. I also sang in the choir growing up.
- What kind of themes do you explore in your music / lyrics?
Real life experiences, childhood trauma, and love.
- What's your favorite lyric you've ever written?
“Love me”
- Brag about yourself: have you collaborated with any cool artists?
I’ve worked with some cool artists like Famous Dex, Eddy Mack, 8ae, Zoh, Notorious Note, Squalla, and Bobby Raps to name the least.
- What are the dream collaborations that you're trying to manifest?
I would love to collaborate with Sia, Victoria Monet, Rihanna, Marshmellow & Finneas
- How does your Palestinian family / friends / community support you?
They are always showing love on social media and I have had opportunities by being of middle eastern descent. One of the opportunities was performing for the ambassador of Egypt. There were many Palestinians present.
- How does Arabic or Palestinian music / culture find its way into the
music you make? (if at all)
It definitely influences my production, I love string instruments and orchestral instruments. I find Arabic music very mesmerising and hypnotic. My father brought me up on, Fairouz, Oum Kulthum, Amr Diab, Najwa Karam, Elissa to mention a few and I’m always inspired when listening to Arabic music.
- What kind of future would you like to see for diaspora Palestinians in
music?
More representation, more of our beautiful culture being shown, I would like to push Palestinian music to the forefront.
- What's the best career advice you've ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to not take things personally. The music industry is a cut throat business. Stay focused and work on your craft every day. There is always room for improvement so remaining humble is also key.
- In the near future, Palestine is free, we're throwing a big party there
to celebrate, and everybody gets to play some music, what records
(not your own) are you bringing to play at the party?
Saber Al Rebai - Seedi Mansour
Amr Diab - Awedouny
Haifa Wehbe -Bous El Wawa
- What are your social media handles?
IG - juvahnvictoria
juvahnvictoria.com
