Not many teenagers can without hesitation give a life plan, but when it comes to Esha Alwani, she is using life’s challenges as the foundation to success in the music industry, which inevitably will propel her to stardom. Her story is more than just becoming a celebrity; it is one of overcoming obstacles, finding one’s self and in the process excelling at the art forms of singing and song writing.
Aruba-born, Esha, whose family roots run deep in St. Maarten, is acutely aware of the impact of having a dream and shooting for the stars. Her personal momentum has seen her performing at Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival 2016 and 2017 and at Aruba Summer Music Festival 2017, along with the production and release of two music albums ‘Beautiful’ in March 2016 and ‘Dangerous’ in June 2017.
The 15 year old’s success in the spotlight is mostly vibrant talent and partly the result of her ability to rise above a challenge. Esha has Tourette syndrome. She was diagnosed when she was five years old with the syndrome that is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics, vocalizations and sometimes compulsive utterances.
While some people would find despair in such a diagnosis, Esha found her music, “I realised that when I sing or play my music I would find a zone where I can forget and feel better. Music is my therapy, I don’t feel held back by Tourette and I feel healed by my music.” Her mantra for many years became “Music is my therapy” and as such, realised that if music helps her, music can be harnessed to help others.
Her passion to help others in similar circumstances was the catalyst for the start of her music career. She took to social media and shared her successes with music as therapy. She amassed a significant following that continues to grow. “I want to inspire people and I want people to see what can be achieved,” she said, sitting in the comfort of her grandparents’ (Varkha and Dayal) home in Pointe Blanche.
The release of her first album ‘Beautiful’ was fuelled by her need to find herself, be brave, love herself with all her quirks and to realise what is beautiful about her and her life. The album has six songs and the single selection for this album is ‘Yesterday’ a heartfelt glimpse into a teen’s perception of life and reflection. The song is a pleasant, blended, a soulful voice, apt lyrics and catchy beats. The listener is given a song worth enjoying.
“My music and the albums are my evolution as a person,” she said. ‘Dangerous’ was released and showcased Esha’s complexity as singer songwriter. She said it’s a brave look at herself. This album touches topics such as love, understanding, exploring, experiences and the intricacies of growing up. Her selected single on ‘Dangerous’ is ‘until I let go,’ with an upbeat rhythm with lyrics to match.
Her experiences on stage are just as poignant, “My first stage performance was at my school’s graduation ceremony. I performed for about 200 people.” At 13 years old and standing on stage, she knew that singing is her career of choice.
After the show, she dusted off her box of songs, some she had written when she was six. “Then I wrote about trees and friends; they were bad, no one will ever see those,” she joked. But inspiration in not more than a heartbeat away from Esha; she started to pour her thoughts onto paper and her music flowed. This flow and her growing popularity earned her invitations to sing at several music festivals and events.
The event that still has Esha smiling ear to ear is Aruba Summer Music Festival 2017. She was invited to perform as the opening act to Juan Luis Londoño Arias, better known by his stage name Maluma, a Colombian singer and songwriter, who happens to be one of her favourite singers. “I got really good feedback; the audience was supportive and excited for more. It was important for me to know that they enjoyed it. I tried to keep it upbeat for Maluma,” Esha said.
Her plan is to perform in St. Maarten, “I look forward to showing St. Maarten my music, this island is my second home. I want to inspire and entertain the people of this island.” She said both sides of this island have some amazing show and it would be her honour to bring her music to the people here.
Varkha, sitting through the interview, reminded Esha to talk a bit about her plan for global exposure. The obviously proud grandmother said, “I see her practicing for hours. I see her hard work paying off. She works so hard and is talented. I always say to her keep working hard and you will achieve all your dreams. She has already worked out her list of venues she wants to one day perform at. I will offer her all the support I can, and I know she will make it. She is confident, beautiful and talented.”
Her dad Kamlesh ‘Kelly’, who had all her details and promotion paraphernalia at hand, is clearly an invested father. He said, “She will always be my baby. It is important to me that my daughter is happy.” He explained that it is imperative that a keen eye is kept on the music industry, and that solid decisions are made about Esha’s future plans. “I will always be her father and I’m committed to getting her story out to the world,” he smiled. Esha is also surrounded by the family support of her mom Reyana and her two sisters Ekta and Tara.
Wrapping up the interview, Esha promised more to come in terms of her music and her advocacy for Tourette syndrome awareness. She said a portion of the monies earned from her music will be given to awareness activities.
Esha’s cyber presence can be found at website: EshaOfficial.com, Facebook: @eshamusic and Instagram: @eshamusic.
