Luxurist Magazine

Finding Her Voice Again: Sonna Rele’s Journey Back to Music

After global stages, a life-altering injury and a powerful return rooted in healing, affirmation and community, Sonna Rele reflects on resilience, music as medicine, and stepping boldly into a new chapter.

For readers discovering you for the first time, how would you describe your artistic world and the journey that’s brought you to this point in your career?

My artistic world is rooted in creation – singing, songwriting, playing guitar and piano, and leading as a studio head. I love bringing the studio onto the stage, allowing people to witness how I build harmonies and tracks live. I began my journey signed to major record labels and built a strong social media following. Incredible things were happening, and then everything stopped. I suffered a serious ear injury that required brain surgery. I took two years away from music to heal myself holistically, and now, I’m finally back.

Your music carries a strong emotional and cinematic quality. What early influences shaped your sound and storytelling instincts?

Going through experiences that demanded deep healing shaped everything. It led me to create music that popularises healing through sound, through motivational words of affirmation, and through togetherness. I believe we need more of that in the world right now: music that brings people together and reminds us of our collective humanity.

Every artist’s path has moments of momentum and pause. What has been the most defining chapter of your evolution so far?

I’ve experienced many forms of success – signing to Motown with Ne-Yo, recording the theme song for Disney’s Cinderella, performing at Wembley Arena and the Royal Albert Hall. Then, suddenly, I was told I might never sing again. That moment forced me into a different kind of evolution.  Through healing and deep inner work, I realised my artistry doesn’t depend solely on my voice – it depends on my message. Being able to tell my story through adversity, and to inspire others through it, became far more important. When I create now, I always remember: this was a journey to get here. I made it, and so can others.

You’ve spoken openly about your eardrum injury and its impact on your mental well-being. How did that period challenge you – and what helped you find your way back?

Grieving the loss of what my ears once were was incredibly difficult. Walking into rooms with artists who could sing freely, while I had to carefully, almost scientifically, find ways to perform without pain, created a deep mental block. I realised the challenge wasn’t just physical. It was emotional and psychological. I had to come to terms with the fact that some of us are tested in ways that feel unfair, but those tests can ultimately lead to profound joy, wisdom and healing.

Hitting a creative or personal rock bottom can be destabilising. What did that experience teach you about yourself?

It taught me discipline. It taught me how to detach from the physical and align with who I am at my core. Rebuilding yourself brick by brick gives you strength, courage and perspective. Had this not happened, I may have focused on impressing the world with my voice alone. Now, I have a message – one that I hope breaks barriers for anyone who feels limited by physical setbacks.

You recently shared the stage with Lemar. What did that moment represent for you?

Working with Lemar has always been a dream. He’s an incredible artist and now a dear friend. When people recognise your talent and choose to support you, they become allies, and Lemar has done exactly that. He’s guided and mentored me through releasing music, and I’m deeply grateful. Performing together, especially on our song Rewrite the Stars, is a true honour.

You released your new Christmas song on 12 December. Why did this feel like the right moment to share it?

The song is inspired by one of my all-time favourite singers, Mariah Carey. All I Want for Christmas Is You is timeless, and I wanted to contribute something with that same longevity. For me, all I want for Christmas is peace, joy, love and healing. Right now, that message feels urgent. I’m growing tired of overly sexualised narratives in media and crave more positivity and substance. I hope this song offers exactly that.

Christmas music often blends joy with reflection. How much of your personal journey is woven into this song?

So much of it. It’s inspired by my own healing journey, but also by friends and family who have faced hardship. This time of year comes with pressure to feel joyful, but not everyone does. This song speaks to those people. I hope it offers hope, courage and a gentle reminder that they’re not alone.

As 2025 comes to a close, how do you reflect on this year – emotionally, creatively and personally?

I’m grateful for the lessons this year has taught me, and excited to carry them into 2026. Recently, I released In My Zone, a song centred on affirmations and manifestation. Since then, I’ve performed at O2 Indigo at the Jazz Café, received incredible radio support from Choice FM, Capital Xtra, Radio 1, BBC Introducing and BBC Asian Network, and experienced moments that truly felt like manifestations becoming reality. I believe this song can inspire others to call their own magic into existence too.

Looking ahead to 2026, what feels most exciting, and how do you want to step into this next chapter?

I’m releasing music every other week and building something very special with my listeners, what I call my friendbase. We connect weekly outside of social media, sharing ideas, listening, vibing and growing together. That sense of community excites me deeply. Beyond that, there are a few big surprises I can’t reveal just yet – collaborations, TV appearances and more. All I can say is: 2026 is going to be an incredible year!

Listen now on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/0k2XSvap0j3RZa6BA98Sbs

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