Episode 15 -- Manami : Okinawa Jpop Singer

Made in Japan-- Conversations with Meljo Catalan

I've never been starstruck with musicians or singers (well...except seeing Neutral Milk Hotel or Mineral or The Roots live). Although I AM awestruck meeting people with intense passion, integrity and sincerity. Here we have Manami who is a Japanese singer that embodies all three characteristics in her life. We haven't met in at least a decade but I'm proud to have her as a student and as a friend. Her career rocketed when she won a singing contest organized by @nigo and @pharrell which resulted in two tracks produced by the N.E.R.D. legend himself. This paved her way to a career spanning seven years in Okinawa with all sorts of local sponsors and collaborations. She then had the chance to perform at various overseas venues. Meanwhile, I would happen glance at her promotional videos that blanketed from the big LED screens of Shibuya to the local television sets in Okinawa homes and to the Japanese youth grasping their smartphones and gawking at her dance routines in her youtube channel. After all this, she returned to Tokyo this year with renewed vigor and purpose; poised to bring her fans a new sound that I'm sure they will embrace. I was excited to see her and catch up again but I'm thrilled to watch her talent mature on a new level. That's just how she rolls. You can listen and watch Manami perform on iTunes , Spotify, Youtube and follow her on her IG: @manami_sorafune Official Website: https://www.manami-sorafune.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/madeinjapanpodcast/message