My first memory was arriving in the big city of Buenos Aires, where we moved to from the Congo when I was a little girl.
I remember hearing Nelson Mandela make a speech, I was about 10 and it made a huge impact on me. He quoted the poem ‘Our deepest Fear’ which later I found out was written originally by Marianne Williamson
I knew I wanted to be an entertainer from the age of 5. I used to watch a programme in Argentina called Chiquitas, where kids were acting, singing and dancing. I would dream to do all that. We were all obsessed with Xuxa (Brailizian TV presenter) and I performed Xuxa’s Ilarie in the Liceo Frances where I went to school. That was an electrifying experience, getting my custome ready was so exciting!
My friends in Argentina always encouraged me to sing. Once, on a Secondary School trip, everyone had to show what we could do and my friends kept saying to the class I could sing so I sang in front of my class and that changed me forever I knew singing was going to be my career. I was just 13 years old.
When I was 14 my parents decided to move from Buenos Aires to London. My father had family here and my parents wanted me and my siblings to study here and thought there would be more opportunities to pursue my musical career.
My first year in London was hard. I really missed Argentina. At first the weather, the streets and buildings seemed very cold. Going to secondary school not speaking any English was challenging. But I had to quickly learn the language and get on with my life and I realized British people were nice really when you get to know them. I’ve been here ever since.
My country of origin and identity have always kept changing. But in Ldonon I realised that there are many people who come along that same road, so you are never alone. Growing up as a Congolese girl in Argentina and then do it all over again in London is what has made me. I value my African roots, it is the core of my being and growing up in Buenos Aires and London have both shaped to become the woman I am today.
When I was 23, I joined a band called Malambo and became a professional working singer. I performed with London Lucumi Choir and then with Wara for 9 years before meeting Animanz. With the London Afrobeat Collective I've touring all around Europe, including Spain so it has been such a wonderful experience to tour, write and make records really living my dreams.
The best piece of advice I’ve been given was by Paloma Faith, who I bumped into once. She told me to write my own music and see how people feel. And also from my mum, who always said believe in myself and told me I could do anything I wanted if I did
London is for walking. I love walking around Soho,The Natural History Museum, the V&A, The British Museum, Victoria Park, Brick Lane, St James Park and pretty much anywhere around the river Thames…London Wall Walk there is a lot of history of old London. For thinking...The Barbican
My best experience in London...was playing in Ronnie Scott and my whole family was there. My Dad had never seen me perform before because he doesn’t live in London so it was very special him being there, also my Uncle was there, my mother, my two sisters and younger brother. It was a true family affair and one of my proudest moments.
I feel like I am only just starting with the possibilities in my music. I've now embarked my journey towards a solo project after meeting multi-instrumentalist and producer Greg Sanders while I was in Wara. Greg has that knowledge and vision of different sounds and this new album on Strut Records will be a nice way to celebrate my music journey.
My perfect Sunday in London…brunch a Movie, Pizza and Wine with my closest friends
My favourite word in English...Sedulous,Serendipity and Elusive oh there are so many words I love this is quite difficult to choose.
My least favourite word in English …peculiar ahah is peculiar
Juanita Euka's single 'Alma Seca' is available here https://strut.lnk.to/AlmaSeca
