Wise Woman Wednesdays: Tonina

Cher, Rihanna, Beyonce…Like some of the most iconic musical voices before her, Tonina is best known by her first name only, because she needs no further introduction. But while she still calls St. Louis home, her bewitching voice and signature melange of folk-r&b-soul has captured a broader audience in recent years, even ending up on a certain former president’s iconic playlist in 2018 and gathering an international following during European appearances. After some slight fangirl-ing on our parts, we asked Tonina about her creative process, her trademark aesthetic, and how she lives authentically—even when “feeling the fear”.

How were you first drawn to your passion?
I am very fortunate to have been raised in a household that treasured the arts and nurtured my fascination with sound. My father, brother, and uncle were drummers; my sisters were a violinist and a pianist; and my mother, a Motown and classical music fan. Being musical was something that was encouraged and the sounds floating in my house inspired me to create my own sounds.

What does it mean to you to live creatively & authentically? 
My goal in life is to feel the fear and do it anyway. I like to take risks with my sound and not be confined to what others think I should sound like. That is when I thrive. When I let whatever wants to come out, come out, without thinking of a place for the song and without thinking of an audience. When I write for myself, that is when I feel I’m being truly authentic.

How would you describe your aesthetic?
Afro-Bohemian. My home is my little jungle scattered with plants, rattan pieces and west African masks. With my fashion, I draw inspiration from some of my musical idols—Rihanna, Stevie Nicks, and Selena.

What’s on your current listening rotation?
My listening rotation tends to be all over the place, just like my music. Right now I’ve been deep diving into Alice Coltrane’s discography, twerking to Ozuna, and smoking to Yussef Dayes and Phoebe Bridgers.

What’s one place you can always return to for inspiration?
My home library. I return to the authors who have made me into the black woman I am today. I am easily inspired by the stories of my ancestors, whether it be from a historical fiction novel by Toni Morrison or an informative feminist essay by bell hooks. These are the black figures who’ve inspired me to stand in my truth and embrace my blackness. From them, I am learning how to be unapologetic about the art I create.

What does a typical day in your life look like?
Depending on the time of the year, I can either be found rehearsing with my band, on a plane traveling to the next city when on tour, or recording for hours at the studio. But every day starts with a cup of coffee, and every day ends with a meditation.

What does the idea of a “wise woman” mean to you? Who represents this for you?
When I think of a wise woman, I think of my mother. She represents everything I want to be when I grow up. A woman who wears her age proudly and knows exactly who she is when she says “I’m not Italian, I am Sicilian” or “Yes, I’m 68 years old”. She continues to teach me about independence and to trust the universe.

What icon or totem would you choose to represent you and your life?
A headwrap and a string instrument.

“I feel best when I am surrounded by…” 
Clouds.

What wise woman should we interview next?
Syrhea Conaway (Syna So Pro)

Thanks again to Tonina for answering our questions. You can find more about her on her website and on Instagram as @iamtonina.