Interview with Lisa Oduor-Noah - Beauty, Wellness and her musical journey

Welcome to our latest series, Emerge. We are spotlighting creative peeps who are from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Creating in every language you can possibly imagine, we want to highlight these international tastemakers. We are talking to them about their career journeys, beauty secrets and wellness tips.

Whether it is the upcoming musician singing in a local bar or the guitar player in a jazz club near you, artistes always have a central theme to their work. For some artistes, it's freedom. For others, it is joy. For Lisa, however, it is love. Love peeks through everything she creates, from her music and beauty routines to her activism. I saw this in person during my video call with the Kenyan singer-songwriter when it was a chilly Thursday morning in Nairobi.

Lisa Oduor-Noah is an alumna of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, with a Bachelor's Degree in Contemporary Writing and Production. But apart from her exceptional achievements at Berklee and her time on the Robert Glasper Residency, the artiste labels herself a "merchant of hope", drawing from several life experiences and influences to create music that speaks of love between lovers and friends.

From her creative process on her self-titled album to her favourite discolouration serum, the intercontinental talent spoke to us about her life in Kenya, her East African-inspired beauty routine and her time-tested self-care tips for musicians like herself. Here's a warm introduction to Lisa Oduor-Noah's colourful world.

From Local Spotlight to the Global Stage

Nairobi Nights to the World

Music has been around me my whole life. Growing up, my parents played so much music around us, and I used to do background vocals and songs at summer camp, but a career in music wasn't something I had considered.

I had an interest in medicine, specifically obstetrics and gynaecology. But the idea of dealing with blood was a lot. So, I decided to try arts and psychology instead. During my degree in psychology, a friend called and asked, "Why don't you audition for Berklee?" I auditioned and got accepted with a full tuition scholarship. It's been years since then, but I've realised that music is a language. And you don't have to speak the same language in a song to understand or feel what is being said.

On moving back to Kenya

I love Kenya. And I love the weather. I like to call myself a sun baby because I struggle so much in the cold. And you never really know about seasonal depression until you're in the cold of winter. Here in Kenya, however, there is warmth. Even if you've just put on a bad performance or while buying things in the market, people will still try to encourage you or ask you how your day was.

During my time at Berklee, I got to see how information on immigration, insurance, or even healthcare is not so easy to get access to in the US. And how cold and unsmiling people can be in the winter. Life is designed so interestingly and differently in the US and it's not necessarily bad. It's just… different.

Finding inspiration in African rhythms

Language is my biggest musical influence. I've always been surrounded by language.

Growing up, my parents played traditional African music from different places and cultures. There was Congolese music, especially Rumba and Lingala. I grew up on songs in my native tongue, Dholuo, and saw my friends make genre-bending mixes, like combining Swahili with electronic dance music.

Language teaches you so much about people.

Collabs, Connecting with Artists and Building Community

There are so many talented artists that I'd love to collaborate with. Msaki from South Africa, John Mayer, and Robert Glasper would be amazing. Tay Iwar from Nigeria and NNAVY from Burundi are also on my list.

Beauty Secrets and Holistic Harmony

Lisa's K-Beauty-Inspired Skincare Routine

I have dry combination skin, which means I need moisture. And since COVID hit in 2020, I've been using many COSRX and CeraVe products in my skincare routine. Korean Beauty just does it for me.

To cleanse my face, I use the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser or the Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser.

To moisturise, I use the CeraVe Deep Hydration Moisturizing Cream, the COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream, and the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.

To target skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, I use CeraVe's Resurfacing Retinol Serum and the Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum.

Keep Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Hyperpigmentation

Lisa's A-Beauty-Inspired Makeup Essentials

My makeup bag is where you find the Kenyan Stuff, but I still like to keep things simple. I'm a big fan of Zaron Beauty's Mascaras and the Lash Idôle 24H Waterproof Mascara Glossy Black from Lancôme.

I also have sensitive skin, so I use hypoallergenic foundations like Fenty Beauty's Pro Filt'r Soft Matter Longwear Foundation and the Too Faced Born This Way Natural Finish Foundation.

For lipgloss, I use Vaseline's Lip Therapy in Cocoa Butter and the Gloss Bomb f rom Fenty Beauty.

I'm not big on facials, but I do love massages. For body care, I make my body oil at home. I mix shea nut and avocado oil for hydration, some vanilla for scent, and tea tree oil to ensure the mix does not clog my pores.

My skincare tip is also to exfoliate once or twice a week. I do that to help with my raspberry legs and any sweat buildup.

Hair Care Rituals for Nourishment, Strength and Growth

My hair is natural. And I like to get my hair done when I'm doing my nails. I do all of this when I want to feel good. I like products from Aunt Jackie's Curls and Coils, but I love a good hot oil treatment. It helps my hair stay healthy and strong.

My friend makes natural ayurvedic oils, so I warm them up and massage them into my scalp and hair. I also use a homemade mix of rosemary and black castor oil to prevent breakage and promote hair growth.

Lisa's Nail Care at Laylands

I have a nail guy, Jamil, who has a salon called Laylands in Nairobi.

I like to keep my nails in shape, so I visit the salon every two to three weeks. Jamil works with my natural nails, but I cut them sometimes so they can regrow stronger after all the acrylic and UV exposure I put them through.

I like nude colours on my nails, and I enjoy manicures - they're really relaxing.

Finding Balance: Wellness Practices for a Life in Motion

I travel often. On those flights, I always carry an extra blanket, a mask and a throw pillow for flights. I also love to unpack once I get to my destination, shower and sleep. Sometimes, I go on walks in the new city, either in silence or while listening to some music.

After a performance, I need silence. There is so much adrenaline before and during the show, so it's essential to get away from the noise when it's all over. When I get home, I change out of my outfit, wear comfortable clothes and sit in silence. I might get some food or tea if I'm hungry. I also never go to bed without taking off my makeup. It's a therapeutic act for me and helps me manage and let go of the day's stress.

Sometimes, I reflect on what I liked about the show and quickly check what the audience thinks. The next day I always ensure I have a good meal in the morning and a long shower to help me destress.

On mental health tips for musicians

For musicians —and anyone else who might need this—you need to check in on how you feel in the morning. Sit with yourself before your feet hit the floor. Ask yourself how you're feeling before meeting the world.

I recommend praying, stretching or working out– it helps clear the morning fog. Ensure you have a small routine - some things you do not change no matter where you are.

Expressing Soul through Sound

The Creative Process Unraveled: How Lisa Writes, Records, and Performs

My creative process depends on the song. Jahera, for instance, is an ode to love.

In Dholuo, my native language, it means "the one my love belongs to". The tune and lyrics for the chorus came to me first. It says, "Sometimes the only thing I want is you, and all the time the only thing I want is you".

And it had to be in Dholuo because you know how words sound sweeter in your mother tongue than in English? The verses came next, and while writing, I thought, if love would tell me about itself, what would it say?

Like many of my songs, Jahera is me remembering the nostalgia of being in love and thinking about the little things people do when they are in love, like holding hands or linking your pinky fingers. During songwriting, I just let my feelings flow. And they resonate with people, even when I'm just writing about myself.

Empowering Voices, Sharing Stories and Music as a Platform for Change

To merge activism and music, you must know what you're passionate about outside of music and not be afraid to get behind them. For example, I love kids. They articulate their emotions directly and tell you very bluntly about them.

I'm also passionate about women. I want my daughter to see other women doing great things. We need to hear songs that speak about social issues that might be difficult for some to talk about, like loneliness and gender-based violence. And that's what I try to do through my music.

A Glimpse into Lisa's Future Plans and Aspirations

I'd love to learn more about the publishing side of music and become my own publisher soon. I'd also love to help people and put more musicians on, maybe through a scholarship.

I don't just want to keep making music. I want to make a change.

Keep reading : Maya Amolo on her Colors Show and the secrets behind her flawless skin

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