Xana Romeo

Quick fact: there are many Jamaican acts that are lauded to the hilt overseas, but walk around in total anonymity while on the island. For some, this is a huge problem as one of their main reasons for getting into the business is for the promise of adulation from the listening public. However, others like Max Romeo find far more fulfilment in the actual process of creating good music, than all the other ‘perks’ of stardom. Max seems to have passed this mentality down to his daughter, Xana. A shy and unassuming presence, at least until she starts singing, Xana has a knowledge of life and all its components that belies her young age. Determined to step from under her father’s significant shadow, Xana is embarking on a musical journey. One that she hopes would gather enough of an audience to steam into 2017. But who is Xana really and why should you add her to your already cramped playlist? Read on and I promise you will find the answers what you seek.

I know your name is Azana Smith, but why Xana with an ‘x’?

When I first started singing, my stage name was Zana Sparklez [covers face]; I was only a kid then. After I started using Zana in my teen years, and after digging deep into music and my culture, I became Xana Romeo. I decided to dedicate my career to my people by continuing the works of my father (Max Romeo). The first black conscious book I read was the autobio of Malcolm X; that was where my head was when I chose Xana with an “X”.

You spent most of your life in one place, or you’ve lived in different places?

I was born in Kingston, My family moved to St Catherine in 2001.

What was it like growing up in a house of musicians, and a music legend (your dad) at that?

I was exposed to music and the music business at a young age. My family operated a record label\studio, sound system, vinyl company and an entertainment complex. We had live music on a Friday evening and everyone would take part in either playing an instrument or singing. I like to look at it as my dad preparing us for now, as most my siblings now do music as well. I chose music because it’s all I knew growing up.

What’s your most interesting story from touring with your family?

I’ll never forget this moment, Before a show in Barcelona, I was walking down a rainy street under an umbrella with my Mom. Just as I was walking pass a stoplight, a car with around four guys stopped. One put his window down and proceeded to tell me how much he loved my music and he plays it on his radio station all the time, My mom was got emotional. I had no idea my music was making major impact all over the world long before get to visit these places. I will never forget that moment.

Your time off, your meditation, your ‘quiet place’ for lack of clearer term at the moment, what does that entail and what is the experience itself like if you could describe it in words?

I’m always doing music. When I’m off stage and not recording, I’m mostly home writing or in the studio with my brothers making beats. Living in a house filled with musician is hardly ever quiet, so my weekends away is my quiet time. I spend my alone time mostly by the river smoking\reading.

Music makes us feel, it moves us, it heals us, some even say it’s life. What is your single favourite experience that you have music to thank for?

Music says things that our mouth cannot say, Music connects us emotionally. Music gives me a voice. I’m not the type of person to sit and complain about the stuff that bothers me in life, I’m the type to sing about it.