‘CREATING MUSIC THAT FEELS HONEST’: SPARKLING POPSTAR JONITA TELLS ALL ABOUT COLLABS, STAYING GROUNDED, AND WRITING HER HINDI-LANGUAGE VERSE ON ED SHEERAN’S ‘HEAVEN’
INTERVIEW | JONITA by Martha Munro
As India’s official leading female popstar with nearly 3 million Instagram followers, it’s safe to say that Jonita had already well and truly made it long before the team with global superstar Ed Sheeran reached out – but that doesn’t make this collab any less incredible. Infusing Sheeran’s track with her own emotional and cultural spin, Jonita takes the song – and herself – to new levels and new audiences across the globe. Find out more about the writing process, performing live, and even more exciting collaborations this pop sensation has under her belt…
So, this collaboration with Ed Sheeran on ‘Heaven’ — how did this happen? Who asked who? What steps did you take to make this possible? We want to know everything!
Honestly, it still feels surreal! The collaboration came together really organically. Ed’s team reached out after hearing some of my previous work. From there, it was a pretty smooth process and mainly us making sure my verse felt like a natural extension of the story Ed was telling. It was one of those projects where everything just clicked.
Your silky-smooth Hindi-language verse on ‘Heaven’ makes you an official credited co-writer on the song. What was the writing process like for this project? Different or similar to your usual work?
The writing process was beautiful because it felt like blending two worlds. Usually when I write, I’m thinking in English – but for “Heaven,” I was working with a team to translate a very pure and intimate emotion into Hindi. Ed gave me complete freedom to interpret the song in my own way, and I went back and forth on a few different versions before finalizing the verse as it is now. I’m really proud of how it’s come out!
It’s safe to say you’re highly renowned and universally adored, with some incredible collaborations under your belt, smash hits across the globe, and nearly 3 million Instagram followers. How do you navigate that kind of fame?
I feel incredibly grateful, truly. But I also try not to get caught up in the numbers. I don’t really think I’m that famous, but that’s never really been my focus anyway. My focus has always been on creating music that feels honest. Being in the public eye can be overwhelming at times, but I try to surround myself with people who keep me grounded – my family, my close friends, my team.
When you’re not making music, what can you usually be found doing?
Either binge-watching shows, sleeping, or hanging out with my friends! Lately I’ve been indulging in some pickle ball too.
As well as yours and Ed’s collab, you’ve also just released ‘Hello’ with the incredible Sigala and Leigh-Anne. How was this 3-person project different?
“Hello” is a very unique track – it has this infectious, feel-good energy that makes me want to dance. Collaborating with both Sigala and Leigh-Anne meant bringing together three very different creative styles, but somehow it all blended so effortlessly. Sigala has this incredible instinct for rhythms, Leigh-Anne brought such power and personality, and I loved incorporating Indian ethnic nuances – I tried my best to tie my vocals into their world.
Who are your biggest inspirations, musical or otherwise?
Vocally, I grew up listening to a lot of old school Hindi songs and also a lot of RnB and pop artists. Outside of music, I’m inspired by strong resilient women who carve their own path – my mom being the biggest one. She’s taught me patience, and the importance of staying true to yourself no matter what.
You’ve got some pretty impressive performances under your belt. What’s your favourite memory of performing live?
There are so many, but I think the most recent being Lollapalooza, India, where we opened for Shawn Mendes.
