Parenting Panel with Amana Melomé

Photo credit - Myra Vides.

Amana Melomé has lived many creative lives - global nomad, jazz rooted songwriter, soulful storyteller, painter and multilingual explorer.

But over the past seven years, she has been quietly immersed in the most transformative chapter yet: motherhood. And like everything she touches, she has approached it with curiosity, intention and an open heart.

Now, as she steps back into the public eye with new music and a renewed sense of self, Amana brings with her a clarity that could only have come from becoming a parent and this season of profound change. Her upcoming album Recalibration was shaped not just in studios across continents, but in the in-between spaces of parenting - nap times, late night reflections, moments of play and the delicate dance of rediscovering her own creative rhythm.

In this conversation, Amana speaks with striking honesty about raising her daughter Sky, rebuilding her creative process and the quiet miracles and challenges that come with being both an artist and a parent. She talks about letting go of perfection, finding presence in chaos, making room for the inner child, and learning to trust her voice in a new way.

How many children do you have? And what are their names and ages?

I have one child, a wonderful daughter named Sky. She is 7 years old now.

In what ways has parenthood helped your creativity, if any? 

The first thing that came to mind about how parenthood may have helped my creativity is the reoccurring conversation with our little lady around letting go of perfectionism and caring less about what others think. Both are extremely relevant in the arch of a young lady growing towards teenage emotions, and helping her navigate all of the feels with open conversation (we try our best;) has helped me remember to check myself, and lead by example. 

I am at peace with my voice perhaps not always being “perfect” technically, but I feel it is perfect when it emotes the colours and emotions from my Soul! Whatever THAT sounds like, it’s perfect! It’s authentic, true, and people can connect with that. For my new album Recalibration I recorded all of the vocals in a studio in Spain, for the first time without a producer on the other side of the glass to give input! I was very much in my head about this challenge initially, for fear of not nailing the performance. In the studio I connected with the truth that it’s not a performance, my voice is an expression and so long as I let it pour out from my heart, I’m winning. 

I try to remind my daughter to always stand in her truth, even if others may be bothered by it, you’re going to come out on top!

Another important correlation to being a parent of a small child is re-learning how to play, for the sake of playing, with no end goal beyond being present and connecting. This state allows for exploration in creativity as well!

What has parenthood taught you about yourself, your music, or your creative process? 

Motherhood has revealed a whole new level of super powers! Haha! I believe being responsible for a pure little soul, that you adore with your whole heart, want to protect at all costs and nurture into awesome human beings takes an UP-leveling of anyone’s game! As far as what it has taught me, I would say definitely to soften (ie: pick your battles wisely…snuggle when asked) and be less rigid with life and the tiers of priority. Really it’s a balancing act of where and when rigidity and rules are helpful, and need to be held onto, versus letting others go. 

Since I’ve been a mother I have surprised myself over and over again, with how strong I am, and how fabulously I can operate on fumes/no sleep! My creative process had to be re-shaped, re-imagined…I started painting again when my daughter was born, because she could nap on me and I still had an outlet to express my soul. As she grew, I created a space where my daughter and I could hang out and be creative together. My studio has gymnastics rings, a swing, and a whole cupboard for Sky with HER art supplies, paints, stamps etc. 

My music studio has her piano and ukulele, and mine, which she knows are the professional ones and are not to be touched! We respect each other’s things with love, and often create together. 

Songwriting is the only creative process in which I need a cocoon, I need the stillness inside and out, to allow for the inspirational flow. Thankfully my husband is very supportive, so when I decide to go on a solo trip to write, or lock myself in the studio for days he’s behind me 100 percent! 

How do you juggle your family and your career? Who’s your support system? 

Our family is very small, but everyone in it is very supportive of each other! Now that my daughter has reached an age where she can be quite self-sufficient with most things (clothes, hair etc), I feel confident enough to be away from her for longer stretches of time. I used to have the routine of creating the music for an album for a few months (writing then recording), followed by months of touring international jazz festival circuits. I knew this was impossible when she was tiny and even toddler age, and my days were very full. My husband has lovingly encouraged me to get back to my passion and creativity, as he knows it soothes my Soul. 

This year I was finally ready to share myself with the world again! I have my husband Johan and my mother by my side always, and the rest of the family in another country but still very supportive! I am thankful, grateful and blessed!

What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a parent? Any advice for others? 

That for a conscious creative, becoming a parent can initially feel like you’ve lost yourself. It’s a huge reality shift of course for any parent, but for a creative like myself who is used to creating in isolation, basking in the stillness to allow for inspiration…motherhood was like sliding down a rabbit hole at first. A beautiful, magical, other world - but nothing like it was before! 

This 7 year cycle that is coming to a close now has been a HUGE lesson of recalibrating and finding, creating balance! As a parent, a wife, a mother, and a creative!!  Con C.ALMA is the first single from my new album Recalibration. It’s a frequency I’ve learned to tune into daily, tapping into the calm in my Soul (alma translates to soul in Spanish), remembering that life is unfolding in perfect and Divine order, that what is meant for me will find me one way or another, and especially to dance and play in the many NOWs of each day, present, in gratitude, at my own pace! 

It is the first music I’m releasing since motherhood, I took my time and shaped Recalibration with my heart. My advice is to stay true to your heart, don’t let the world rush you or pull you into chaos with the noise. Ritualise self care and filling your own cup, so that you have an abundant overflow from which to give to others! Lastly don’t forget to BREATHE! You will find your way back to yourself, and BEYOND, as you now have parental superpowers as gems on your crown!

Do your children inspire / inform your music? 

My daughter has inspired many songs. On this new album ( Recalibration - out march 2026) there is a lullaby I wrote for her, titled Meet me in Our Dreams. It’s something I sometimes say to Sky following a kiss goodnight, when she wished I wouldn’t leave her room. I’d tell her to look for me in her dreams. We’re playing with the idea of writing together one day! I’m so curious what will emerge then lol! Stay tuned!

Not every artist parent incorporates their children into their music - if you do not is this a conscious decision?

I haven’t incorporated Sky into my music yet, but I have thought about it. I have asked her if she’d like to sing with me and she clicks into performance anxiety mode…so for now I will leave it alone. I do have some very cute sound bites recorded though…they may make an appearance one day!

Listen to Amana Melomé’s latest single “Con C.ALMA” out now:

Stream music on Spotify:

About Amana Melomé

Amana Melomé is a Euro Caribbean American singer-songwriter, painter and global nomad whose music blends jazz, neo-soul, folk and world influences.

Born in Germany and raised across several continents, she carries a rich musical lineage. Her grandfather, Jimmy Woode, played bass with Duke Ellington and her aunt, Shawnn Monteiro, continues the family’s jazz legacy.

Her upcoming album, Recalibration, marks a return to music after several years devoted to motherhood and offers songs rooted in presence, authenticity and the wisdom of experience. Amana’s work invites listeners into a space of reflection, calm and soulful connection, with a voice that is both intimate and expansive.