Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Smith.
Hi Hannah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I am singer, songwriter and multi-facetted artist “Hannah G.”. My music journey begins on the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Vincent & The Grenadines where I was raised in a small religious household of four: my dad, my mom, my sister and I.
Music and singing have always been a major part of my life. As a child, I was always known to be the one singing loudly around the house or crying to the top of my lungs. Either way, according to family, the ability of my vocal cords was almost always on display. From Sunday morning choir singing, to the inevitable songs of dancehall, reggae, soca and mainstream music that filled the transportation minibuses on the way to school and back, there was always a song to learn, to sing and to fall in love with.
Despite my lifelong a passion for the art of performing my favorite gospel songs, I never foresaw that today I would be a multiple award winning recording artist, making the impact that I am and uplifting others by sharing my life through music. Growing up singing was simply something I genuinely enjoyed because of my God-given gift, but today, after everything I’ve been through, it has become so much more purposeful to me.
Every musical creation, including my debut album “Dreams & Visions” and songs with the sound of my culture like “Watch Ova,” “Work,”and “Only God Knows” very intentionally promote messages of empowerment and encouragement to inspire people to do whatever it is that God has called them to despite the obstacles or disapproval of others.
That very message is the theme of my story and it’s an honor to share it with you.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were several devastating yet life changing events that led me to where I am today. About a decade ago, before coming to America, a series of abusive incidents made where I called my home a hostile environment.
My mom, sister and I were eventually able to get out of what had become a very dangerous situation and ultimately migrated to America to find refuge, solace and a new life.
We endured betrayal from family members, homelessness, mistreatment, and very dark moments along the way, but one thing that never seemed to be lost among us was the belief that God will see us through and over every obstacle that we would ever encounter. Looking back, the truth is, He always did.
I personally had to cleave to that truth more than ever when my grandmother unexpectedly passed away two years ago in my home country. It was right as I began to see the first of the results in my music career that I prayed for. I wanted to make her proud and thankfully
she always made it clear with every phone call that she was. More than anything else, I hoped to see her face again while she was still alive, but it was her time to go home.
When she passed, my appreciation for life and the little moments we share along the journey to our destination began to mean so much more to me. My grandmother is still one of my biggest motivations to keep walking in my music ministry and to appreciate the gift of life while we still have the chance to.
It definitely has not been the easiest journey getting to where I am today and even still, I know that there is still an unknown journey ahead for me to experience, but I know that God will see me through to the end just as I’ve seen before.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am mostly known for being Hannah G. the singer and songwriter, however, I’m more than happy to share that I have more to offer.
Throughout the years, my God-given passion for creative expression has expanded beyond music and has uncovered gifts like painting, fashion coordination, graphic designing and so many other avenues that have become a part of my ministry and purpose. I have also been blessed to be the co-CEO (with my husband) of “ReaL Buziness Apparel,” and CEO of the sub-brand “ReaL Buziness Women’s Apparel,” a thriving fashion brand that is recognized both locally and internationally.
Musically, I am proud of the progress I have made even as a relatively newer artist. So far my debut album “Dreams & Visions” and several of my singles have accumulated multiple awards, accolades and most importantly impact. I’ve always creating new music over covering songs for my projects which is why in my Christmas album “A Lovely Christmas,”I made the decision to do all originals despite the tradition to cover the classics which is something I took a chance on and am proud of.
Outside of the business side of my work, some of my greatest achievements rest in the moments I hear testimonials of how the songs that God gave me have impact on others. To know that someone was encouraged or experienced some form of healing through my music/my story will always be the core of my reason why.
Music is ministry and my dedication to making sure that I am allowing God to speak through my art is what I believe sets me apart. Only God knows who needs to hear what and when and that truth remains at the center of my creative process.
I want to create timeless music that goes beyond just being another great hit song, a fun vibe, or being catchy. I believe music can be both trendy and authentic to real life, real situations, and real people.
That’s why my upcoming album “Beauty & Pain” intentionally focuses in on the truths of real life situations, words that may otherwise go unsaid and unheard in moments when there is a need for a release. That is what this project is to me, a release. The songs so delicately expresses moments of pain and frustration, but not without the acknowledgement and highlight of the beauty that life is so full of even in the midst of the hard times.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Personally, I can truthfully say that I didn’t get connected to the right people as far as good management, finding a mentor or even partnership with the right team until I involved God in the process of choosing for me.
There were a few trials and errors along the way where people tried to make business connections for me that simply didn’t work out even with the best of intentions.
Each experience and process is going to be different and that’s the way it’s supposed to be since we all have different gifts and purposes.
For me, my mentor was The Holy Spirit, who connected me to my now manager and husband Tone Butta, the CEO of ReaL Buziness Music Record Label.
Though reluctant at first, by faith I entrusted my art to the label and since then, not only did my recording career finally kick off but my relationship with God began to flourish beyond what I ever knew to be possible.
Through that one decision to let God guide my steps, I have since been connected to a plethora of opportunities and networking communities that continue to help me advance in my calling as an artist.
My advice for anyone trying to find a mentor or just good networking would be to give yourself enough time to be sure about what your purpose is. Never rush into anything blindly. Build a foundation of values that would keep you rooted in your calling but most importantly, ask God to help you connect with the right people at the right time and give you the discernment, character and work ethic that you need to sustain the right connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youtube.com/@therealtonebutta?si=zKZfWckn039tJ4aC
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shes_hannahg?stkn=cWllaDJzOTQ2dTJj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAJkdyuyf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sheshannahg?si=Rv0f__CDjkgiCUsG
