Singer encourages new artists to follow dreams

Czafari said singing at Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival made her feel "incredible"

A singer has encouraged emerging artists to never give up on their dreams, after performing at a Birmingham festival.

Czafari, also known as Czarena Brown, started writing music about nine years ago so she could share her love for storytelling with the world.

The 26-year-old from Tipton performed at Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival in July, which was a milestone she "couldn't believe" after DJing at the event in 2021.

"I remember soaking up the vibes four years ago and thinking, 'I need to be on one of those stages'," she said.

Reminiscing about the festival, Czafari said performing on the second stage made her feel "absolutely incredible" and glad that she "kept going" as an independent artist.

"There's been so many times where I felt like I wanted to give up because it was really slow, I wasn't getting many gig opportunities, and I didn't have the confidence to release music," she said.

"I'm really grateful to have this experience and I haven't quit, I'm still going."

The 26-year-old started singing at her grandparent's gospel choir at the age of four

Czafari said she has had a love for music since she was very young, when she competed in talent competitions and sang at her grandparent's gospel choir.

"I was probably one of the youngest in the choir but I had a voice so I had to sing," she said.

The artist described the performances as "very daunting at the time" but singing has "always been in her bones" and has given her the confidence she has now.

"Singing has always filled me with joy and as I've got older I've noticed when I sing, my endorphin levels increase and I am happy and more connected to myself," she said.

Czafari performed on Christmas Day in 2003 with her newly gifted microphone and guitar

Looking at pictures over the years, it's clear to see that Czafari was not afraid to put on a performance - even at the age of five.

Wearing a pink tiara, she sang to her family on Christmas Day with the new guitar, microphone and amp she had received that morning.

"My parents basically affirmed my passion for music, it made me feel really seen," she said.

One of her first performances after releasing her first EP was at The Night Owl in Digbeth

Czafari released her first EP at the age of 17 and performed at her first event at The Night Owl in Digbeth, Birmingham.

Since then, she has produced a second EP and her songs have featured on BBC 1Xtra.

While Glastonbury Festival isn't returning until 2027, performing at Worthy Farm is a milestone she wants to tick off her bucket list.

"I watch the performances back and I need to be there. To have that aspiration may sound really big but it's something I want to do, so I'm going to do it," she said.