About Rina Sawayama
Rina Sawayama is a multi-talented Japanese and British artist, excelling as a singer, actress, and model. In 2017, she independently released her debut extended play titled "Rina." However, it was her signing with Dirty Hit in 2020 that propelled her career to new heights, leading to the release of her highly acclaimed debut studio album, "Sawayama." On 16 September 2022, she unveiled her second studio album, "Hold the Girl." Alongside her albums, Rina has captivated audiences with a series of notable singles, including "Sleeping in Waking," "Where U Are," "Valentine (What’s It Gonna Be)," "Cherry," and "Flicker." Recognized for her versatility in music, Rina has expanded her artistic pursuits by venturing into modeling for fashion campaigns. Additionally, she made her acting debut in the action film "John Wick: Chapter 4" released in 2023, showcasing her talent in yet another creative domain.
Pop singer Rina Sawayama recently expressed her criticism of fellow Dirty Hit Records labelmate, Matty Healy, the lead singer of the 1975, for his highly criticized remarks made on an American podcast back in February. During her performance at the Glastonbury Festival, Sawayama indirectly called out Healy, referencing his controversial comments and dedicating her song "STFU!" to him. In introducing the song, she explained that it was inspired by her frustration with microaggressions and directed it towards a white man who not only mocks Asian people on a podcast but also happens to own her music masters. Healy had participated in the podcast's mockery of the rapper Ice Spice, making fun of her accent and incorrectly identifying her heritage as Chinese, Hawaiian, and Inuit. ESEA Music, an organization led by east and south east Asian music industry professionals and artists, condemned Healy's remarks, accusing him of promoting racism and complicity in perpetuating harmful Asian stereotypes.
Rina Sawayama Early Life & Family
Rina Sawayama, born on 16 August 1990 in Niigata, Japan, holds a British-Japanese nationality with a Japanese-Asian ethnicity. At the age of five, her family made the decision to relocate from Japan to London, where she was raised and currently resides. Rina possesses an indefinite leave to remain (ILR) visa in the UK. Originally, her family intended to return to Japan when she turned ten, but they ultimately chose to stay in London. During her early years in the UK, she faced challenges due to her limited English proficiency, struggling to comprehend her teachers and interact with her peers. However, she found solace and connection through pop music. Rina began sharing music covers on Myspace at the age of sixteen and later formed a hip-hop group called Lazy Lion during her sixth form. While Rina has achieved fame, she has kept her father's name private from the media. Noriko Sawayama is the name of her mother. As of 2022, she celebrated her 32nd birthday, being born under the zodiac sign of Leo on 16th August.
Rina pursued higher education at Magdalene College, Cambridge, where she studied politics, psychology, and sociology, ultimately earning a degree in political science. Additionally, in May 2020, she revealed her enrollment in an online course at the University of Oxford, further expanding her academic pursuits.
Rina Sawayama Career
- Rina Sawayama embarked on her solo career in February 2013, debuting with the single "Sleeping in Waking," produced by Justin "Hoost" Tailor. The single was accompanied by a 7-inch vinyl release in April 2013, featuring the B-side track "Who?," through UK label Make Mine.
- That same year, she adopted the stage name "Riina" and released the Halloween-themed single "Terror."
- In 2015, Sawayama unveiled the music video for "Tunnel Vision," directed by Arvida Byström, followed by the release of her single "Where U Are" in 2016, which featured a thought-provoking music video co-directed by Alessandra Kurr.
- Exploring the impact of digital media on human connection, the song conveyed the dichotomy of being together yet feeling alone in an online world. "Where U Are" received praise for its nostalgic and shimmering pop sound, being described as both "ultra-sweet and shimmering pop" and "90s R&B pop perfection."
- In March 2017, Rina premiered her single "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome" on The Fader, explaining that the track delves into themes of pessimism, optimism, anxiety, and freedom in the digital world, highlighting the support networks and refuge it can provide.
- Later that year, she released the singles "Alterlife" and "Tunnel Vision," a duet with Shamir, followed by her independently released debut EP titled Rina. The EP received critical acclaim, with The Guardian describing it as "bracing and modern" and praising Sawayama for pushing pop music into the future. Pitchfork also included Rina in its list of the best pop and R&B albums of the year.
- In 2018, she released the single "Valentine" and unveiled the music video for "Ordinary Superstar."
- Sawayama's exploration of her sexual identity continued with the release of the track "Cherry."
- She embarked on the Ordinary Superstar Tour and later supported Charli XCX on tour.
- In 2020, she signed with Dirty Hit Records and released several singles, including "STFU!", "Comme des Garçons (Like the Boys)," and "XS," leading up to her highly acclaimed debut album, Sawayama.
- She gained attention for speaking out against her ineligibility for major British music awards due to her lack of British citizenship, resulting in the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) changing the rules to allow her eligibility.
- Sawayama made her television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performed the song "XS," and released a deluxe version of her album in December 2020.
- In April 2021, she collaborated with Elton John on an updated version of her song "Chosen Family."
- She was recognized in August 2021 on Newsweek Japan's "100 Japanese people respected by the World" list.
- She also contributed a cover of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" to the charity tribute album The Metallica Blacklist in September 2021.
- Additionally, her remix version of Lady Gaga's "Free Woman" appeared on Gaga's remix album Dawn of Chromatica.
- She began working on her second studio album in 2021 and embarked on the first leg of The Dynasty Tour in November of that year.
- She featured on singles by Charli XCX and Pabllo Vittar in early 2022. Sawayama announced her second studio album, Hold the Girl, which was released in September 2022, featuring singles such as "This Hell," "Catch Me in the Air," "Hold the Girl," "Phantom," and "Hurricanes."
- In March 2023, she made her film acting debut in the fourth John Wick installment, with the film receiving positive reviews, and she also released the song "An Eye for An Eye" as part of the film's soundtrack.
- In addition to her music and TV career, she has also established herself as a successful model. She is signed to Anti-Agency and Elite Model Management.
- In 2017, she was selected for Versus x Versace's fall/winter campaign, and she has appeared in campaigns for Missguided by Jourdan Dunn.
- She collaborated with Nicola Formichetti for MAC x Nicopanda, writing and performing an original track titled "Play on Me" for the campaign.
- She walked the runway for Balmain in September 2021 to commemorate Olivier Rousteing's ten-year anniversary as the head of the fashion house.
- She achieved a significant milestone by gracing the cover of British Vogue in June 2023.
- Furthermore, she collaborated with Taiwanese visual artist John Yuyi in 2016 on a visual series that critiqued Asian beauty standards, leading to a profile feature in Vogue.
- She has also worked closely with Nicola Formichetti, who directed the music video for her song "Ordinary Superstar," and their partnership was highlighted in i-D.
Rina Sawayama Awards and Achievements
- Won AIM Independent Music Awards in 2022
- Won Attitude Awards in 2020
- Won Gay Times Honours in 2021
- Won NME Awards in 2022
- Won Popjustice £20 Music Prize in 2022
- Won The Daily Californian Art Awards for her work in "Sawayama" in 2020
- Won Vogue Japan in 2019
Rina Sawayama Dating & Boyfriend
As of now, Rina Sawayama is single and not involved in a romantic relationship, as she wholeheartedly devotes her energy and attention to her flourishing career. She is not dating anyone and she does not have a boyfriend. She finds great fulfillment in her present life and embraces the joys that come with it. In August 2018, Rina publicly revealed her sexual orientation during an interview with Broadly, sharing that she has always written songs about girls and had never referenced a male partner in her music, hence her desire to address the topic. Regarding her gender, she identifies as both bisexual and pansexual. In July 2020, she signed an open letter to the UK Equalities Minister Liz Truss calling for a ban on all forms of LGBT+ conversion therapy.
Rina Sawayama Net Worth
Rina Sawayama, a prominent pop singer, has amassed a substantial fortune through her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. As of 2023, her estimated net worth stands at around $12 million. The music industry serves as her primary source of wealth, but she also generates a decent income from acting, modeling, and endorsement deals. Through her social media, she has either endorsed or promoted various brands such as Sebastian Professional. With an annual income in the millions of dollars, she finds contentment in her earnings. Rina indulges in a luxurious lifestyle, evident in her impressive collection of luxury cars, further reflecting her success and the fulfillment she finds in her career.
Rina Sawayama Height & Weight
Rina Sawayama, a captivating singer known for her remarkable talent, possesses not only a stunning voice but also an appealing personality. With a slim build and a height of 5 feet 4 inches (162.5 cm), she carries herself with grace. Weighing 51 kg (112.5 lbs), she maintains a healthy physique. Rina's natural hair color is dark brown, but she often expresses her creativity by dyeing her locks vibrant shades of yellow or pink. Complementing her captivating gaze, she has dark brown eyes, while her distinctive features include a snub nose, thick eyebrows, and thin lips, adding to her unique allure. In a September 2022 interview with Them, Sawayama mentioned that she has IBS. She has got a healthy body as of now and she maintains her body a lot. Moreover, she has also inked tattoos on her body.
