Artist Spotlight

Exclusive Interview with Navajo R&B Artist Elet

Arizona-based singer-songwriter Elet is honoring his Navajo heritage through the release of his music, recorded partially in the language of his ancestors. He sat down with us for an exclusive interview, to talk about his career, his music and what’s next in 2024…

You are the very first Navajo r&b singer-songwriter. Tell us about your heritage…how far back have you traced your roots? What inspired you to infuse Navajo lyrics into your music, and why r&b?

It’s very frightening to being one of the first Navajo R&b artists, and hopefully not the last. I live in Flagstaff, and have been excited seeing what is alive in or around Flagstaff. The Navajo culture is very much alive, and anyone who feels called to come and see the culture – who’s stopping you? And I can trace my roots back a few generations, and it’s hard to know what is mythical – from the enchanting stories given to me. The R&b music came to me, and I happily sang along with it.

You mention your great-grandmother and your grandmother in previous interviews. What did these ladies mean to you, in your upbringing?

These ladies come with a lot of wisdom, and wisdom is very dear to me.

Tell us about “A Night Alone.”

“A Night Alone” is a first hand account about heart break, loneliness, and frustration – emotions I hope very few have gone through. And through one being alone, in the night, they must find a way to not become bitter. That is T’áá Sáhá Tł’éé Neikai.

Any plans for touring behind this release? Are you more a fan of studio or live performance?

I have something cooking right now. I’ve heard the songs plenty of times in the studio, and pretty I’m curious to see how it sounds on stage.

What’s next for Elet? What are your goals/plans for 2024?

More rest for Elet. You’ll definitely be getting more Elet, and perhaps no translations needed.

For more information on Elet, check out his interview with https://news.yahoo.com/singer-honors-navajo-language-album-030647318.html

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