Simone Awhina

Simone Awhina –Journey through my soul – CD of the Week
The life story of Simone Awhina is almost unbelievable. This attractive singer who has just release her debut album “Journey through my soul” is only 31 years old and has already suffered the heartbreaking loss of two loves.
With 12 perfect songs, of which 11 have been written by the “Stay the way you are” (Justine Pamela, Song festival 1989) known Jan Kisjes, the young singer shows that she is ready for a great future in music. It speaks for itself that Simone’s life experiences have been used for the songs. This gives the already impressive “Journey through my soul” an extra value. The record could grow into THE Christmas record of 2002. Oh and Joop van de Ende (Musical Productions) you better be quick otherwise Simone could be picked up by the big producers of Broadway. The BRTO will play this debut album of Simone at least until this Saturday as CD of the Week.

Jos van den Boom
November 2002
This article was translated from Dutch into English - BRTO Radio

As a Vocalist, an Inspirational Speaker and a Sound Healer, Simone Awhina has not only a very special musical gift, but a sociological and spiritual mandate to help others that is unlike any I have seen in recent years. Her singing voice has a memorable loveliness and an unassuming sense of humility about it, and her artistic personality has a charm and a winsome wit that entertain those in need of respite from humdrum lives as readily as those in need of healing.

She is a generous giver of her musical gift, and a quietly profound human being.

Sincerely,

William Riley

Leading New York voice trainer whose clientele includes many famous opera singers and artists like Celine Dion, Faith Hill and Sarah Brightman.

- Leading Vocal Coach

"After hearing Simone sing recently, I realized that her gift of song has a wonderful healing quality. I have listened to hundreds of singers from around the world and I have never heard a performer reach out and touch the audience as she did. Her singing has a calming and reflective quality that allows the listener to explore their own inner thoughts and feelings. America has a big public that would readily respond and receive Simone’s message".

Wayne Sanders, Music Director, www.operaebony.org
Mr. Sanders was a frequent musical collaborator with Ethel Merman, Lena Horne, Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, Lucille Ball, and Bea Arthur.
- Wayne Sanders

"Simone is a wonder. Her voice is amazing and her presence even more so. Her music is calming and healing and uplifting all at once. It changes people for the better so they can go out and change the world." -- Victoria Moran, speaker, media personality, life coach, and author of the best-selling Creating a Charmed Life - Victoria Moran

“She’s personable, a good vocal stylist, has a sweet voice and moves about the stage with the grace of an accomplished dancer”.

Peter Leavy
April 5, 2005
Cabaret Scenes


- Cabaret Scenes

Bergen op Zoom – On January 10th Simone Awhina gave a very special concert in the Community Hall on the Wilhelminastraat. During this concert she sang a lot of songs from her album “Journey through my soul”.

“This happening”, as it can definitely be called, has left a lot of people with a feeling of warmth and love. Simone sang the songs from her album that talk about her life. She let the audience feel that life has something beautiful to offer. We have the strength within ourselves to go for what we would like achieve and no matter how negative things might seem, we can turn them into something positive. Simone is capable of creating a feeling of harmony with the audience. In November the above mentioned CD was CD of the week with Radio BRTO. On December 7th, Simone was a guest in the program Music Café from the Tros.
Simone is definitely a rising star and will be a great inspiration for people because of the way she has transformed her life into something positive. This you can feel in her music.

This review was translated from Dutch into English
- Bergse Bode, Netherlands

Simone Awhina from Abbekerk, who is celebrating her 30th birthday today, won two bronze and a gold medal at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood. She was surprised to have won the World title “the gold medal” in the category “original songs” with her song “Don’t go away”. 1100 artists from 32 countries entered this festival. “Don’t go away” is a poignant song that she sang about her own heartache. It is about her deceased fiancée.

Simone: “I wrote the song when he died. During Nico’s illness I often sang for him and he would become peaceful and his heart rate would go down. I would like to be an inspiration for people and would like to show them that no matter how difficult things are, there is always a positive side you can choose.”

This article was translated from Dutch into English
- De Telegraaf, Netherlands

"Simone Awhina brings a blend of unique and inspiring vocals to the music world. She possesses an eclectic mix of talents as a gold medal international vocalist/recording and concert artist, motivational speaker, as well as inspirational workshop presenter.
In 2001 Simone was selected to represent her native country at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood, CA. She took the competition by storm capturing the hearts of the American audience and winning a gold medal for her original song “Don’t Go Away,” which was created in memory of her beloved Nico.
Since her debut, Simone has performed concerts and musical healing workshops worldwide. Most recently, Simone was asked to sing at the 2005 Memorial Concert for the rescue workers of 9/11 at Saint Andrews Church in Manhattan. On more than one occasion, Simone’s voice has been described as that of an angel".
Having chosen Sedona as her home base, Simone will focus her efforts on promoting her album and work in the US. Verde Valley residents will have an opportunity to hear Simone’s unique gifts in person when she presents a series of concerts and workshops in October.

Carol Huntington
October 24, 2005


- Kudo's Sedona Monthly

Singer shares inspirational story in benefit concert for Nainamo Community Hospice Society.
For a young woman, Simone Awhina has led an incredible journey of sadness, sorrow, strength and recovery.
The 32yr old singer has lived her life through music and is now helping others the same way. Awhina is holding a benefit concert for Nainamo Community Hospice Society at 7 p.m. Saturday (July 24) in St. Andrews Church .
Performing songs from Celine Deon, Rene Froger as well as her CD “Journey through my soul”, Awhina hopes to inspire others, showing no matter how painful and difficult a situation might be, you can always choose the positive side. “Life is to short to waste, says Awhina. Fear and pain are part of it, but you can choose how you will live it”.

Chris Hamlyn
July 20, 2004
- Accent, Nainamo, Canada

A very personal album from a new Dutch singer. She takes you on a journey through her soul, makes you participate in her feelings. She leads you through her difficult time, then helps you find new strength, on your way to a new future. Simone Awhina, who possesses a magnificent voice experienced her songs so intense that she could put her whole soul into them. Jan Kisjes found a team of musicians to cover the songs with velvet. We hear beautiful songs with deep values, clearly sung. Songs about love and memories that continue in thoughts and dreams. But also that There is a great future for this young woman.

Hans van Dam
June 2005
- Country Gazet, Netherlands