Independent & Unfiltered: BellaADonna in Her Own Lane
- So FN Dope Magazine
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
Sultry, soulful, and unapologetically multifaceted, BellaAdonna is more than an R&B artist—she’s a full creative force rising out of New Orleans. A singer, songwriter, painter, poet, designer, and entrepreneur, channels real-life emotion into every lane she steps into. Led by the sensual and artistically bold single “Say My Name,” accompanied by a striking visual directed by Jimi Clever, BellaAdonna’s sweet yet soulful voice captures the kind of vulnerability most women live but rarely articulate. And beyond the music, with her self-managed merchandise brand and gourmet treats line Bella’sBellyRollz, she’s building an empire rooted in creativity, ownership, and authenticity. Check out our exclusive interview with BellaADonna.
SFND MAG: What’s up BellaADonna!!! Thank you for taking the time to interview us! So glad we could make this happen. How have you been?
BellaADonna: Hi, thanks for making time for me! Happy to be here, I'm Wonderful How are you?
SFND MAG: Let’s hop right into the interview. So, we all know that New Orleans has such a rich musical and artistic legacy. How did growing up in the city shape your sound, your creativity, and the way you tell stories through music?
BellaADonna: My city is a one-of-a-kind place, rich in Native & Afro-Caribbean culture. So, the music that flows from the land, the trees and the hearts of the people is to say the least “moving” because it's just so rich in soul. If I had to describe it in words, I would say it is both undeniable and unique. The artists before me influenced me in all ways as a young person and as an artist just finding myself. It made me know who I am and to always stand tall in my skin, to be proud of my people and my city.
SFND MAG: You’re not just a singer, you’re a songwriter, painter, poet, and designer. How do this different art forms speak to one another when you’re creating?
BellaADonna: I’m not just running separate businesses, I ambuilding a lifestyle brand rooted in creativity, culture, and personal identity.
SFND MAG: Your debut EP, The Love Alchemy, feels deeply personal. What made you ready to turn your real-life love experiences into a full body of work?
BellaADonna: I believe you to be truly authentic, you must be able to talk about your life, reflect on experiences, express understandings. You must be who you are, good, bad & ugly.
SFND MAG: You’ve described The Love Alchemy as “a real-life love story, not a fairytale.” Why was it important for you to present love in such an honest, unfiltered way?
BellaADonna: It was important because I wanted to share my experiences with romantic love from beginning to end in a way that would resonate with others’ experiencesso they know they are not alone and everything will be alright. I chose love as the main topic because, love is the all-time greatest thing on planet earth. There is no other feeling that matches it, knowing you are loved and loving someone so deeply. This mantra applies to all kinds of love, no matter the type of love it’s still love. It’s universal. Its human. It’s needed.
SFND MAG: The project was produced entirely by KCDaProducer. What was that creative chemistry like, and how did that consistency help shape the emotional arc of the EP?
BellaADonna: It was a truly memorable and magical experience. He was a blessing to my artistry; I grew so much over the year it took to make this album as an artist finding my voice and writing style/ ability, KC is a master producer.
SFND MAG: “Say My Name” sets the tone for the project—sensual, vulnerable, and confident. Why did you choose that record as the first single?
BellaADonna: It spoke to my femininity, being soft and sensual while holding a powerful confidence in myself. It was truly me; I am R&B so in that sense “Say My Name” felt like the best choice to introduce me to the world as an R&B artist the next up would be “Slowly” another R&B cut on my EP.
SFND MAG: The visual for “Say My Name,” directed by Jimi Clever, is striking and artistic. What was your vision going into the video, and how closely does it reflect who you are as an artist?
BellaADonna: Yes, it’s a spicy video. We wanted to catch you off guard and make you want to see what’s going to happen next. It is definitely a teaser and I had a great time making the “Say My Name” video, Jimmy Clever is a brilliant creative artist & is family so doing this project was just fun. Everyone that was in it is a friend actually, and that made it feel more authentic in the process it was shot in my condo all the art was my actual art. It was as much of me as we could make it.
SFND MAG: Your voice is often described as sweet yet soulful, with lyrics many women deeply relate to. How intentional are you about creating music that reflects women lived experiences?
BellaADonna: I am very intentional at making sure I keep it real for the ladies, because we have it hard, and it helps to know it’s not just you, I want to send the message that if I can make it through so can you sis!
SFND MAG: Since releasing your first project in 2020, how do you feel you’ve evolved musically and personally as an artist?
BellaADonna: I have had newer experiences since the album was released. I married a wonderful man; I have overcome some health issues my perspective about things have evolved with better understanding of myself and others. All these things dictate the growth in my life and thus in my music.
SFND MAG: You’ve collaborated with mainstream artists along your journey. What have those experiences taught you about navigating the industry while staying true to your identity?
BellaADonna: The main advice I was given was never fall victim to the pressure to change yourself, because authenticity is what makes them want you if you change what makes you then who are you in the end? I thank God I met some real humans that had the experiences & accreditations to tell me this.
SFND MAG: Beyond music, you’re an entrepreneur, running your own online store and your gourmet treats brand, Bella’s Belly Rollz LLC. How important is ownership and creative control to you?
BellaADonna: Creative Control for an artist is everything! It’s the oxygen needed to do me to the fullest, without restriction or opinion of others but truly me as I would do me. Ownership solidifies you as a true person and entity to be reconned with. It gives me power to say, I am the master of my creative destiny you know,
It’s the personification of “I am therefore I say I am.”
SFND MAG: Do you see your businesses as extensions of your artistry, or do they serve as a balance to your music career?
BellaADonna: I see my business as a 3-part experience, Art you can taste. Art you can wear. Art you can feel. My tag line is “Where Soul Meets Style Meets Flavor”
Food • Fashion • Music are the three key ingredients that make up The BellaADonna Experience as a whole.
SFND MAG: As a woman creating in multiple lanes—music, art, business—what challenges have you faced, and how have you pushed through them?
BellaADonna: I had many personal challenges & financial challenges, but I push through, when one door closes, I just walk right through another. The key is never giving up or in.
SFND MAG: What can fans expect from your new music and current creative chapter? Any other projects or endeavors in the works?
BellaADonna: I am finishing up on my next album, The Phoenix “The Rebirth” hopefully coming out real soon! They can expect allot more R&B on this project, all produced by KC as well!
SFND MAG: Finally, when people look back at the BellaADonna era years from now, what do you hope they say you represented—for R&B, for women, and for New Orleans?
BellaADonna: I hope they see themselves in me, I hope that the love I have for my fellow artists, my city and our culture is evident and always remembered.
SFND MAG: BellaADonna !!! Thanks again for interviewing us. This has been such a pleasure. We wish you the best and are looking forward to seeing you at the top!
BellaADonna: Thank You!!! It was an absolute pleasure.
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