Watch Rina Sawayama’s moving performance of ‘Chosen Family’ at the Attitude Awards
The singer won the Breakthrough Award at this year's Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar.
Words: Jamie Tabberer
Rina Sawayama all but stole the show at this week’s 2020 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar with her rousing rendition of her song ‘Chosen Family’.
The song is taken from Rina’s debut album Sawayama, which dropped in April to instant critical acclaim and was re-released with three brand new songs on Friday (4 December).
The star – who is pansexual – elaborated on the theme of ‘chosen family’ in her Breakthrough Award acceptance speech.
“I’ve been saved by the LGBTQ+ community quite literally” she said. “I was bullied quite badly in school and at university. Both times it was the community who saved my life.
“I have a song called ‘Chosen Family’ on the latest record and that is my honest, most loving song that I wanted to give to the community, who are not just my friends, but now I consider my family.”
Rina Sawayama opens up about coming to understand her pansexuality in the Attitude Awards issue (Photography: Zoe McConnell)
You’re a worthy winner, Rina!
The star, whose high-profile fans include Elton John, is one of eight covers for the Attitude Awards issue, along with Luke Evans, Munroe Bergdorf, Paloma Faith, NikkieTutorials, YungBlud, Michelle Visage and the cast of hit Netflix movie Boys In the Band.
Read Rina’s exclusive interview in the Attitude Awards issue, out now to download and to order globally.
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