Naomi Sharon | |
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![]() Sharon in 2019 | |
Born | Rotterdam, Netherlands | March 4, 1995
Other names | First Lady of OVO |
Alma mater | Academy of Theatre and Dance |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 2019-present |
Partner | Jamie Sun (2013-2021) |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instrument(s) | Vocals |
Labels | OVO Sound |
Website | naomisharonmusic |
Naomi Sharon Webster (born March 4, 1995) is a Dutch singer-songwriter. In early 2023, Sharon became the first female signee to Drake's record label, OVO Sound. [1] Her debut album, Obsidian, was released later that year in October, being lauded by critics for its emotional depth and diverse range of influences. [2]
Naomi Sharon Webster was born to Caribbean and Dutch parents in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Sharon grew up in a vastly musically inclined family, her father working as a DJ and her mother being a singer. Sharon's aunt also sang, while her uncle played in an instrumental ensemble. She formed her artistic sound around a variety of musicians she admired in her youth, including Sade, Eva Cassidy, Marcus Miller, Stevie Wonder and Sting. [3] She attended the Academy of Theatre and Dance. [4] Upon leaving in the third year, Sharon would perform in musical theater, appearing in The Lion King and Dream Girls. During the early 2010s, she would do cover songs. [5] Sharon also participated in the sixth season of The Voice of Holland in 2016.
Sharon released her debut single, "The Moon" in 2019. That same year, she gave a TED Talk for TEDxAmsterdamWomen about self-love, where she performed the song. Her second single, "Breeze" caught the attention of Drake, who signed her to his OVO Sound record label in 2023, making her the first female act on its roster. She released two singles entitled "Definition of Love" and "Hills" in anticipation of her debut album, Obsidian. The 12-track album was released on October 20, 2023 to moderate critical success. Steven Ward of Grimy Goods described the project as, "an immense emotional gravitas, created to tap into or articulate the mercurial realms that exist inside of you." [5] Sharon went on to perform in her debut tour, Obsidian Tour, with three dates in North America and four in Europe. [6] She released a single, "Nothing Sweeter" on January 18, 2024. [7]
Sharon's sound has been described as, "genre-defying." Her songs have been noted to fuse alternative R&B and ambient house as well as including foreign influences from Afrobeats and Spanish music. Sharon's songs mainly deal with themes of love, heartbreak, and healing. [2] Her low register vocals have been described as reminiscent to Sade's. [8]
Sharon has a home in Rotterdam. [8]
In 2021, Sharon broke off her engagement and eight-year relationship with ex-fiancé Jamie Sun. It was alleged by Sun on Instagram that Sharon was having an affair with Drake, with Sun claiming that Sharon and Drake "did a lot more" than "just make music". [9]
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