Interview with Ms. Inna Rovita

Ms. Inna Rovita

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a fashion designer/stylist who is trying to get recognition as an Indonesian hijabi singer.

2. When did your start wearing hijab and what motivate you?
December 8th, 2009, I remember it was on Muharram. I get this question a lot and I only have one answer. It’s because I am scared. I’m scared if God questions my commitment as a muslimah. I also got this dream that sort of agitate me for a week. I couldn’t sleep and crying, craving to wear hijab. After discussing with a couple of muslim scholars, insyallah God has given me a hidayah or guidance to wear one. Alhamdulillah.

3. You are a singer and you own a line as well. Which one are you more comfortable with? How do you relate between the two?
Fashion business + music industry = art
Both are art committed by heart. Both are gifts given by Allah to me and I have responsibility to His gift as best as I can. Both fashion and music industries affect both sides. I need to give my best appearance when I sing and singing supports my fashion business.

4. Does your line reflect your daily style?
I am very flexible with my style. You can tell it from various style I sell and I wear. In terms of business, I have to know what my market like. However, I am picky how I choose my daily outfit.

5. Tell us about your single "Terimalah Taubatku" Who wrote the song?
I am lucky to have a great producer as well as composer/ songwriter ConQ Perwira who also my very best friend. He is a producer/composer/songwriter for some Indonesian singer such as Bunga Citra Lestari, The Sister, Andhika Prataa, Denada and many more. This song was actually made to be sang by Sahrul Gunawan, another Indonesian singer. But I guess God has His own path to let me sing the song. Alhamdulillah.

6. Does it resemblence an experience in your life when you wrote this song?
My producer told me that the song wasn’t made for me, however I call this faith that this song ended up singing by me. The song “Terimalah Taubatku” (my repentance) somehow reflect my stories.

7. What is the hardest part of wearing hijab especially as a singer?
I need extra self-confidence to be a hijabi singer especially when I decide to sing a regular song and not a religious song. I need recognition from audience among many talented Indonesian musicians. I am working in music industry with all my heart (likewise working in fashion business). I just need to be myself and everything will be going smooth and well in the process. I believe every honest intention and good will deserve great fight.

8. Your must have items are?
My jersey cotton shawl that I wear for hijab and shoes either flat and heels.

9. There is an opinion that in islam female voice consider awrah and it should not be heard. What do you think about this?
In my opinion, every action depends on the intention. For the sake of Allah almight, if God wills, my action will also spread goodness through music. Also, I would like to show that hijab is not limiting us to be creative. This is also a reason why not all of my songs is under the religious genre. Although I have songs that are pop/jazz/trendy pop, they talk about giving motivation, friendships, nature greatness etc, things that I hope will be able to inspire and have positive effect. In these songs, I focus more on the message and singing it from the heart, instead of focusing in the singing technique. I hope when I am able to perform it well, these songs will accepted by the public and inspire them, especially my muslim friends

10. What is Inna Rovita in 5 words?
Believe with your “heart” and admire things that has “value”.
The rest I will let all of you decide ;)

*Photo courtesy of Ms. Inna Rovita.