SuKha is a remarkable Bangladeshi artist with a unique journey and an unwavering passion for creative expression. Born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Canada, Sukha’s experiences across cultures have profoundly shaped her art and personal identity. This dual heritage has not only enriched her perspective but has also fostered a deep-seated commitment to merging tradition with innovation—a theme that’s clear in her pursuits as a fashion designer and singer. SuKha was exposed to a rich blend of cultural influences. Her Bangladeshi heritage kept her connected to vibrant traditions, intricate designs, and the rich colors typical of South Asian art. During an exclusive interview with TINDS, she shared with us her story of coming this far and making a name for herself.
TINDS: Tell us a little about your childhood. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
SuKha: I was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but my upbringing was quite segregated. Essentially, if you were from a different country, you would find yourself living in a community with fellow migrant workers. I spent my childhood surrounded by many other migrants. I had neighbors from Palestine, Egypt, Pakistan, and India, and it was through these interactions that I learned to speak both Hindi and Urdu.
TINDS: So when did you move from there?
SuKha: I think I was nine years old. I can’t say exactly. So I think it was 2006.
TINDS: What three words would you choose to describe yourself?
SuKha: Bold, Honest and Fun.
TINDS: Could you tell us a little bit about your education?
SuKha: I began my music journey while I was attending university, where I pursued a Bachelor of Science degree for four years. Following that, I obtained a postgraduate certification in human resources and later earned a certification as a data analyst. However, I currently do not work in any of those areas.
TINDS: Being part of so many cultures simultaneously , how has it been growing up?
SuKha: Growing up in Saudi Arabia was quite unusual for me due to the cultural background instilled by my parents. For instance, I learned to read and write in Bangla thanks to my mother, and since I wasn’t engaging with the local Saudi community, I felt like an outsider from a very young age. The fact that I never picked up the language only intensified this feeling; despite living there my entire life, I couldn’t communicate with others. I longed to join in play with the local kids, but our language barrier kept me apart, which was emotionally painful. Although I never shared these feelings with my parents while growing up, it saddened me deeply that while I wished to identify as Saudi Arabian, I simply didn’t belong there. When visiting Bangladesh, things weren’t much better; I often felt out of place and relied on my cousins for support. This sense of not fitting in persisted both in Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. However, moving to Canada proved beneficial for me. Settling in Scarborough, Toronto—a culturally rich area—allowed me to connect with classmates from various backgrounds: one from China, another from Nepal, someone else from Ethiopia. This diversity fostered a shared understanding among us all.
TINDS: You have been around various kinds of people, so you must know how to tackle stereotypes I guess?
SuKha: We all embody a rich tapestry of cultures. As humans, it’s part of our nature to seek belonging. You might portray yourself as a lone cowboy, claiming independence and solitude, but I believe that deep down, the instinctual desire for connection remains strong throughout life. This sense of isolation can lead to feelings of sadness, which often resonates in my music. You can sense the emotions tied to experiences like bullying and exclusion; they contribute to that feeling of being different or out of place.
TINDS: You are a stylist and a fashion designer, what got you interested in fashion in the first place?
SuKha: Oh my goodness, I have had a passion for fashion since I was just three years old! We even have some old VHS tapes that capture my enthusiasm for style back then. I would create outfits for my dolls and enjoyed playing with Bratz dolls, designing clothes for them as well. Fashion truly came before music for me; it was essentially my first love.
TINDS: So the music came into your list of interests later after fashion, right?
SuKha: Absolutely, it truly did stem from my passion for performing. I genuinely enjoy being on stage, engaging with an audience, and feeding off that energy. That enthusiasm is what drives me. I have this desire to grab a microphone, capture everyone’s attention, and provide entertainment—it’s like living the life of a rockstar. That’s how my journey into music began. However, fashion was my initial focus; it was through my style that people became curious about my music, not the other way around. My fashion has always been the foundation of my presence.
TINDS: Pursuing a career in any form of art is very challenging, have your parents always been supportive?
SuKha: I’ve observed a common trend among Bengali parents, and it’s something I’ve seen reflected in the experiences of my friends who have Bengali backgrounds. Many of my friends are models, and even when we’re walking the runway, their parents often seem unaware of what they actually do. They just have a vague idea that their child is involved in something. I doubt my mom even knows the exact name of my degree to this day. People might think I come from strict Arab or other conservative South Asian families, but honestly, my parents are incredibly laid-back. They don’t really grasp what I studied or even what job I hold now. They know I’m employed somewhere, but the specifics elude them. I’ve mentioned it to them; it’s not like I’m keeping secrets—especially regarding my music—but they still don’t fully understand that aspect of my life at all.
TINDS: When did you release your first music?
SuKha: I had an extended hiatus during which I focused on performing. For about three to four years, I didn’t create any music. This year marks my return to releasing music after grappling with an artist identity crisis while staying home during the pandemic. My album is titled The Ugly Brown Girl Mixtape 2020. During that time, I removed all my music videos, but now I’m eager to start sharing them again. Currently, I’m working on that and also developing new material—whether it will be an album or something else is still up in the air as I sort through my ideas.
TINDS: Would you want to be recognized as a person from the fashion industry of the music industry?
SuKha: That’s a tough situation. If I had to choose, I would definitely say the music industry. I used to run a fashion business, but I’ve since closed it down and am no longer involved in fashion. The decision to shut it down was largely due to the difficult times I faced during COVID. Even though Bengali parents can be quite laid-back, there’s still a strong underlying pressure that comes from their love and care.
TINDS: What would you say have been your biggest achievement so far working in?
SuKha: I take great pride in starting my business at such a young age, and it was quite successful. However, I ultimately had to close it down due to my mental health struggles. I lacked the necessary support during that time. Operating the business from my parents’ home was incredibly challenging because they didn’t grasp or appreciate what being busy meant for me. My mom seemed to be emotionally affected by my lack of availability for her.
TINDS: What would your advice be to people?
SuKha: When it comes to giving advice to individuals from South Asian backgrounds, it’s important to recognize that different people may need different guidance. If you’re speaking with someone in this context, I would say you might need to prioritize your own desires over your parents’ expectations. It’s likely that you will face emotional challenges and periods of sadness for a few years, but ultimately, pursuing your passion is essential—even if your family doesn’t support you initially. I also want to acknowledge that there are many courageous South Asian creators out there who have taken bold steps by abandoning traditional paths like education in favor of their music careers, and they’ve found success because of it. Personally, I was more hesitant; I completed my university studies and secured a stable job while keeping my musical ambitions on the sidelines. My suggestion would be to embrace risk—take the leap with conviction. If you have faith in God or a higher purpose, dive into your passion wholeheartedly and give it everything you’ve got.
Find Her
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sukhaneverdies/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO_ulQsVwNtAXEnMxKDVfOQ
