For South London singer-songwriter Valentina, music has been a constant throughout her life — a way to express emotions, connect with others and, ultimately, find herself.
Now, after years of performing, studying music and developing her distinctive sound, Valentina is preparing to release her debut single on 18 September 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
Born and raised in South London to an Italian and Filipino family, Valentina grew up surrounded by music and performance. Italy has also played an important role in her life since childhood, with regular visits and family connections across the country.
That connection has increasingly become part of her musical journey. Valentina has already performed to thousands of people in Italy, including an appearance at Minturno Musica Estate, where she addressed the audience in Italian despite it not being her first language.
Her influences stretch across generations. Inspired by Amy Winehouse, Adele and Raye, alongside soul, R&B, jazz and classical music, Valentina describes herself as a young artist with an older, soulful voice.
Rather than simply recreating the music that inspired her, she wants to bring those influences into her own generation.
“I’m a young artist, but I’ve always been told that I have an older, soulful voice. I want to take those influences and find where they belong in my own music today.”
Finding Herself Through Music
Music became particularly important to Valentina during her teenage years.
At around 16, she experienced bullying and isolation and found herself changing who she was in an attempt to fit in. Eventually, she reached a point where she no longer recognised herself.
Songwriting became an outlet.
Writing lyrics allowed her to process emotions and experiences that she struggled to express in other ways, particularly heartbreak. Over time, music helped her reconnect with herself.
That experience continues to influence her approach to songwriting, with Valentina placing particular importance on honesty and emotional connection.
For her, a song can do more than entertain. It can help someone feel understood, bring people together or give a voice to emotions that are difficult to articulate.
From South London To The Italian Stage
Valentina’s relationship with performance began when she was young.
Her parents realised she could sing after hearing her harmonising to Adele in the car, while regular family karaoke sessions with her Filipino relatives made music part of everyday life.
Her grandfather, an opera singer and guitarist, was another major influence. She also received a drama scholarship and took part in almost every school production from Year 7 through Year 12.
Despite once being so shy that she would hide in wardrobes and cupboards to practise singing, Valentina has since performed at venues including COYA Mayfair, Bardo St James’s and Ronnie Scott’s.
Ronnie Scott’s represented an important milestone, as it was the first time she performed her own original music in front of an audience.
Her Italian performances have provided another significant chapter. While on holiday, Valentina was due to open a show for legendary Italian singer Al Bano. Approximately two hours before the performance, he asked her to join him on stage to perform “Felicità”, his biggest hit.
With Italian not being her first language, Valentina had just two hours to learn the Italian sections, with some verses adapted into English. She took on the challenge and was ultimately asked by Al Bano to close the show with him.
Taking The Next Step
Valentina’s route into music has not always been straightforward.
After being rejected by the BRIT School at 16, she briefly questioned whether music was a realistic path before secretly auditioning for BIMM while still under 18, with the help of her older sister. She was accepted and eventually left sixth form to study music.
After later working in estate agency, she made another significant decision in February 2026, leaving her job to pursue music full-time.
Her debut single now marks the next stage of that journey, with the release coming through Cronx Records.
A Christmas EP is also in development, while 2027 is set to bring another major milestone, with Valentina scheduled to perform at a festival in Tuscany expected to attract an audience of more than 20,000.
For an artist whose story has moved from a shy South London teenager singing privately to performing for thousands of people internationally, the next chapter is only beginning.
And at the centre of it remains the same thing that started the journey: a genuine love of music and what it can make people feel.
Valentina’s debut single is released on 18 September 2026.
