Makinna Givens is a Canadian country artist whose music is driven by fearless honesty and emotional truth. Growing up, she was often told she had no filter—something that later became her greatest strength when she poured that raw honesty into her songwriting.
Her debut single, “If We Meet Again,” quickly caught attention, earning praise for its heartfelt delivery, undeniable talent, and genuine authenticity. The song also received Music Video of the Month from the Country Music Association of Ontario, highlighting her natural ability to pair visual storytelling with emotional depth.
In 2025, Makinna was named a Top 4 finalist in the national Country Rising Contest presented by Cottage Springs and Starseed Entertainment—an achievement that led to opening for Griffen Palmer and Nate Haller at a showcase hosted by The Reklaws, a defining moment in her breakout year. She was also chosen as a Field Pick for the Lucknow Music in the Fields Emerging Artist Showcase, securing a coveted festival performance alongside some of Canada’s leading country artists.
Since releasing her debut single “If We Meet Again,” Makinna Givens has stayed busy in the studio, writing, recording, and creating new music. She now returns with her second single, “Cheap Cigarettes.”
The song took nearly four months to bring to life and holds special significance for Givens. Not only does it offer a glimpse into the direction her music is heading, but it also highlights her skills beyond performing. Givens served as both the audio engineer and music producer on the track, showcasing her versatility behind the scenes.
“I’m proud of it,” she shared. “I hope people don’t just see me as an artist, but also recognize what I’m capable of as a producer.”
“Cheap Cigarettes” is emotionally vulnerable, drawing inspiration from the classic song “Jolene.” Playing with the familiar storyline of a redhead “stealing” a man from a blonde, Givens flips the narrative. As a redhead herself, she leaned into the idea of wishing you were something else—and rewrote the story from a different perspective.
The release marks the beginning of a new creative chapter for Givens. While “If We Meet Again” was a softer ballad that leaned heavily into storytelling, “Cheap Cigarettes” highlights her vocal range and captures the high-energy feel of her live performances—her favourite place to be.
“This song really shows the energy I want to bring to the stage,” she said.
Looking ahead, Givens is currently working on a five-track project, a body of work she’s especially excited to share as her artistry continues to grow.
Stay up to date on everything Makinna Givens is working on and see upcoming show dates on her website.
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