FEMI Magazine MAR/APR 2022 by FEMI Magazine

M/A 22

AVAILABLE UNTIL APRIL 28, 2022

PTANISHA DAVIS ublisher’s Note

Photography By: Calvin Howard Make-Up By: Breana Tyshe Scott

In the words of Missy Elliot, “Music makes you lose control” and Marvin Gaye, “Music is my heart and soul…More precious than gold… Happiness today is just a song away”. There is power in music and there is a song to get you through every aspect of your life. Music finds a way to deliver your soul back to the light during bad days and bring joy on the good days! I can remember many days where I traveled for miles with so many thoughts going through my head and a song would come on the radio to guide me with a much needed message. This is why in this issue of FEMI, we come together to shine the light on some amazing artists in the field of music as well as art! Our cover stories include, Pastor Mike Jr, Kevin Ross and Keith Swift Jr! We at FEMI hope you enjoy this issue and find inspiration to play a new song in your heart!

CONNECT WITH ME @TanishaDDavis

Tanisha D. Davis Tanisha D. Davis, Publisher

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CONTENTS p. 61

KEITH SWIFT JR.

Jor’Dan Armstrong

Nakia Boyd

Ricky Codio

Vincent Powell

p. 28

KEVIN ROSS

Miss Storm

Dr. Shree Walker

Brooklyn Queen

Benji Cavalli

Johnell Young

p. 36

PASTOR MIKE JR.

ED Pryor

Lucianne

DJ Kyung

Kandice Bell

Khalea Lynee’

CONTENTS 64

Ylonda Powell

ShySpeaks Amos-Powell

Gina Belafonte

Averianna Patton

Rufus John

Tia Nache’ Yarbrough

Lady Dame

Flo Malcom

M’Shai Dash

Josie Randle

CONTRIBUTORS Managing Editor LaTrice Strong

Amanda Miller Victoria Moulterie Debbie Stokes Parissa Randle Tyrane Hughes Sheri Simmons Chaiquan Wingfield

Founder Tanisha D. Davis Email info@femimagazine.org Website FEMIMAGAZINE.com Instagram & Twitter @femimagazine

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JOR’DAN ARMSTRONG FEMI MAGAZINE |8

Images Courtesy of Jor’Dan Armstrong

Jor’Dan Armstrong A MAN WITH PURPOSE BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL GOSPEL SOUND

Written By: Tyrane Hughes

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Jor’Dan Armstrong is on my list of my favorite Gospel Recording Artists, he’s a huge part of my journey while becoming saved. Even before becoming saved, I loved listening to gospel music, but I LOVED R&B music. I remember being in a phase where I didn’t want any part of anything “worldly”, not even my favorite R&B tracks that I loved listening to so much. God was working on me, so I had to be “not of the world”, while going through my transitional phase. I remember after some time went by, missing that sound of music. My bestie was going through the journey with me and introduced me to Jor’Dan Armstrong’s music. Can you say “mind-blown emoji”?! Seriously. The first track that introduced me to Jor’Dan was “Favor”. That’s right, “FAVOR”. Not just any favor, but God’s favor…God is hard to put into words because He’s so amazing. How He works. His ways. His thoughts. His Will. He’s incredible. One of the perks of being a child of God is favor. The best way I can explain how it works is this: I am a child of God. I go to Him for everything. EVERYTHING. I was blessed with my position at FEMI Magazine, and I decided that I would reach out to Jor’Dan Armstrong’s Management to present the idea of an interview. Not before asking God to bless my efforts. Rather than worry about them turning me down, because Jor’Dan is super busy, and blowing up on the Gospel scene-I had faith that God was going to give me what I asked for because when you’re a child of God, you pretty much got it like that. He’s not a genie, and you can’t just be granted wishes. However, He can and will give you access to things that would be out of reach to just anyone else. And when He does it, it’s going to be bigger and better than you imagined it in your mind. The impossible now becomes possible that's God’s favor. His Management team hit me back, and we scheduled the interview. The dopest part, was he personally called me himself (bananas!). Jor’Dan has been busy working on his project, and he took the time out to conversate with me about that, and so much more:

FEMI STAFF (Tyrane Hughes): “First off, I just want to say on behalf of myself as well as FEMI Magazine, that I’d like to thank you. You know, for personally taking time out of your super busy schedule to call me, and interview with us.” Jor’Dan Armstrong: “Thank you so much. No, it’s an honor, it’s an honor. Anytime I get a chance to, you know, talk about what I’m doing and people want to hear about it, I’m honored by that. So I appreciate you.” FEMI STAFF: Describe Jor’Dan Armstrong for those who may not be familiar with who you are (who is Jor’Dan Armstrong?).” Jor’DAn Armstrong: “Wow. Describe Jor’Dan Armstrong. I’m a loving person. I love my wife. I’m really big on family, I love family. I’m an only child, raised by a single mother. I’m a huge lover of music, and definitely a huge lover of all things black. I love black people! (I instantly break into encouraging agreement as he speaks) I love the classy black, I love the little bit of ratchet black (he laughs). I just love it all! I’m from Louisiana, born and raised there. I live in Atlanta now. I moved from Louisiana, and moved to a black city (ATL), So you know, I just love it all, and I definitely love God. That’s one of my biggest things. And I love to create music that talks about the good things that God provides for us as far as life, prosperity, good health, and just favor. I’m really big on that too, so that’s probably me in a paragraph.”

FEMI STAFF: “So you have your own unique style of making Gospel Music, how would you define your style of making music” Jor’Dan Armstrong: “Um, it’s kind of a mixture of everything. I’m a big fan of Hip-Hop, and I think you can tell at times even more that I’m a huge fan of R&B. I grew up on Gospel Music in my house, my mom was really big on Gospel, and keeping me in church. All of those great things. But also, on the weekends and throughout the week I would go visit my cousins. My mom’s sister’s kids. They were teenagers, and all they listened to was Hip-Hop and R&B. Like “Jodeci”, you know, back then it was “No Limit”, “Cash Money”, and “Snoop Dogg”...You know so I kind of got the best of both worlds every week. I was at their house every weekend. So I was getting the Gospel side and also getting the Hip-Hop and R&B side. That kind of really created a sound for me. It’s almost a gumbo. Something we eat down South. I don’t know if you know about gumbo. We put a lil’ bit of everything in there, crawfish, shrimp, chicken, I mean crabs, you name it. Everything is in that bowl (“All the good stuff” I say in agreement). Yeah, all the good stuff, and I think that’s what kind of created my sound. Just all of those experiences, and all of those sounds put together is what you get from Jor’Dan Armstrong.” FEMI STAFF: “So when did you realize that you wanted to be a Gospel Recording Artist?” Jor’Dan Armstrong: “I always knew. One of the things I definitely wanted to do of course, for my love for God, I always wanted to sing for Him only. But I also didn’t want to let my family down. I come from a huge family of Pastors, Ministers, and Spiritual Leaders, and in no way would I ever want to taint the legacy that my family had and still has with the Gospel. That’s really big to me, and I definitely want to keep that legacy going. So I always knew I wanted to sing Christian music, or I’ll say Gospel music, but I wanted to do it my way. I was looking for music that sounded the way that I was hearing it in my head, and I could never find that artist that did it just like that. So I started doing it. I literally just make music that I would like to hear. It just so happens that other people were looking for that sound as well, and now they listen to my music. It kind of started, I guess it started with me trying to find great Christian music (when it comes to the sound he was searching for). It was really hard at the time. Now there’s a lot of great artists out. I mean, production is good, everybody has good beats, good metaphors, and good melodies now. Even in the Christian community. But at the time when I first started man, it was only like two or three of us making this sound, you know. And this sound wasn’t totally accepted, you know, people thought I was crazy back in 09’. Singing these types of records and the records sounding like this, they were telling me I “wasn’t Chrisitian”. “That’s not Christian music! What is that? That’s the world’s stuff!” You know, so I think it was really dope that I was able to just keep pressing forward, and now everybody’s on it. Everybody is on the vibe, you know. It took ten years to really get to this space where people feel like people are really giving me my flowers now. That I’m one of the first artists they heard that gave them this type of sound within the genre.”

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FEMI STAFF: “That’s very true, and it’s beautiful. It’s so crazy that you say that people thought you were crazy. I was literally just talking about this with my best friend yesterday. I was like, “You know what, you know when you’re doing something right for Jesus, because that’s when people think you’re crazy. When they look at you crazy, you know you’re doing the right thing.” Jor’Dan Armstrong: “C'mon man, and that’s how it is, and that’s how it was. I’m so glad I had tough skin, you know. I’m from the ghetto, so my skin was real tough. I got some crazy looks when I was performing certain songs. I got some bad emails, I got some crazy comments on YouTube, but I kept going, you know. And I always knew that God had a promise when He told me to do it. And I’m glad that I kept pressing forward because now I’m able to literally do music for a living and supply for my family. I love the fact that I can just wake up and make music.” FEMI STAFF: “That’s a beautiful thing. Okay, so: “I listen to all of your music, even the older tracks. When I hear some of your music it takes me back to such a great period of time-the 90s. Music back then had such an organic feel to it. There are a number of tracks that give me that feeling, so I will pick one: “Favor”. How did that track come about?” Jor’Dan Armstrong: “Favor was so easy for me to produce. Because like I said before, I literally breathe and bleed that era. Like that was my era. I was born in the 80s, but I’m a 90’s kid, and my first love of music came from that sound and that era. It was so easy for me to put that record together. I just didn’t know what I wanted to say. I had that track, I produced that track months and months, at least 6-7 months before I actually had words for it. I was like man this is just too crazy. If they thought I was on the edge, this is way too sexy, this too sexy Jesus. I was like gosh, I gotta come with the right words on this so that they can really feel me. And one day I just played the record. I didn’t listen to it for a few months, and I just played it a few months later. I guess to make it feel fresh to me. And the moment I heard it, I heard the record “So much grace and favor falling on me” (he sings). I was like that’s it! They can’t deny that one.”

FEMI STAFF: “My favorite thing to talk about is how awesome God is. I love saying: “God just be showing off.” He truly does show up and show out. Looking at your life, what are two or three of your favorite moments of God “showing off”? Jor’Dan Armstrong: “I would definitely say finding my wife. I know sometimes that can get a little cheesy, but I don’t care. My wife, I’m so glad that I found this woman. And she chased me down. We were friends and I was telling her all of my game, telling her about other girls. My wife was a “G” because she was really my friend. We would talk about girls, I would talk to her about dates and everything. If I knew that I was gonna be talking to my wife, I wouldn’t have told her half of the stuff that she knows about me (he laughs even harder). Like I just knew this was gonna be my homie forever (“Yes, that’s your homie, lover, friend. That’s how it’s supposed to be, she knew what she was doing! I chime in, with laughter). Yes, she definitely knew, she kind of chased me down. She never hated on any other girls I was dating, she just kept it really cool. It was like one day we were hanging out with a bunch of friends, and at the end of the night, she asked me to take her picture. And I took her picture with her phone. When I was done I looked at the photo, and it just hit me all of a sudden like “Whoa!”. This girl is bad. I was just like wait a minute. It literally happened in the blink of an eye. I was like wow, it just hit me like cupid. Do you know what I mean? Like I had a cupid moment. From then on, things started to change. Those conversations started going the other way! It really just changed for the better. It just worked so well. Because we knew so much about each other, we had already developed a real friendship. Even now, to this day, even if we have husband and wife arguments or disagreementsfive minutes later, I still wanna show her this meme on Instagram. You know, send her a DM, and she’s right in the next room. Just real friendship, and at the end of the day we talk about everything. I think that’s one of the moments that I definitely have to give credit to God, for just making that happen for me. Because this is what I wanted in a relationship, this is what I wanted in a life partner. Do you know? Because all of this stuff fades away by the time we’re 80, 90 years old, we’ll still have that friendship. Even beyond the physical. So I’m excited about that, and I thank God for that. That’s my big moment.”

FEMI STAFF: “What’s your favorite thing about being a child of God?” Jor’Dan Armstrong: “Oh, the favor. The favor that comes with that. Man, I love it. I love the fact that when it seems like there’s no way out, I literally look to God, and He makes something happen. I enjoy that feeling. I also enjoy the fact that I receive things, and I’m a part of things that I may not even be qualified for…but God still gives me, or allows me to have those things or those opportunities. Do you know? It’s almost like you didn’t go to college, but you go and get the six-figure job. They didn’t even care that you didn’t go to school. They just want you to have it! That’s what I love about being a child of God. I love the favor, all of the perks of being a child of God. Man, there is no greater place and no greater feeling than to have that. And even when you’re going through things, you can always rely on Him. So I love that.” FEMI MAGAZINE | 11

My new project is titled: “Church Girls Love R&B”. I think it’s really a dope name, a dope title, but also I know it’s actually a fact (“Yes”, I say in agreement). They love it (we both are laughing now), and church boys too. We love R&B. You heard my story in the beginning. Basically, that’s definitely the title of it, but the project is telling a story of a girl who loves R&B. And is using R&B as a soundtrack to help her through relationships and help her through life situations. So the project basically tells a story of a church girl that also loves bad boys. All the church girls that I grew up with, always wanted a brotha from the neighborhood. They wanted them, bad boys. And with bad boys comes heartbreak, and sometimes with bad boys, a life-changing experience that works for the good comes as well. You know. A little bit of that story is about me and my wife. You know about how we went through some things. You know, I went through some things. Battling, fighting, to know if I wanted to be with her. Even though I prayed that this is what I want, when I got it, there were some situations that came that could’ve kept me from having that. Making some mistakes, and just working through those things. I also want to talk about that, and be transparent as much as I can. So I put that into this project. It’s a really dope listen, and I think that when people listen to this project it will start conversations. And also change some perspectives on relationships. Because sometimes people feel (and it’s their prerogative) that if anything goes wrong in their relationship that it needs to be over (“Preach” I couldn’t help myself). And sometimes that’s not true. Some things we can work through. Some things we can talk through. Some things happen because of how we were raised, you know, brought up. Some things could happen because we just don’t know better, or we just don’t have a clue. Sometimes we just don’t have a clue of what we’re doing. We just know we love a person. We don't know how to do it the right way. And so, I wanted to talk about that too in this project. If a guy talks to the wrong person and it’s over…No, tell him that you didn’t like that, and how that made you feel. That hurt you. And if he still continues to do that, and doesn’t care about your feelings then okay-we got another story. Let’s talk about these things. I think that sometimes we’re breaking up with people, or we’re letting people go that could’ve literally been your life partner. I wanted to discuss that too. There are a lot of different pieces. So yeah, “Church Girls Love R&B” is definitely gonna be a record that everybody can relate to. From the guy’s perspective (even though it’s “Church Girls”), as well as a woman. I think it’s a great listen.” FEMI STAFF: “I think that is so dope. And you know how it goes, when it’s a Kingdom thing, everything is going to try to come and try to tear it down. So I am so glad that you guys made it through because you guys are a dope couple.” Jor’Dan Armstrong: “Exactly. Oh yeah, we love to tell the story. Even how we lived together before we were married. That was so terrible, everywhere in our community-“No. You’re shaking up.” My mom was upset and everything. We talked about that, all of that stuff that we went through, and how awesome things are now. That we went through that season, and we made it through that. So I put it in a couple of records.” FEMI STAFF: “Beautiful. Okay, lastly: “What else is Jor’Dan Armstrong looking forward to this year?” Jor’Dan Armstrong: “Babies! We’re trying to have babies! Whooo, it’s time. It’s time. We’re going on year five of being married. My wife is very transparent too, we have to go through IVF. So we’ve been talking about that, and we want to be as transparent about it. We’ve been documenting everything. Because when my wife found out that she had to go through this process it was really hard for her to find footage, or knowledge of other people that were willing to even say that they went through that. So she wanted to document the fact that she had to go through it, and hopefully it can help someone else when they have to do that. But um, we’ve been really dealing with that. God has been really showing up, because this stuff can be very expensive. To do it is very expensive, and it’s very time consuming , you have to take shots and all of these things. But God’s been really moving, and so we’re kind of on our way to our last phase of this. We should probably be having a baby in the next month.” FEMI STAFF: “Oh yeah, we're gonna put that out there. That’s God. Y’all got a nation coming.” Jor’Dan Armstrong: “Yeah, and we’re praying about that, and working on some things. But we’re extremely grateful. That’s what’s next for me, building our family. We don’t have any kids. So my second thing is definitely more music, touring. I’m glad the world is kind of opening back up a little bit. Allowing us to come out, and perform in front of folks. So I'm really excited about that, and that’s really it…oh and uh, some T.V. I got some things working in television that’s coming up. I can’t speak much on it, but that’s gonna be dope too. You’ll probably see us on television.”

As you can see, this interview was more like a conversation. Everything was put on the table, there was nothing left out. Just like Jor’Dan’s music, it was raw, real, and to be enjoyed. I knew Jor’Dan was dope, but this extended my respect for him. He is humble, and supportive. Yet another dope experience gifted to me by God. His alignments have been mind blowing, and I am trying to pay attention to all of the miracles, signs, and wonders. This is my last big interview before the huge Music and Arts Issue drops, and the words and/or phrases that keep coming are Sankofa, giving flowers, and favor. I can’t explain it at this present moment, but you will see when FEMI’s March/April Issue hits…and I know I speak a lot about God, but that’s because I want people to see how great He is. Regardless of what’s going on. So I will brag about God every chance I get.There are many others who feel this way, and also want to get His message out. All the while, still dealing with the normal issues of life. Also wanting to show that God’s people can enjoy life, feel good, and have fun too. Jor’Dan is one of those people. Support his new project “Church Girls Love R&B”! You can keep up with Jor’Dan here: Instagram: @wheresjor_dan Website: https://linktr.ee/JorDanArmstong YouTube: Jor’Dan Armstrong FEMI MAGAZINE | 12

Photo by Bryan Catota

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Photo by Raka Miftah

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Nakia Boyd

Artist and Curator Nakia Boyd is a cultural advocate that believes that a collaborative connection through art can be an outlet completely unbound by time or space. Through her mission, Nakia has created a space to find comfort and celebrate black art through MMXX: The Black Artivism Capsule. A curated collection of art made by Black creatives during the 2020 pandemic.

CULTURAL ADVOCATE THAT BELIEVES THAT A COLLABORATIVE CONNECTION THROUGH ART CAN BE AN OUTLET

Sheri Simmons: I love that your focus on black art is Joy and Love. What made you decide to bring forth art with these themes?

Through this collection, Nakia’s hopes are to bring light to the full spectrum of the black experience and light the way for more love, unity, and peace through collaboration and art.

Nakia Boyd: God is Love. And Joy comes from God. This project is a Divine Download from God. So I have to lead with both in order to be a vessel for this project. S.S: Tell us about yourself as an artist? Who inspired you?

Written By: Sheri Simmons

N.B: I am a cultural advocate that believes art can be an outlet completely bound by time or space. I don’t consider myself an artist but my grandfather, who worked part-time as a multimedia artist, introduced me to the arts and art space as a child. I’m inspired by other artists such as Delita Martin, Deborah E. Roberts, Kennedi Carter, June Ambrose, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, Ayoni, and so many others in the music, arts, and fashion space. S.S: Why do you think it is so important to showcase the Black Experience?

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N.B: It is important to showcase The Black Experience because of those who have been able to advance despite the insurmountable odds created by racism and anti-blackness. The Black Experience moves the world and how we showcase it is important b/c everyone is influenced by it if people believe it or not. Showcasing the Black Experience will help continue to break systemic barriers.

S.S: Tell us about MMXX: The Black Artivism Capsule. What was your motivation and purpose behind the project? N.B: MMXX: The Black Artivism Capsule is a capsule collection of art, poetry, photography, and activism that focuses on the historic moment of 2020 civil unrest. It celebrates the essential work of Black artists during the pandemic. The vision of MMXX was curated during a time of civil unrest - during the 2020 worldwide pandemic. It was during this time I took to social media and some of my followers because it was something special about their art that drew me to their work. The motivation and purpose behind it were to capture this current moment through the eyes of artists and to display Black Joy as a source of healing and resistance. S.S: As an artist, how important do you think it is to create stories/narratives about what you are doing? N.B: I think it is extremely important because we want to continue to create to help shift the culture forward and evoke change we need and want to see. It’s important to collaborate to remain liberated in our storytelling. We light the way by taking control of our narrative, building community, and combining resources. S.S: What is next for you? N.B: It is my hope to continue working with a brilliant team of people to produce more Black Joy projects that strengthen the culture. Our culture is so powerful and influential in this world. I look forward to growing in this space. I am currently planting seeds for this journey as I also have another book in the works that will require me to take on more artists. If you’ve got some amazing art you’d like to showcase, look me up! I’d love to work with you You can keep up with my journey and what’s next by following me on Instagram and checking out my website. You can also take a look at the artist's work by stepping into the Black Artivism Digital Capsule. Connect with Nakia Boyd! https://blackartivism.co/ https://www.instagram.com/blackartivism/ NOMAD| I C16 | FEMI MAGAZINE

Photo By: MQF Studio

RICKY CODIO

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Instagram @RickyCodio Website: www.rickycodio.com

Photo By: Jaleel King

Ricky Codio HAITIAN- BORN PHOTOGRAPHER WHOSE WORK LEADS TO HIS RISE IN THE INDUSTRY

Written By: Victoria Moulterie

Photography is the artistic medium that has allowed us to journey into the past and capture history. We get a glimpse into the eye of the beholder when they capture special moments with family, new love, or moments in history. Ricky Cordio provides stunning visuals and creative scenes that are bound to go viral. A Haitian-born self-taught photographer whose work has caught national attention on multiple occasions. He has worked with recognizable names in the industry, such as Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone for the film Creed. Cordio gives us insight into his blooming photography career and more about his work. Originally the photographer wanted to be a screenwriter enrolling in courses for screenwriting at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. He then realized that he wanted to focus on perfecting his photography. The artist is self-taught and started doing shoots with his family and friends. Cordio says, "I realized I had an eye for it. I began studying and shooting to perfect my craft. As I grew, I just kept pushing myself to be better. One of the most important things I did was surround myself with a good team." In an article with the Atlanta Black Star, Cordio emphasizes the importance of having a great community behind you. "Photography is a team effort. From the makeup artist, the hairstylist, the photographer to the models. … Also, as a Black man in this industry, I'm huge on customer service. I serve my people well, and in turn, they support me in whatever I do. Culture is a big part of Cordio's work. He was born in the capital city of Port Au Prince. He moved to the United States when he was younger. The Philly-based photographer didn't speak any English. He had to adapt to the culture realizing things were different. His culture is embedded in everything that he does. Having worked on countless shoots. Cordio recalls some of the most memorable moments he has captured through a lens. "The first time we went viral was with the Tara Wallace shoot from Love and Hip Hop New York. We painted her gold and gave her angel wings. It was a beautiful moment. But I think each shoot I do is special because people trust me to bring their visions to life from maternity shoots, family shoots, and business shoots. Recently we did a shoot in October around breast cancer awareness. Just being able to capture the strength and vulnerability of a woman with a double mastectomy just did something to me. I was able to capture that through the lens. Yahoo has written a spotlight on one of my images that caught their attention, a tribal maternity photoshoot that went viral." Like I said before, photography is literally taking a look into the eye of the beholder. Cordio's work is driven by the idea of showing the world how he sees things. He tells us, "Everyone sees life and day to day in their own unique way. I feel like it's my own way to express myself." Two of Cordio's influences in the photography world are David Lachappelle and Joey L. LaChapelle, one of the most published photographers worldwide. He is best known for his commercial fashion portraits of celebrities and models. Joey L. is known for his fine art personal projects. Cordio wants to always remain a student of the craft. We must never stop learning and growing. He also wants to help those aspiring to be photographers find their own creative eyes.

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MISS STORM Images Courtesy of Miss Storm

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Miss Storm THE SONGWRITER THE ARTIST THE VOICE

Written By: Sheri N. Simmons Sheri Simmons: Welcome. I love your name by the way. Can you tell us what’s the significance of your name? Miss Storm: I used to be in a reputable Hip-Hop Soul group in my hometown called "The Unda World" as a teenager my group members gave me that name and I stuck with it because I can sing and rap up a Storm! S.S: Where are you from and what did you want out of life growing up? Miss S: I'm originally from a small town called Warren in Northern Ohio. Growing up I honestly always knew I wanted to do music this has always been my first love

S.S: You are a serial entrepreneur. Can you tell us what that means and what do you do? Miss S: I create and operate multiple businesses and all of them help generate wealth in my community. I strive to help better the lives of others with everything I do. I am a renaissance woman. I know a lot about a lot of things and I use my extensive wealth of knowledge to help other businesses.

S.S: What is next for you? S.S: Your love for music and song started early. How did your childhood passion position you to where you are now? Miss. S: Being an Artist is not an easy job. I've taken time away from it over the years but..My passion is what keeps me going in this business. I constantly remind myself why I started and what music meant to me as a child and fall in love all over again.

S.S: How does it feel knowing you manifested traveling and singing as a child, and are doing it and have been doing it for years? Miss S: I am an extremely ambitious woman. Sometimes that's not a good thing because I often have to remind myself to celebrate my accolades. I'm always going to be working and striving to be better than I was last year. As I get older and have interviews like this I start to realize that I'm living my dreams and doing everything I said I would lol. I am proud of myself but I have so much more to learn and so many more places to see and I'm still building my legacy. S.S: What do you want to let our readers know about living their dreams? Miss S: You can do whatever you want with proper planning. Set a realistic goal towards achieving your dreams. Every 30 days put a checklist together and stay dedicated. Read, study and learn from experts in your field. Stay humble and check your ego. Put your feelings in your pocket and go for what you want! Nothing is going to hold you back but you. Also don't worry about what no one else is doing stay focused on "Your Dream" its personal and you can have it All!

Miss S: Right now I am nominated for Best R&B Soul Artist Of The Year ! (fingers crossed) and my plan is to release more new music this year and give my listeners a more in-depth version of myself. I'm also simultaneously writing for a few major artists and developing a few upcoming artists this year. I'm in a very good place in my career right now. I am looking forward to seeing what else I can manifest in 2022. Connect with Miss Storm! Instagram @1missstorm

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Images Courtesy of Dr. Shree Walker

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r e k l a W e e r h S Dr.

“Walking Resiliently” Written By: Parissa Randle

No matter where you come from, you can always make a masterpiece. Dr. Shree Walker grew up in a poverty-stricken single-parent home and endured pain and trauma throughout her life. Instead of allowing her experiences to make her, she turned her pain into a masterpiece. She knew she had a purpose, so she walked in it. Dr. Walker is an author (Resilient Walker), educator, and motivational speaker who provides excellent professional development for life-learners. She is the current Director of Special Education and Special Education Local Plan Area in Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California. She has formerly served as the Director of Section 504 and Special Populations for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tennessee, served as an adjunct professor at Belmont University, and served on the leadership committee for the Sexual Assualt Center. She is a resilient walker and on the mission to show others they are too. With the Covid pandemic now becoming part of our daily lives. How important is incorporating resilience into your lifestyle? Prior to COVID, people were already dealing with the challenges of life. COVID made it more complex. COVID has caused global adverse impacts; therefore, incorporating resilience into your lifestyle is imperative. A lifestyle of continuous self-discovery, developing habits to improve emotional intelligence, and the ability to believe in yourself are essential for being resilient when faced with adversity. To endure the daily complexities of life, in addition to COVID, one must be a Resilient Walker. To be a Resilient Walker means “to walk through pain and heartbreak into joy and comfort, to proceed through trials and tears, to stop to smile and play, to withstand torment, to sing loudly, to be present, to show empathy, to withstand the evil in order to do the greater good. To be a resilient walker is to realize that the world is full of monsters with friendly faces and angels full of scars. To be a resilient walker means never to be only resilient or only walking, but to marry the two, so they can hold hands with one who knows the difference.” School was your way of escaping reality and ultimately the path to your success. Do you have any memorable teachers that helped you along the way? As I reflect on my educational journey, I am reminded of Maya Angelou's quote, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel." While growing up in Los Angeles, California, I attended a total of seven schools: 92nd Elementary, Woodcrest Elementary; Charles Drew Magnet Junior High School; George Washington Preparatory High School, San Bernardino High School, Crenshaw High School, and John C. Fremont High School. I had the pleasure of encountering several great teachers who helped me along the way. The teachers who helped me along the way did not know my situation or story. However, they helped me because they were passionate about their work and committed to empowering students. Although I cannot remember all their names, I remember how they made me feel; they made me feel seen. Thank you, Mrs. Etherton and Mary C. Hawkins, 92n Elementary School; Mr. Lattimore, Ms. Njoku, Mr. Traylor, Mrs. Enberg, Mr. Gross, Mrs. Mejia, Charles Drew Magnet Junior High School; Mr. Sidney Butler, Mr. Michael C. Thompson.

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As an HBCU graduate how did that experience have a positive impact on your life and journey? I am grateful for the opportunity to attend Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. Attending Fisk University changed the trajectory of my life. The people, culture, history, and expectations set before me were positively infectious. For the first time in my life, I was compared to my peers based on the content of my character and academic abilities and not the color of my skin. Talk about Black Girl Magic and Black Boy Joy. The professors were fair, firm, and consistent; they listened to my madeup excuses for not attending class or completing an assignment; however, when I got through, they still demanded excellence. While attending Fisk, I got to hear the late great Bishop Desmond Tutu. I am still in awe of his presence and words. Attending Fisk enhanced my perception, broadened and deepened my perspective about life. Fisk was the catalyst for my post-secondary success. Fisk University is synonymous with excellence; I am a product of that excellence and “forever on the altar.”

“To be a resilient walker means never to be only resilient or only walking, but to marry the two, so they can hold hands with one who knows the difference.”

Your superpower is magical disruption. How exactly would you describe this power of yours? I believe when we engage with each other, we reciprocally impact the human spirit, in a positive or negative way. After engaging in conversation with me at a coffee shop, reading my book Resilient Walker, listening to me on a podcast, hearing me speak as a keynote speaker or experiencing me as a professional development facilitator, you will experience magical disruption. Magical disruption is a supernatural disturbance caused in one’s spirit that interrupts an individual’s current state of being or mindset. Ultimately, evoking positive change in a person’s life. What made you want to start the process of writing a book? What did this journey look like for you? As early as 10 years old, I knew I wanted to write a book. I knew then I had something to say, something to share. After hearing motivational speaker Manny Scott at the 2016 Partners In Education Conference in Nashville, Tennessee I was inspired to start the writing process. I committed to writing or voice recording my truth at least once a month. Some months, I captured three or four sections of my books; other months, only one section or sometimes, just a paragraph. The goal was to write. I didn't worry about grammar, formatting, or the rules of writing; I just captured my truth; however, it came out. Whew- what freedom I experienced and compassion I had to give to myself during the process. Throughout the writing journey, I envisioned my truth empowering others to become the best version of their true selves. The journey was challenging at times, however, cathartic. I pray my truth will speak to your soul. It will be worth the walk. Follow Dr. Shree Walker on Instagram and YouTube at Resilient Walker Website: www.resilientwalker.com

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Images Credit: @flylikedove

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Written By: Tyrane Hughes Don’t let the pretty face fool you, Brooklyn Queen has something to say. The 16 year old, multi-talented artist has a fan base of 1.2m subscribers on YouTube, 1.7m followers on Instagram, 5.5m followers onTikTok, and over 255 million video views. Crazy! The fashion forward girly girl, is past the point of “creepin’ on ah’ come up”-and we’re here for it. If you want to get into the mind of a teenager with a loyal fan base the size of Brooklyn’s, my suggestion would be to listen to her music. Her song titled, “Trying to Breathe” really caught my attention, and the visuals were impressive. Proving that not all of the teenagers of this generation are self centered and clueless. There are plenty of youth who see what’s going on around them, and they have something to say about it. She just dropped her latest track, “Eyes On Me” a little over a week ago, and it already has over 28k views on YouTube. It’s a “Bop”. We had a chance to catch up with Brooklyn, here is what she had to say:

Tell us about yourself, Brooklyn. “I’m a 16-year-old artist from Detroit, who loves performing, connecting with my supporters, and hanging out with friends and family. I recently started acting and enjoying that, along with being a part of the fashion and beauty world.” Who are some of your favorite artists/who influences you the most? “My most significant inspiration is Beyonce! The way she connects to people through her music is fire.” When did you know that you wanted to be a rapper? “I was in kindergarten and performed at my school talent show. When the crowd showed me a crazy amount of love, I said this was what I was meant to do.” You have many successful projects. What are some of your favorite songs/videos that you’ve worked on? “Trying to Breathe” is my favorite project I’ve done, because it has a true meaning to me; most of what I do is for entertainment, which is excellent. I love it, but this had real meaning behind it for me, my friends, and our whole community.” If you could work with three of your favorite artists, who would they be, and why? “Beyonce, because she’s the Queen of music and my musical inspiration…Chris Brown, because I love his music, and he’s my celebrity crush…Nicki Minaj, because she’s the Queen of rap.”

It’s not easy making a name for yourself and keeping the attention of your viewers. You don’t seem to have a problem keeping your viewers entertained. What do you think it is that keeps your fanbase coming back for more? “The most important thing is I continue to be myself. When someone is honest, that is what keeps them coming back to check in with me. I let them always see the real me.”

I am all about girl power, bossing up, and loving yourself. What’s your favorite thing about being Brooklyn Queen? “The best part about being Brooklyn Queen is that I’ve been given a voice, and a platform to speak up and speak out about what’s right and what’s wrong. I encourage others to use their voices and not be silenced when standing up for themselves and others.” What does Brooklyn Queen have coming up in 2022, and where do you see yourself five years from now? “In 2022, I will be releasing more music with BMB and focusing on in-person performances. I’m currently preparing to film the second season of the new show Charmers on Brat TV. In five years, I’ll be 21 years old, and I have a lot of goals. Who knows how far I’ll go in that time? You’ll have to wait and see?” Follow Brooklyn here: Instagram: @brooklynqueen03 TikTok: brooklynqueen3 YouTube: Brooklyn Queen

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KEVIN ROSS

Photography By: Beth Taye Styled By: Amber Madison

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COVER STORY

Kevin Ross Sheds Light on His Career & the Music Industry Written By: Debbie Stokes

So many people dream of doing what they love but very few pursue it. Kevin Ross knew from a young boy that writing lyrics and music was his calling. To nurture his passion and cultivate his skills, he attended a performing arts school and later earned a degree from Berklee College of Music. From his training, Ross developed from not only being a songwriter but to producingsongs. Armed with the power of his God-given gifts, growing talent, and the drive to implant himself in his passion for music, Ross manifested his talent to the music world. Never did he imagine the amazing journey he was about to begin. His first collaboration was with Jamie Foxx, and later, he went on to work with Trey Songz, Toni Braxton, and Tank. But that wasn’t where it stopped, feeding the call from within, Ross dived into creating his own body of work as an artist. In 2017, he delivered his debut album, The Awakening with the first single, “Long Song Away,” hitting number one on the Billboards Adult R&B Songs Chart. Since his emergence on the scene as a singer, Ross has received numerous nominations and recognition for his many works. Meet Kevin Ross, a man who has stayed true to his passion for writing and producing music, and he is only getting better.

How do you feel about the current state of R&B when it comes to the artistry, creativity, and overall state of the industry? I think it’s in a recovery phase. I love it. Women are leading the charge and nursing the genre back to a healthy state. The ladies are taking over R&B, who are some of your favorite songstresses in the game right now? Ari Lennox, Alex Isley, India Shawn, and KIRBY are some artists that I really like. Most fans may not realize how long you have been in the industry starting as a songwriter. You have received advice from names like Maxwell among other names. Can you share what advice he has given you? What advice do you have for those getting into the music industry? Yeah, it’s almost been 10 years since my entry into the industry,lol. Maxwell told me to never do a song I couldn’t see myself doing 20 years from now. Longevity is key. My advice is never stop enjoying the process of creating. In an interview with ET Canada, you stated that going independent as an artist you, “understand your worth. With a bigger corporation, you can just be seen as a product." What are some important things to know coming up in the industry as an independent artist? How has this journey been for you as an artist and label owner? The journey in independence is a rewarding process. It’s not easy though. My advice would be to find your sound and the audience will reveal itself. From there, it will be up to you to make them aware of who you are. Can you describe your creative process or how you have come to write some of your favorite songs? My creative process starts with melodies for the most part. Melodies are like a big piece of wood that need to be carved out. In that wood, there’s a piece of art. The joy of the journey is figuring what that piece of wood needs to be not only for you but for your audience.

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Can you tell us more about the creation of the Mash-upshow, you have had guests such as Syleena Johnson and Anthony Hamilton? The MASH-Up show was created in the pandemic. I wanted to get on a few interviews on social media and was declined. I was like “Damn, if I’m not wanted at a table then I created my own.” I wanted to build a space that celebrated creatives in a fun way. The acronym is M.A.S.H. (Making Art Shape History). You refer to Troy Taylor, as your music mentor. How important is mentorship in the industry and building relationships? Mentorship is a big part of how you evolve. I think it’s necessary for this industry. Building relationships are always important. Just remember, everyone ain’t your friend and that sometimes those relationships are seasonal transactions. As a black man in America, how have you been prioritizing your mental health? How has the pandemic impacted you personally and professionally? Mental health for black men (the whole culture in general) should never be frowned down upon. Most of us just don’t have the time or luxury to start the process. Then finding a therapist you can trust can be hard. During the pandemic, I began to see a therapist. It was a really cool experience to uncover things about myself and find tools that benefit my well-being. In an interview with Midnight R&B, you talk about your album, Drive 2. You refer to the album as music for lovers, people who love love, and those who are looking for love and enjoying that process. Right now, music does lack the vulnerability and storytelling of old-school love. What inspires you to keep this alive in your music? Music doesn’t lack vulnerability. Let’s be clear, the artist you know and listen to lack vulnerability and storytelling. There are a lot of great artists making great music. The music landscape has gotten huge, which means it’s even harder to find what you may like. Most times we see what is paid to be seen. And we all know, just because it’s paid for doesn’t mean it’s good, lol. The music industry has gotten… cheap. The reason we knew the artists from back in the day that we loved was because of marketing and publicity. I encourage artists to invest more into themselves (musically and marketing-wise) and I encourage listeners to continue to discover new music and support the artist that they do like. What is the legacy you want to leave behind? Live, love, and let God handle the rest.

Connect with Kevin Ross! Instagram @kevinrossmusic

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Images Courtesy of Benji Cavalli

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Benji Cavalli FROM A LIBERIAN REFUGEE TO PREPARING FOR THE RELEASE OF HIS DEBUT ALBUM AND HIS UPCOMING US TOUR

Written By: Debbie Stokes Life is full of challenges that can test your strength and will to survive. It can even test your sanity at times. And for some, life can feel like hell here on earth. Liberian native, Benji Cavalli, was no stranger to living through hell after losing his dad to a civil war. He and his family lived a constant battle of trying to survive through poverty and homelessness, eventually going into exile. However, at a young age, Cavalli could not shake his love for music and the melodic sounds he grew up on. It stayed true to his heart and remained embedded in the back of his mind despite going through the pains he experienced. After some time, his family found their way to the United States. Cavalli’s passion for music grew; he continued to use it to carry him through the rough times. Music was his calling. It became the catalyst that set him on the path to changing his life. As the saying goes, “How you start doesn’t have to determine how you finish.” Cavalli realized that. He dived into music as a way to escape, but most of all, to set a new course for his life. Today, he is riding high doing what he loves to do. Meet Beji Cavalli as he talks about music, his life experiences, and his new LP. In an article on DJIceberg.com, you were quoted: “I’m all about reclaiming my narrative as a survivor of war and the perception of Liberia through music and arts. There is a rich culture and history the world must see, and I would like to partner with anyone who recognizes that and shares that vision.” Can you elaborate on that? What I mean by reclaiming my narrative is not being defined orrestricted by some of the negative things I faced in my past, but focusing on the good instead. The media tells the story of Liberia one way, and even though I was affected by war and poverty that is not my identity. I am not ashamed of anything I’ve been through, but with my platform and through music I want to share with the world the beauty of my culture because I am proud of it and I want to encourage others to be proud of theirs too.

We all have a story. If you could tell a short story about yourself, what would it be? Your uncle Zack Roberts is known as one of Liberia’s most legendary singers/songwriters. How does his artistry influence your creativity when you’re making music? I learned a lot from my Uncle Zack whenever I was blessed to be around him. I noticed early on that he was different from his peers in the industry. His sound was a mixture of zouk, calypso, and highlife. His mission was all about peace, love, and unity. He was and still is a huge inspiration of mine and the reason I became a recording artist. You migrated to the United States in 2000, that had to be a big adjustment (maybe even a culture shock). Do you feel that process fed your hunger for music? Coming to America was a dream come true. At that time, this country offered safer living conditions and more opportunities for my family. It was tough to adapt at first, but we lived in a community with other immigrants, so I was able to stay connected to my roots. I learned so much so quickly and having access to more resources motivated me to pursue my passions even more. In 2015, you were introduced to one of Liberia’s most reputable music producers, Prince Sherman Thomas, also known as “Just Prince”. Tell us about how that came about? I was introduced to Just Prince in 2015 by a fellow artist at the Liberian Entertainment Awards. He is an award-winning producer, so I knew of him, but meeting and talking to him for the first time was exciting for me. We ended up connecting and we worked so well together in the studio that over time his role shifted from producer to manager, and it has been a blessing working closely with him ever since. You won the title, “King of The Stage” at the Liberian Golden Awards (Australia 2017) and were nominated for “Best Music Video” for the song “Lazy” in 2020 (LiberianEntertainment Awards). If you could talk to the little boy back in Liberia/the young man who was homeless and poverty-stricken, and the version of yourself that went through the hardships and the pain, what would you say to him? I give the utmost thanks to God for putting me in the position that I am in today. As a little boy, living in a third-world country was not pleasant. We lived in poverty, managing what little we had to survive. My advice to the youth is don’t lose hope. If you are determined, you can achieve anything you put your mind to, and while I am paving the way for them to do even more than I have, I am still grateful for everything I have achieved in my career.

I grew up on the Coast Guard base in Liberia. My father was working in government and my mother was a businesswoman. Life with them and my siblings was loving and fun. By the age of 9, my ears were hooked on the sounds from the instruments I heard during Coast Guard band rehearsals and in the live and TV performances by my Uncle Zack. When I think of music or when I sing or dance, it reminds me of peace because not too long after that, civil war broke out in Liberia and my father lost his life. My family and I were forced into exile and fled to the Ivory Coast for refuge. We struggled. I did not have peace for a while, but I could always escape to my memories of the music when my reality got too tough. The sounds, the rhythms, and the laughter before the pain. Moving to the US did not solve all our problems, but it gave me the opportunity to create and to bring some of those sounds from my memory back to life. Music was an outlet for me and I turned it into a career hoping that the samepeace it brought me, I could share with others, and that is a dream come true. Your life shows that when you have faith and a dream, anything is possible. I am a firm believer in that. This year you will be embarking on your first headlining tour andreleasing your debut album, “The Bridge”. Can you tell us a little about that? Even though I have been making music for a while, this year I will be releasing my first complete project, and I am excited to share it with the world. The tour and album are titled, “The Bridge '' based on my desire to unite people all over the world. We are different, but moving here and traveling have also taught me how much we have in common. I am all about peace and collaboration. This album also symbolizes my transition to the next phase of my career, so there will be more storytelling in my lyrics because I really want to inspire. The album will be released in April of this year and will be followed by a tour. Stay tuned for the dates. Follow Benji Cavalli on Instagram @iam_benjicavalli

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Credit: Bestbe Models Agency

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P PA AS ST TO OR R M MI IK KE E ,, J JR R ..

Photography By: D. Jerome Smedley FEMI MAGAZINE | 36

COVER STORY

PMJ

Written By: Tyrane Hughes

Pastor Mike Jr. is a man of God. A servant of The Lord. He does amazing work, he reaches and teaches, he makes a difference. Following him, I see what God is doing with and for him. This is my chance to give him his flowers. It’s important for many different reasons, and I pray The Holy Spirit leads me to express this to you (and especially to him) within the very best of my abilities. The Bible says that God is love. I believe it, and I know it to be true. Yes, I attend church services and Bible study, and I pray and speak to God on the regular…but, not everyone is like me (and by no means am I perfect). Some people have never been to church, have left the church, don’t know where to start, and some couldn’t care any less about church. This is why what Pastor Mike does is so important. His music isn’t the “norm” for church music. I heard him mention antiquity and modernity within one of his sermons. It’s befitting, because his style of spreading God’s message is exactly that. He bridges the gap for generations. He doesn’t stop there though, he creates room for those who may not necessarily fit into a category. The “black sheeps” as people like to call them. A sheep is a sheep. Black sheep matter too. Jesus told Peter to feed his sheep. He didn’t specify to leave a certain group of sheep out. He wanted-excuse me, wants them all fed. People of the “church” still behave as they did back in Jesus’ day, when they looked down on His ways of teaching. That puts me in the mind of how judgemental certain members of the church are towards Pastor Mike. Who are they to judge him, and why does it matter how he reaches a drowning, lost, or starving sheep. The only thing that matters is that they are saved, and/or fed. So this is important. I could talk about all of Pastor Mike’s awards, and other things of that nature-but this is beyond the fame and the accolades. This is pointing out the fact that he is living out his purpose. He is doing God’s work. I mentioned that God is love, and He absolutely is. Everyone doesn’t know how to recognize it though, and there is nothing wrong with that. No one on this Earth is perfect. God already knows this, and He has a way of communicating it to us. I hope that I am not just rambling to you, and you are following me. God strategically placed Pastor Mike, and other servants like him in my life, and used/uses them instrumentally to get His message across. His love across. When I get blindsided by life’s circumstances, or I am feeling discouraged, or hurt, or whatever the negative feeling at that moment may be-God’s gift of music and His message to Pastor Mike reflects His (God’s) love for me. For us. So, I feel so blessed and honored to be able to use one of my gifts from God (writing) to express God’s love for Pastor Mike Jr. I want him to know how special, and imperative he is. How his gift is organically medicinal, because it comes from God. I still can’t believe that God allowed me this assignment…but, that’s how Favor works. I truly hope you enjoy this interview with Pastor Mike that was conducted by yours truly. It showed me another side of him, and it made me feel closer to my Brother in Christ.

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COVER STORY

PMJ

My best friend is the one who actually introduced me to your music, and your ministry a while back. I remember a conversation we had, and he said that you were “like the king of trap gospel music” (he meant that with all due respect). I like to think of it as untrapped music. Your beats go hard like trap beats, but the messages are setting souls free…giving the highest honor and praise to God. Not to put it in a box, but how would you describe your music in your own words? “If I had to describe my music, I would simply call it, “Life Music”. You know, I believe there is Sunday morning music. Music that’s designed for you to sing in church on Sunday morning, and then there’s music that serves as a soundtrack to life…and my goal is to create music that whatever phase of life you find yourself in, be it: you just got the job, so now you can play “I Got It, I Got It”! Or you believe in God for the job, you can play “and it’s gonna beBig”. Or you’re just sitting back reflective, and you can play “Grateful, long nights turn to early mornings-I hate to see you leave, but I’m done mourning.” (He rhymes the lyrics to “Grateful”) It’s just a soundtrack to life, and I believe if we can impact people on a daily basis, the music can be successful and point them back towards God.” The church these days can be so judgemental. Not realizing that by being that way, they are actually chasing those who truly need God’s Word away from the church. What would you say to someone claiming that your music is more secular than it is gospel? “What I would say to them would be, “Thank you.” Because what they don’t realize they’re saying is-they’re not saying that your music is “worldly”, what they’re actually saying is, “It’s too good”. You know? We don’t even realize so many times that we equate perfection and a certain sound sonically to secular-when all music in essence derived from gospel music. You know what I’m saying? Some of the best singers in the country come from gospel. So for me man, my pushback to them is-”I’m trying to reach the masses. I’m not just trying to preach to the choir.” Gospel music is the only genre of music where the message plus the melody equals a miracle. You know? So, if I have to use a melody that may be unfamiliar to the church… but Ray Ray hears it and be like, “Ahh that’s crazy!”, and he hears about Jesus-I’m doing my part. So I don’t listen to my naysayers. As long as I’m doing something that at the core pleases God, I’m fine.” What advice would you have for someone trying to get into gospel music, but they don’t feel that they sound “church” enough? “My advice to someone getting into gospel music and probably doesn’t necessarily feel “church” enough, is to “Build your team, and build your following.” So the biggest misconception about Pastor Mike Jr. (“PMJ”) is, “Where did he come from and how did he do it?” You know, like, it’s an anomaly. For ten years I’ve been building a following. For ten years I’ve been working in my city. For ten years I’ve been building a team, to where now, in my team I have three or four producers. I have writers. I have singers. I have people who can get on the track, produce the track…I recorded the entire second half of the album in my basement. I had been preparing, you know. Before I hooked up with the incredible publicist team that I have now, I learned how to do press releases; I learned how to reach out to certain publications. So my advice to them would be, “Become as self-maintained as you can.” You know, and the more you can do that, it cuts down on costs you have to spend, it cuts down on having to wait on people. I learned how to record all my vocals, and record my music; because, I got tired of the studio canceling me for other “more important” people. I would be excited. I would book the time, they would cancel me, and I would go home feeling dejected…and one day, I was at the office with my Executive Director and I told them that I wanted a studio, and they went to Guitar Center and brought me my own little personal kit. And from that day, til’ now, that’s the same stuff that I recorded my leads for on this. It’s helping me become who God is calling me to be.” FEMI MAGAZINE | 38

COVER STORY

PMJ

Oftentimes, when I listen to your music it takes me somewhere. I can’t listen to “Amazing” or “Thank You” without crying (or getting close to it, no matter how many times I listen). It’s like being in my past, present, and future at the same time, if that makes sense. I can feel The Holy Spirit there with me as I’m listening. There is this indescribable feeling of gratitude towards God. Where do you go in your mind when you are creating? “Man, to hear the emotion and the passion behind what you’re saying about my songs is humbling and inspiring. I just tap into the pain in my life. I mean this man, I’ve been betrayed. I’ve been lied on. I’ve been hurt. I’ve hurt people. You know, I’m not perfect. You know, and I take those experiences and I try to put them into words. One thing about being a Pastor who actually loves people, a Pastor who listens to people; a lot of times I get the benefit of experiencing stories, without having to go through the pains personally. You know? So like, “I got a devil on one shoulder, angel on the other” (he briefly sings*)-on Burning Bridges (the title of the song). I was in an intense conversation with someone, and they said to me, “Pastor it’s like, I know I need to leave, but everything in me wants to stay. There’s this fight happening.”...and I was able to capture that moment in that song. With “Amazing”, I had been singing that little phrase for the longest and we went to Jacksonville, and we sang it in church live impromptu, and it just went viral you know. Or “Thank You”, I literally grew up as a kid on the front row hearing my Mom singing, “Could’ve been me, outdoors, with no food” (he breaks into song again)...and literally I heard it, and I was like, “Man, I gotta find a way to succinctly summarize all of the feelings that I have.”...but then when you see the imagery of it, I wanted it to tap into the KC and JoJo days. It was real raw and real…and people can see it and be like, “You know what, not only do I feel it, but when I look at him-I see me.” And that was very important to me, so thank you, for letting me know how the music made you feel.”

I hope this isn’t too personal, but if you could say something to God about one of the many gifts He has blessed you with (that one being music)-what would it be? “If I could say something to God about Him giving me the gift of music, it would simply be, “Thank you.” Music for me has been a lifeline, you know. I was talking to someone because I was going through a really bad spell of anxiety and depression. And they asked me a question, “What are your hobbies?”, and I honestly didn’t have a hobby. At this point, I’m teetering close to 300 pounds, eating recklessly. I’m going to church. I’m preaching. I’m falling into, like, this deep little hole. And they said, “Well, you should start recording to kind of get your thoughts out.” So the funny part about a lot of the things that people are hearing now, a lot of this music has been on my computer for years. You know what I’m saying? “Look at me now” was on my computer for a long time. I would go in every Sunday evening, after church, I would just go into my studio and record music. And so for me, I just thank God for giving me this outlet. You know. Without music, I’m not sure that I would have an outlet to express my feelings in a healthy manner. I’m working on a song, on a new project right now called “Losing”. And when the world hears it they may think I’m clinically depressed, but I had to find a way to summarize how I felt, you know. The hook literally says “I have everything I ever prayed for, but it’s painful. I know, but it feels like I’m losing.” You know sometimes winning feels like losing, and what they don’t tell you…everybody tells you to get to the mountaintop, they don’t tell you how many people fall off on that journey. They don’t tell you that the air is thin up there. They don’t tell you that the gear you have to pack to climb the mountain is heavy. They don’t tell you that once you get to the mountaintop you gotta climb down, which might be even scarier. You know. So it’s a lot that comes with success. And for me, music has been that one healthy outlet that says, “Hey Michael, let it out. This is a safe place.” And so now, having a music career, the way that I have to guard myself is-the devil is almost using what was my safe place, now as another place of pain. Because now people are critiquing what used to be my safety. So, I would tell Him “Thank you, for giving me music.”...but then, I would come back and ask God to give me the strength to handle what comes with the public seeing my private confessions.” You recently did a sermon on “ambidextrous anointing”, and it is very clear that you have an “ambidextrous anointing”. Can you speak on that for us? “Man, having an ambidextrous anointing means it’s not “this or that”, it’s “this and that”. When you look throughout the annals of the history, you see people in the Bible who had what I would consider an ambidextrous anointing. What does that mean? If you really look at it, David was Priest and King. You know what I’m saying? He was Priest and King, you know. Paul was a scholar and an evangelist. I believe it has a place where God is calling certain people to sort of be double agents. That you can be anointed enough to intercede, but intellectual enough to close a deal. So I just think being who God called you to be-and that’s where people always try to tell me things like, “Man you ought to just stop and do music full time, you’d be so cold.” No. What makes me cold is the ability that I Pastor, and my messages are nothing more than music in spoken word. And my music is nothing more than messages with melodies. So it all goes hand in hand, to make me who I am, and walking in my gift.”

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PMJ

COVER STORY

I know that you have spoken on your Stellar Award wins these past few months, but I have to ask…How did your hit single “Big” come about?...and speaking of “Big” what can we look forward to from Pastor Mike Jr. in 2022? “I’m excited man! Just never would’ve thought in a million years we would win all of these Stellar Awards. I believe it’s five in two years. So it’s incredible, and “Big” was a song we sang in church. If you go to my Instagram page, you’ll see a video I just did to where in 2018 I walked on stage after praise and worship (they were still playing)-and I said, “And it’s gonna be-Big.” (he sings). And that clip ended up getting over a half a million views. I end up meeting a guy by the name of Kerry Douglas who is a radio promoter, and he heard the song. “Big” was a song that I was going to release at our ten year church anniversary. That’s all we were going to do. At the church anniversary I was going to release a song called “Big”, and a song called “I got It”, and they were going to be some songs that we sing at church. Kerry Douglas heard it and said, “If you trust me, this is the number one song in the world.” And low and behold, the rest is history…We’re excited man. We have new music, a new album dropping this summer, on top of the clothing line “Blak Sheep”, on top of the school that we’re doing…it’s just so much man. You just have to stay locked and loaded. We’re gonna continue to push the envelope, and try to create content, music, clothing, and anything you can think of that uplifts God, spreads the love of Jesus, and helps people realize who they are and who God called them to be.” This interview was conducted differently than other interviews that I’ve done. With anything that I do, I try my best to stay out of the way-and let God lead me. Let The Holy Spirit lead me. I wanted to celebrate a man of God, and give him his flowers. Flowers from God don’t die. Like God’s Word that you can hear in Pastor Mike’s messages, and like his music, this piece will live to spread joy, hope, love, and awareness that you’re never alone. That no matter how insignificant the enemy tries to make you feel, it’s all a lie. All an illusion. There is something bigger than you and me, for you and me, but also from you and me. All we have to do is pay attention. Get to know God, and His heart. Seek His face. We don’t have to do any of this alone. I am grateful to Pastor Mike Jr. I pray for many more blessings and prosperity for Pastor Mike and his beautiful family. My Pastor, Keion Henderson reminds us constantly that who and what you listen to is important. He isn’t selfish, and he tells us to be on the lookout for God’s messages from God’s people. I can’t wait to see what else Pastor Mike Jr. (PMJ) has in store for us. I will definitely be “locked and loaded”, and ready for what’s next. You can follow Pastor Mike Jr. here: Instagram: @pastormikejr and @therockcitybham Website: https://shor.by/Pastormikejr YouTube: Pastor Mike Jr.

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Images Courtesy of Johnell Young FEMI MAGAZINE | 41

Young Johnell

Written By: Parissa Randle

Lights, Camera, Action! Meet Johnell Young, an actor from Staten Island, New York, who describes himself as an innovator who is resilient and determined. The rising star began his acting career at a young age in his first background role in the comedy film "Pootie Tang." In 2017, he landed a principal role in "All Eyez On Me" and is best known for his roles in "Making Moves," "SWA-TECH," "Tales," and the most recent film, "A Holiday Chance." The spark to his career was his starring role as Gary Grice (GZA) in Hulu's hit series, Wu-Tang: An American Saga. FEMI Magazine was able to catch up with Johnell to learn more about him and his upcoming projects.

Describe yourself in three words. Resilient. Determined. Innovator. What attracted you to become an actor? The creation. Being able to get lost and create into different characters. Being that the Wu-Tang Clan share the same hometown as you, how did it feel to be accepted as a cast member to the Wu-Tang: An American Saga? It's a full circle divine moment. It feels good to be accepted by my city’s legends. What has your experience been like with portraying Gary Grice (GZA)? It has been really dope. Being able to not only learn his lyrics but who he is as a person. He’s a stand up dude. Wu-Tang: An American Saga will return for a third and final season. What will you miss most about being a part of the show? The commodity between the cast these guys have grown to be brothers. What actor/actress has inspired you? Denzel, Samuel Jack, Michael B., Tristan Wilds, Viola, and the list goes on. Do you have any major interests or passions outside of acting? Modeling, photography, music, fitness, and health.

What type of role do you see yourself playing in the future? Action figure Marvel.

What upcoming projects are you involved in this year? BMF, Paid in Full 2, White Men Can’t Jump, Secret Society, to name a few What advice will you give to young aspiring actors? No just means not right now keep ya head down keep grinding. Watch Johnell's continuous rise by following him on Instagram and Twitter at @johnellxyoung.

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Photography By: John Martinez

ED PRYOR FEMI MAGAZINE | 43

A CONVERSATION WITH ED PRYOR Written By: Sheri Simmons Photograpy By: John Martinez As someone who has been cranking out content since his teens, Pryor knows that it’s critical to make every moment. “I focus on subtext and strong details to create a kinetic 3-D effect,” he explains. The award-nominated director is often called a creative genius and has developed a highly coveted client list. A country boy at heart, he understands his audience, from growing up in Winchester, Tennessee, where he rode four-wheelers and went hunting as a child. There, he also developed a strong appreciation for all types of music thanks to his dad, an alternative school principal who worked as a DJ on the side. Pryor knew from a young age that he wanted to produce music and gravitated towards technology as a way to release and widen his access to resources. He was an early adopter of platforms like Twitter and Facebook and started selling beats online while still in high school. However, it was YouTube that launched his viral career when Pryor began posting campy parodies of popular rap songs. The rapper leaned on his uncanny sense of humor to rewrite urban radio hits so they were set in the country. Along with two friends he began making spoof videos to accompany the songs, which soon started to receive millions of views. Unknown to Pryor, who feels like he is connected to the current zeitgeist, the sub-genre of bro country was bubbling up. “It was surreal and such a grand irony that my dream to have a career in music was sparked from something so silly,” he laughs. While the project had started as a joke, it led to Pryor producing full-time for hip-hop and rap-country artists and attaching his name as the creative force behind albums that charted in the top ten.

Sheri Simmons: Tell us who you are and how you got started in the music industry? Ed Pryor: I knew from a young age that I wanted to produce music and I gravitated towards technology as a way to release and widen my access to resources. I was an early adopter of platforms like Twitter and Facebook and started selling beats online while still in high school. However, it was YouTube that launched my viral career when I began posting campy parodies of popular rap songs. As an “artist”, I leaned on my uncanny sense of humor to rewrite urban radio hits as country songs. Along with two friends, I began making spoof videos to accompany those songs, which soon started to receive millions of views. It was surreal and such a grand irony that my dream to have a career in music was sparked from something so silly. While the project had started as a joke, it led me to producing fulltime for hip-hop and rap-country artists and by attaching my name as the creative force behind those albums that charted in the top ten, I quickly realized that this was only the introduction to my calling. However, the real benefit of the experience was that it pushed me to pursue filmmaking as a career. I had always loved movies and particularly music videos from the 2000’s, so to be the one directing celebrity music videos and mentoring upcoming directors, has been a dream come true. S.S: What an amazing testimony! What genres of music do you work with? E.P: I have directed for both celebrity Hip-hop and Country music artists. Growing up, I knew that country music wasn’t very popular amongst the Black community however, I wanted to know why. By going deeper in my research, I learned that we do enjoy bluegrass because it closely resembles religious music or hymns. Mainstream media has created the warped reality that Black people and country music cannot coexist. So my goal became to make country music more easily accessible to Black audiences. It has been amazing to watch the two cultures collide. I can now listen to Country in the car with my homies and hear lyrics that are reflective of our life stories. Many people are intrigued by my ability to pivot between the hip-hop and country worlds and, somehow, stay connected to my core. These are two genres that I love. I've enjoyed breaking glass ceilings within the industry and I refuse to allow anyone to put me into a box by limiting my reach.

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S.S Your love for filming and directing has led to you directing many videos. Can you tell us how many and what piqued your interest in directing? E.P: My journey to becoming the director that I am today hasn't always been easy. Oftentimes I am the only, if not one of the few Black directors on set. I’ve been mistaken as a talent, stage/ camera crew on my own set, but I don’t allow anyone’s opinion of me, deter me from my mission of opening more doors for Black creatives to land higher paying jobs across genres within this industry. To date, I have directed over fifty music videos and I have been nominated for four awards. In 2014, I began directing full-time, and as with any journey it's had its share of wins and losses. I don't mean losses negatively, If anything, I learned more from those experiences than the success I’ve obtained. Directing has allowed me to develop an intimate relationship with the art of storytelling. As a director, I am involved with every aspect of the filmmaking process. It has been equally exhausting and beautiful. I'm certain that I am still early in what the full journey will be. S.S: Amazing job you are doing! How do you manage working with many distinct personality types? E.P: Every artist is different. I believe as a director, I am blessed with the unique opportunity to set the stage and build a team that allows an artist to show up and do what they do best, which is perform. I eliminate the barriers that may exist on other sets. By approaching each opportunity this way, I get the best out of the artist which leads to less stress, high energy performance and quality visuals. S.S: Where do you see yourself in the next year? E.P: In the next year, I hope to continue being nominated for awards and hopefully win my first award. I understand that timing is everything and that my patience and hardwork will be rewarded. I also look forward to collaborating with other directors on large projects and even bringing on new cinematographers who desire to expand their portfolios.The day that I am passed up by an “average Black or female director” is the day that I know I’ve reached my goal, which is racial and gender balance in the industry. I just hope the number keeps multiplying.

Connect with Ed Pryor! Instagram @edpryor FEMI MAGAZINE | 45

Lucianne Written By: Parissa Randle

British Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress, Lucianne is known to be a star in the second largest film industry in the world, Nollywood, with starring roles in "Three Thieves" (Netflix) and the awardwinning short film "Dark Room." Outside of acting, she has more to bring to the table. Fused with afro-beats and R&B, she brings to the world her new single, "More." "More" has been released under her newly owned independent label RIV Records and is the first taster from her upcoming EP. Femi Magazine had the opportunity to get to know the multi-talented Lucianne and the making of her new single.

Lucianne, you come with many talents. Where did it all begin? I was about eight years old, and I actually thought everyone could sing. I didn't know that I had a special talent until we went to a family friend's house and she started singing. Everyone there was like, "oh wow, you can really sing, your voice is so amazing," and in my head, I was like, 'but wait, I can do that too'. Then I sang, and they were like, "oh wow, you're so good too," lol. That's how I found out that what I had was actually a gift, and not everyone has it. That was all I needed to start pursuing music, just that knowledge of having a gift that other people did not have was what sparked my love and interest in music. But even before that, I had started dancing, tap dancing, and contemporary dancing, and I entered dance competitions from about 7/8 years old, consistently winning either gold or silver. From there, I knew that I wanted to grow up and be a performer. Your new single, "More," sounds amazing! May you tell us about the inspiration behind it? ‘More’ talks about an experience that I had during the pandemic and lockdown where we could only communicate with our loved ones online and had a yearning to have more of each other. This was a particularly hard time for me as I had just come off my honeymoon, and my husband traveled abroad and then got stuck abroad for about seven months. Those feelings were what birthed the song ‘More.’ I needed a way to express what I had gone through and what I believe the whole world probably experienced too. How was the making of the video to "More"? It was brilliant; I had the opportunity to work with Director Doyin from Simplicity Studios, who has also worked with Davido. I had such an incredible journey with him, bringing this to life. I really wanted the story to represent the concept of lockdown, so we filmed the whole shoot indoors of the beautiful home, and the only form of communication was via the VR glasses. We had a brilliant time on set, and I am super proud of the finished product.

Images Courtesy of Lucianne

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How would you describe your music? My music is dynamic. It is a fusion sound of Afrobeats and RnB that I am so glad I have been able to make my own. Even within this sound, it lends ears to house and deep house elements that my listeners will start to hear in some of my later releases. I love experimenting with sounds and trying new things with my voice, so I'm really excited to start sharing more of my work with my supporters (excuse the pun). If you have to choose between music and acting, which one will you choose and why? Definitely music; I get to express myself through my music. I choose what I write about, I choose the melody and the delivery but with acting, it's usually a script I have been giving so I am acting out someone else's idea and someone else's character, which is still pretty awesome but can not compare to the joy you get of creating something, sharing it with the world and then having an audience sing your song back to you. In saying that, I am actually in the early stages of writing my own script for a movie. I would love to eventually create my own movies and films but just starting with script-writing for now. What is your main inspiration? In my life and journey so far, I have seen and experienced so much from London to Nigeria. I honestly believe that I could write a book or even a film of all that I have walked so far, and because of this, it’s easy for me to draw from certain life experiences when I am writing in the studio. This is my major inspiration, I would say. Also, the fact alone that I have these gifts is inspiring because I believe that nothing is by chance; if you have a gift, it is supposed to be used, and that is also probably my main inspiration. What can we expect from you this year? To release more amazing records, I have a number of songs already recorded, and I am considering releasing an EP later in the year or potentially another one or two singles first and then the EP. But more recently I have a trip planned to Nigeria for a radio tour and also a few appearances & performances. I hope to perform at a few UK festivals this summer, but let’s see what happens. The main thing is to consistently bring out good music that you can definitely expect. Follow Lucianne on Instagram and Twitter (iam_lucianne), Facebook (iamluciannemusic), and TikTok (iamlucianne).

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DJ Kyung A FEMALE DJ SETTING THE WORLD ON FIRE

Written By: Debbie Stokes Images Courtesy of DJ Kyung Your past doesn’t have to define you. It doesn’t matter what you go through; what matters most is how you use your experiences and lessons to propel you forward. DJ K Yung understands that perfectly. After being abandoned atbirth in Seoul, South Korea, and spending some time in an orphanage, she was later adopted by a family in the United States. One of the blessings of being a part of her new familywas their musical influence on her. That was where she developed a newfound love for music. As time went on, Yung used her growing passion for music to tap into other areas of the industry from artist manager, to radio show host, to hosting live shows, concerts, and events; all while growing and developing her skill as a DJ. That’s when she realized what she wanted to do… DJ. Yung made it her business to hone her craft and carve out a place for herself in the DJ world. And people took notice. Not to mention, she was a female breaking into a male-dominated arena. Although she had obstacles and unpleasant words thrown at her in the beginning, she stood her ground and the rest is history. Today, Yung is a much sought-after DJ who continues to impress people with her mixshow skills, her versatility, and her passion for DJing. She can also be found working on many popular shows and platforms. DJ K Yung, is a female DJ who defied the odds and has carved out a place for herself in the male-dominated industry.

What/Who were the musical influences that you grew up on in the Midwest? It would have to be my mentors, DJ Scratch Master Dee from St. Louis/Quad Cities, DJ Dollar from the Quad cities, and female radio personality DJ Powder, also from the Quad cities. These three I owe my entire career to. DJ Scratch Master Dee especially was the one who first vouch for me and jump-started my career. DJ Dolla taught me how to mix, and DJ Powder got me into radio and even gave me one hour of her show for my own. What drew you to initially go the business route within the music industry? Do you think that provided you with a great foundation to focus on DJing? I think I’ve always felt drawn to the business side because I never started music to be a DJ or to be an artist. It was literally to just help my friend who had tried out for “Making the Band.” But it has given me an exceptional amount of understanding of the business and has allowed me to make sure I’m protected when doing my business dealings. It took me almost 10 years into my career to find a manager because I was so dead set onhaving a decent amount of success doing it on my own, but in that same sentence, I can also say the business side of things is cutthroat and I did learn a lot of my lessons the hard way. I’m so glad you let us know how long it took to hone your skills to become the DJ you are today. Can you let us know what that entailed and what this looked like for you as someone who is coming up as a female in a male-dominated industry? When I started back in 2007, My Space was really the only social media platform, and the closest female DJ I believe to me was in Cleveland Ohio at that time. The only other DJs I knew about were in magazines that I had read or in blogs from California to New York City. And reaching out to them or getting any type of mentorship to me seemed a fantasy, which is funny because now I’m cool with a couple of them, lol. Funny how life kind of circles around. It was really tough especially in my area, I was the only female DJ, and being a female DJ was not the thing to do. I’m not saying that I broke any barriers because there were some tremendous female DJs before me, but in my area, I was the first and it was brutal, lol. I remember being told I was the worst, that I am ruining the culture and everything. But I used that to fuel my fire and passion, and I didn’t retaliate with my words, I retaliated with my actions and with building my résumé.

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In an interview with I am Hip Hop Mag, you accredited your success to your mentor, DJ Scratch Master Dee. He was the first one to give you a chance. How important was the presence of a mentor in your career and building relationships with others in the game? At that time, you were not able to really do much if you did not have a voucher from a local DJ, and he was so instrumental in my career. He put his own name on the line because you better believe he was attacked as well for helping me out. At that time,you could not just go out and buy DJ equipment, and especially where I lived, I was not getting into vinyl record pools or being serviced records by record labels. So, I was really starting from the dirt up. But he taught me things like how to clean needles and where to find music. I owe him literally everything. Who would be your dream artist to work with on a tour? Honestly, I would be open to working with anybody; it would be an honor to be touring with any active artist. I don’t necessarily have a dream artist, but I would’ve loved to work with Tupac or Biggie, or on the R&B/pop side with Prince or Aaliyah. What is the mark you want to leave on the industry? Usually, once or twice a year I get a message from someone saying, “I remember when you were just starting out and to see where you’re at now is amazing.” And I think if I leave any mark, it would be that Cinderella story of starting from the ground up and being able to make an impact. I also would love to leave an impact of being known as one of the women who were record breakers, who could see the future of music and where it’s going, and the direction of what artistry can become and who could impact and change the way a person listens to music. Do you have any advice for other aspiring female DJs? My biggest advice for females is that you need to know who you are and make sure your skin is as tough as leather. I’ve never really used being a female as an excuse for not succeeding, but it is very easy to be tested and tried in every move that you do and in every action you do. And in this line of business, you need to have thick skin, especially as a woman. People will try to test your vulnerability and emotional state. They will use your reaction as a reason not to hire you or use you. And you need to know who you are because people will try to change what is they see in you, and you need to always know who you are so you can be true to yourself and succeed the way you want to succeed.

Connect with DJ Kyung! Instagram @djkyung FEMI MAGAZINE |50

Photo by Wallace Chuck FEMI MAGAZINE |51

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Kandice Bell R & B SINGER HEALS PEOPLE THROUGH HER MUSIC

Written By: Debbie Stokes Photography: Jayson Pharris

Kandice Bell is a woman of God who uses her gifts as a singer, songwriter, and pianist to spread messages of love and healing upon the world. She was born in Newnan, Georgia and it was at the age of 5 years old when she recognized her love for singing and the church, where her roots are firmly planted. Growing up in church made her feel safe and joyful, and there is where she gained an acute love for gospel music. After some time, she dived all in and realized her talents were growing. At that point, Bell was ready to go to the next level. First, singing in the church choir was her chosen path. Then, as her vision grew, she started dreaming past the church walls. She began singing at events outside of her church which fueled her desire to go further. Later, she followed her dream to go mainstream and crossed over to R & B. But oftentimes, the struggles we face can knock us to our knees, and Bell has experienced her share. She was dealt a horrible blow when her life was turned upside down after finding herself in a domestic violence relationship. Never letting up on her prayer, she found her way out of the situation and is now a survivor who uses her life lessons to inspire others through her healing lyrics and music. Bell’s voice graces her listeners as she delivers songs of hope. Because of her recognizable talent, she has opened for gospel artists such as Luther Barnes, Le’Andria Johnson, and Alexis Spight. She has also been recognized and nominated for her talent and won many awards in her career thus far. Meet Kandice Bell, a woman who is walking in her passion and purpose, and who is on a mission to use her life experiences, music, and uplifting messages to help entertain, inspire, and heal her listeners.

You started singing in the church. What made you go from gospel music to singing R & B? Gospel has always been in my roots. I started singing in the church when I was five years old. I also love all types of music, especially R&B. I decided to switch because I wanted to be true to myself. There's nothing wrong with listening to all types of music, especially if it has a positive message. Did you get any criticism for switching over to R & B music from gospel? If so, what was that like? Well, not so much, or not yet must I say. I've had some people in the church ask me why I decided to switch and that my calling is really in gospel music. I honestly don't pay it any attention. Everyone has an opinion, which they are entitled to. It's up to me to decide how I react. R&B music does not condemn you to hell. I've decided that I have to be true to myself and God. So, I just keep making music to express myself and fulfill my destiny and passion. As a singer, songwriter, and pianist… what inspires your songs? My experiences definitely influence my songs. My EP that will be released this year, The Makeover, is all about my experience of being a domestic violence survivor, becoming divorced, and rediscovering myself as a woman, mom, and entrepreneur. Things that are going on in the world at the time also influence my writing. Tell us about your song Broken, what do you hope people will get from the message? Broken is about rising from a "broken" situation. Although the song is talking about a relationship, you can be broken from anything. A job, friendship, or any experience for that matter. Broken talks about coming to terms with what has happened and moving forward. You will not always be in this situation and your life and circumstances will get better. The song also talks about taking time for yourself and putting yourself first. You can't be everything to everybody and that's okay. If you're the best version of yourself, you can really fulfill your purpose. Who are your musical inspirations? Well, from a most classic standpoint, definitely the late and great Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, Aaliyah, Sade, Aaliyah. From today's standpoint, Beyonce (yes, since No, no, no!), HER, Jazmine Sullivan, Tank, J.Howell.

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As a domestic violence survivor, what lessons have you learned that has empowered you in your life, and how do you infuse those messages into your songs? I've learned that change is HARD and it's easy to stay in a bad, dead situation. I use these lessons in my songs by telling stories. I also learned that things may not always be what they may seem and always be kind to others because you never know what someone is going through. How did being a woman of God help you through your domestic abuse situation, and how does it help you in your life now? Man, I had to lean and depend on God like never before. I hit rock bottom and had no choice. I learned how to really talk to God and I learned that he will make you move when it's time and you get too comfortable. He always works all things out for our good. That's what helps me now... seeing all the pain, hurt and disappointment I went through, it was to push me to my purpose. As an advocate for domestic violence victims and survivors, what advice would you give to someone in a domestic violence situation? Get out while you can and before matters escalate and get worst. It has nothing to do with you... it's an issue the abuser has. Also, don't let anyone make you feel bad or ashamed to tell your story. You will help other women and men going through the same thing. How do you hope people will heal through your music? I help people heal by being transparent. I know what it's like to suffer in silence. By sharing my experiences through my music, I am able to let people know they're not alone in what they're going through. Everyone has issues. Don't let social media fool you. But, the most important thing is, there is healing. Music helped me express myself and get through my own difficulties. What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you? As much as I love beauty and makeup, you will NOT see me in makeup and dolled up every day. I like to be as comfy as possible, of course still cute, but comfy. The past couple of years, I've become very comfortable with my natural self. You were nominated for the Talented Tenth Christian Academy’s 2017 Female Christian Artist of the Year Award and many others. How does it feel when you are recognized and nominated for your talent? It makes me feel like people are listening, I’m fulfilling my passion and I am changing people's lives. It's an indescribable feeling. There's nothing better than being recognized for your passion. What are some of your upcoming projects? I am preparing to release my first R&B EP, The Makeover, which talks about my experiences on my journey to healing. It has a 90's vibe to it; It will be released this year. I also go live on my Kandice Music Facebook page each Wednesday for Wind Down Wednesday at 7 p.m. for 15 minutes, or less, of good music and relaxation. We just wind down to prepare for the rest of the week. I do a variety of music: R&B, gospel, and my own original songs. Where can people follow you? My website is kandicemusic.net Instagram: @kandicemusic Facebook: @kandicebmusic FEMI MAGAZINE | 55

Photography: Ashley Canay of Ashley Canay Photography

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Khalea Lynee’ FORMER CONTESTANT OF THE VOICE KHALEA LYNEE′ MAKES TIMELESS MUSIC AS SHE CONNECTS WITH HER AUDIENCE

Written By: Debbie Stokes Photography: Ashley Canay

Imagine being cast for one of the hottest reality competition shows, The Voice, and ending up on John Legend’s team. That was Florida’s native, Khalea Lynee’s experience. From a young age and being the child of a pastor, Khalea’s roots are inspired by her gospel upbringing. Growing up, she began to realize her interest in music and writing was more than just a hobby or a phase, so she shared her gifts with the world. “I want to make timeless music that will transcend genres and generations, yet still be relevant to what’s going on in the lives of people.” ― Khalea Lynee′ After many performances on different stages and developing her gifts, she began to get recognized for her pure talent, original lyrics, and her ability to deliver songs with passion and messages that connect with her audience. Her singing and appearance on the Voice have led her to many opportunities, one of which, was when she sang her rendition of the National Anthem at the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics game. Lynee’s music connects with her listeners in a way that leaves them mesmerized by the perfection in her voice; she intends to move people as they listen. Her fan base is growing and her social media followers continue to support her in every way. Meet Khalea Lynee′, a woman on a mission to touch people through her music and the messages in her lyrics. What was it like growing up for you, and how did you get started in singing and songwriting? I have nothing but fond memories of my childhood and my “growing up” experiences. My family was close-knit, loving, and very protective. I was definitely sheltered, but I was also very loved. Now that I’m older, I can really appreciate how sheltered I was and I’m thankful that my family knew enough to keep me close to them and away from bad influences. My mother was a pastor, so I grew up in the church. Nothing can replace the experiences and memories I have from growing up as a PK (preacher’s kid). I got my start with music from singing in church. I wrote my first song at around 11 or 12 years old in church. After that, my mom had me singing and playing piano every Sunday. My upbringing really shaped me into becoming the person and artist that I am today and I'll be forever grateful for it.

As you grew in your gift, how did people respond to your talent for singing and writing songs? As I grew older and started singing and writing more, the responses I received were always positive. That helped me to gain more confidence and get over my fear of singing in front of an audience.

Tell us what made you go on NBC’s season 17 of The Voice, about your experience there, and how you felt when all 4 chairs turned around during the blind auditions? Honestly, I decided to audition because I felt that it couldn’t hurt to take a chance on myself and see what the outcome would be. If I didn’t make it, at least I put forth the effort, and at least they heard me sing. If I did make it past the audition, then it could only mean good things and more opportunities for me. Making it onto the show was a great experience overall. I met some phenomenal people, was featured on national television, and gained more and more supporters along the way. I couldn’t ask for anything more. What was it like being on John Legend’s team? Being on John Legend’s team was the highlight of my time on The Voice. Mainly because he’s so personable, down to earth,and was just a positive inspiration the entire time. He was truly delightful to work with. FEMI MAGAZINE | 57

How did being on The Voice change your life? Being on The Voice changed my life in terms of my notoriety. Almost everywhere I go, someone recognizes me and tells me how they watched and voted for me on the show. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that, but I’ll always be extremelyappreciative for the support I’ve received from so many people all over the world since the show. It’s overwhelming. Also, many opportunities have opened for me musically that may not have opened without the push from me being on The Voice. I’m doing my best to seize every one of them. Who are your musical influences? My very first musical influence was my mother. Not only did she have a beautiful singing voice, she introduced me to many of the legendary singers that I now look up to. She’s the reason I know anything about Yolonda Adams, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, and Mariah Carey. Later on in life, Brandy also became a huge musical influence of mine. How would you classify your music style, and where does your inspiration come from when you write songs? I would classify my music as R&B/Soul. And getting inspiration to write a song can be very random for me. A movie, a word, a life experience. It’s never just one thing that prompts me to write. The inspiration can come from anywhere and at any given time. Tell us about your band. Also, about your upcoming new music release and debut songs. What messages do you hope people will get from your music? My band is comprised of some very talented musicians andsingers who I'm honored to work with. The name of my band is "The Fascinations" and our goal is to leave the audience absolutely fascinated after every show! My latest single release is entitled, Sweet Love, and I wrote it from the perspective of a woman who is certain that her love is the best love. A woman who's confident in what she brings to the table. I feel that there are more than enough songs out there about heartbreak, being cheated on, etc. I enjoy writing songs about love from a positive standpoint andencouraging a more positive narrative. Of course, there will be times when I write from the hurtful side of love, but love is a beautiful thing and I'd rather promote the good rather than the bad. I hope everyone enjoys the new single and feels likespreading love after they hear it. If you weren’t singing, what would you be doing? The only other career field I've ever been interested in other than music is culinary arts. So, if I weren't a singer, I'd probably be a cook. But I would much rather be a singer. How has being in the spotlight had an impact on your social media fans? And how did the coined term, “I know Khalea” come about? Being in the spotlight, so to speak, has definitely helped my social media following to grow and increase in number. I have a lot of supporters who follow what I do via social media and I appreciate their support and engagement immensely. They really do help to keep me going and give me a boost of energy when I need it the most, whether they know it or not. #IKnowKhalea came about because one of my best friends decided that once I became a contestant on The Voice, that automatically meant that I was famous. In turn, she would be famous too and wanted everyone to know that she knew ME! It was honestly all in good fun. The type of fun that best friends have together. She took it to social media, started posting pictures of herself dressed in ballgowns and fur coats (as if she were already famous), and would hashtag #IKnowKhalea in thecaption. It caught on and a lot of my other followers started doing it too. She then created a Facebook group for all the #IKnowKhalea fans and now there's about 600 members in that group. It was hilarious but it turned into something wonderful! What’s next for you? Up next is the release of Sweet Love. Then, the music video for Sweet Love. Then, the release of my EP. More live performances. Repeat. I'm definitely not slowing down and I'm really excited about getting my music out to the masses. You can follow Khalea Lynee′ on Social Media! Instagram: @khalea_lynee Facebook: Khalea Lynee' TikTok: @khalealynee Twitter: @officialKHALEA

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VINCENT POWELL FEMI MAGAZINE | 59

Vincent Powell AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 12 FINALIST

Written By: Tyrane Hughes Images Courtesy of Vincent Powell

Vincent Powel proves that anything is possible when you don’t give up on your dream. Born August 12, 1985, in Austin, Texas, Vincent grew up with his mother and older brother as his musical advisors. He is a graduate of Texas Southern University, with a Degree in Music, and a Minor in Fine Arts. He knew from an early age that his voice was a gift from God, and he refused to squander it. He was a member of his church’s choir under the direction of JDI Recording Artist Chester D.T. Baldwin, and has participated in the NAACP Act-So competition (where he took 1st place in Austin, TX, and finalist at the National Level for two years). He has done everything from starring in several musicals throughout Houston, to playing characters/doing extra work in commercials. He has been a back-up singer for various top Recording Artists, such as the late Whitney Houston, Letoya Luckett, Byron Cage, Micah Stampley, etc. Vincent has added plenty of notches to his performance belt, and doesn’t plan on stopping there. Over the years his love for gospel music has grown, and all of his experiences have helped him to develop his own style of music. Vincent’s music can be described as a unique combination of gospel, jazz, and contemporary sounds; which are helping him reach the heights that he knows he’s destined for. Tell us a bit about yourself (your upbringing, where you’re from, etc.) ”I was born and raised in Austin, Tx. I grew up in church with my mom singing in the choir and my brother being a preacher at 9. Church had a significant influence on life and music. I attended Texas Southern University in Houston, TX, and resided in Houston.”

You were a finalist on American Idol season 12. Tell us about that experience and what made you want to audition for the show. “I auditioned for American idol six times. I made it to the top hundred on the fifth time, and a finalist on the sixth. American idol taught me so much about the music business and my artistry. I auditioned for American Idol so that I could better my career.” Your style is a mixture of gospel and jazz with a contemporary splash. Who are some of your musical inspirations growing up, and who are your music inspirations now (if you’ve added any)? “Gospel music is where it was all started. My Godfather Chester DT Baldwin was over the piece when I was young. I learned a lot from him about making a song come alive. Other gospel artists like Kim Burrell, Daryl Coley, the Clark Sisters, and Brenda Waters stylistically encouraged me to perform better. Artists like Mariah Carey, Tony Bennet, John Legend, Rascal Flatts, and Whitney Houston inspired me so much that I wanted to make music my career. I remember praying to God to meet these artists, and I met Mariah and Whitney.” What is your favorite thing about performing?

You’ve done backup singing for artists such as Whitney Houston and Letoya Luckett (and many others). You’ve been on stages and programs with artists such as Musiq Soulchild, Kelly Rowland, Yolonda Adams, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, and many more. How did you get to work with such a great list of talented artists? “During my TSU / College days, I was able to perform in different showcases that brought me exposure throughout the city of Houston. So I was able to open up/sing background for some of the greats that came through Houston on tour. GWMA/NAACP Act-So were organizations that I participated in during my high school years, and I was able to meet/sing with some of the music greats then/now (Clark Sisters, Kirk Franklin now - Major, etc.” Speaking of great and talented artists, on February 27, 2022, you will be a special guest for the beautiful and talented Gladys Knight! Can you tell us a little about that? “On Feb 27th, I will be opening up for Gladys Knight. When Management landed this opportunity, I was so happy. It’s an honor to open up for a legend/Icon like Gladys Knight. Shout out to Radio Aktiv Ink, aka Management.”

What’s to come for Vincent Powell in 2022? “I have my first/New R&B - Soul álbum coming out this year, “V•Angel.” The album will talk about a signifying rebellious spirit that is mixed with unending loyalty, honor, and protective instincts. This spirit has not only taken over my love life but has led me down some interesting roads.” Keep up with Vincent here:

“When you’re able to perform a song, take the audience on a journey, and everyone gets hyped up, it’s a feeling like no other. The stage is where I belong.”

Instagram: @vincentpowellamericanidol linktr.ee/Vincentpowell

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Photography By: Q11 Photography

KEITH SWIFT JR. FEMI MAGAZINE | 61

COVER STORY

Keith Swift, Jr. FROM EXOTIC DANCER IN “REAL LIFE” TO EXOTIC DANCER ON THE BET SERIES, ALL THE QUEEN’S MEN Written By: Debbie Stokes Photography By: Q11 Photography

Life is about taking chances, seizing the moment, and living outside your comfort zone. That’s where the magic happens. Keith Swift Jr. realized that and went for it. It all started when he was introduced to the life of an exotic dancer at amateur night. Feeling nervous about taking his shot at dancing, he pushed past his fears and ended up winning the prize money that night. From being an exotic dancer and model turned actor, Swift has found success and been able to catapult what started a side hustle into an amazing career. Swift found a TV role imitating his exotic dancing profession, and just like in real life, he has become a lady’s favorite as an exotic dancer. He is one of the main characters whose name is Babyface on the new TV series, All the Queen’s Men, from Tyler Perry’s Studios. Itis currently streaming on BET+ and also starring Eva Marcille, Skyh Black, Racquel Palmer, Michael ‘Bolo’ Bolwaire, Christian Keyes, and more. The show was created by actor and author Christian Keyes based on his book, Ladies Night. Keith Swift Jr.’s path is the perfect example of how if you are in the right place at the right time, the stars can align in your favor. You started as a male exotic dancer in real life and now you play one on TV. How did you get into that profession and what is your stage name? I got into the male exotic industry from an amateur night that my cousin constantly kept telling me I should do. He was already in that profession and saw something in me I didn’t see in myself at the time. My stage name is “Fatal Attraction”. I’ve had the opportunity to turn that name into a household name.

How did dancing open the door for you to play one on the BET’s series called, All the Queen’s Men? Did you have to take acting lessons? Dancing helped open the door for this opportunity because I fit the exact description of the role and its true authenticity as already being an internationally known male exotic entertainer. I’m currently working with a private acting coach tocontinue to polish and perfect the acting craft. Acting is a continuous learning experience and I’m forever grateful to be a part of the acting pool. Tell us about the show and your character, Babyface. Also, what was it like filming? Babyface is the oldest at Club Eden but looks can be deceiving as he lives up to his name with a babyface. He is one of Madam’s elite dancers and has been around the longest. Filming this show has been such an amazing, fun experience. Words can’t express how much of a blessing it is to be working with such a beautiful cast. At one point, you were a model. How did you get into it and what is your fashion style? I got into modeling literally on a leap of faith. I drove to a casting call in Chicago for a runway fashion show that Actor Brain White was hosting, produced by Black Martin Productions in 2012; and I made it. Since then, I’ve done countless fashion shows and photos in the Midwest area. My fashion style has always been custom to me and it varies. Most times, I like to dress in urban high fashion. Other times, I’m in a European cut suit fitted to me. I’ve always been the type to be able to do both.

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What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you? I’m really a homebody, lol. I know you have to stay in shape. How often do you go to a gym to work out and what is your diet routine like? I go to the gym 6 days out of the week, and honestly, at this point, I just go to maintain. It’s more like therapy to me. I bring my problems to the gym and work them out. I try to eat as clean as possible. I don’t eat red meat, pork,or late at night, and if I do eat late, I make sure it’s a lite snack like tuna or fruit. I also drink a ton of water. Who are some of your influences? Some of my influences are my mother, Will Smith, Tyler Perry, Big Sean, and 50 Cent. How has your dating life been as an exotic dancer? I don’t date because I’m already taken. What’s next for you? I’ve been working on a few other projects that I can’t speak on but other than that what’s next for me is continuously pouring into myself daily to become the best man I can be so that I can continue elevating and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry. You can find Keith Swift Jr. on his only social media platform! Instagram @giftedindividual_

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Ylonda Powell FOUNDER AND HEAD INSTRUCTOR OF “JESONDA’S SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS”

Written By: Tyrane Hughes Images Courtesy of Ylonda Powell

One of my favorite things about being a child of God is seeing other children of God flourish. Being a child of God is an amazing experience. One that I don’t have enough room to explain, nor do I always have the words. He’s just that good. Beyond good. Indescribably good. What I can say is that when you love God, and put your faith in Him, He does amazing things. I love my family in Christ. We’re a “royal priesthood” according to the Holy Bible, and I believe that to be true. When I see the work of God through His children it brings me joy. While I love ALL of God’s children, I absolutely love to see my brothas and sistas in Christ flourishing, and walking in their purpose. We have a beautifully deep, and very rich history as a people, but we have some dark portions of our history as well… So seeing how far we have come as a people, and seeing my people not only follow their dreams, but actually living them out is a beautiful thing. I had the opportunity to interview a fellow sista in Christ. She has worked with legends such as Samuel L. Jackson, Rocky Carroll, Starletta Dupois, the late Lou Myers, and more. She explained her gifts, passions, and the fruits of her working on her crafts. Last but definitely not the least, she explained the love she has for Jesus, and how He has helped her with life, and pursuing her dreams. Here is what she had to say: I read that at the age of eight, you knew without a doubt that you wanted to be an actress. That was after seeing the movie “Annie”. That’s such a tender age. Can you explain a little more to us, exactly how it is that you knew for sure acting was what you wanted to do? “I remember just having a strong feeling and being so mesmerized when watching the movie Annie. I knew that I could do exactly what she was doing and it would be fun. I remember as a young girl I would prance around the house with a towel on my head, with a headband to hold the towel in place so it wouldn't fall off lol. I would dress up in my mother's clothes and put on her high heels. I thought I was a Hollywood star. At a young age a childhood friend and I would write skits, and perform them at almost every family function. My middle school and high school were performing arts schools. I loved the acting classes and participated in a lot of the school plays.”

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While in middle school you played Maretha, a character from the hit Broadway play “The Piano Lesson”. That production was held at the Yale RepertoryTheater in New Haven, CT. The production also led you to work with some amazing contributors to the art of acting, including the amazing Lloyd Richards (the director of the production). That had to be a super boost to your confidence and motivation. How did it feel to work with those people at such a young age? What was that experience like? “Yes, that was an experience I will never forget. To be honest at the age of 11, I didn't really realize the greatness I was among. I remember my mom telling me that my grades would need to improve in order to stay in the production. That was the first time I ever got honors lol. Yes, it boosted my confidence during the production run. However, to be honest it boosted my confidence more when I got older, and realized that I made history by being named as one of the original cast members in the published book of Piano Lesson. The experience was like no other. I have nothing but great memories. Working with everyone was awesome, especially Sam and Rocky. They were so pleasant to me, even when I would stick my head in their dressing rooms to say hi lol. The other actress that played Maretha and I would be in our dressing room running Sam and Rocky's lines, and they would overhear us lol. The late Lloyd Richards was a great director, yet stern. I had the chance to meet the late August Wilson as well.” While in high school you continued drama and dance, but you also became heavily involved in producing and performing in many productions for your home church. Would you say that is where you realized you wanted to do more than just be an actress? “Yes, that is when I started to pay more attention to the writing, producing and directing. It wasn’t until my Bishop's wife, the late Peggy Moales, asked me to write a skit for one of her events. I was thinking I really don’t write, but didn’t want to tell her no. I went ahead and wrote, produced, and directed my first skit there. That was about 5 to 6 pages long. The congregation loved it. A few months later my Bishop, the late Bishop Kenneth H Moales, asked me to write a Christmas play that stemmed from an idea he had. Again, not wanting to say no, I embarked on writing a play with 20 pages. It included music and dancing. The congregation loved it, and that is when I started to take notice of the other three gifts I possessed besides acting.”

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While attending Southern Connecticut State University you added writing and directing skits to your repertoire, advancing your skills even further. What would you say to someone young coming up who wants to cultivate their craft(s)? “I would tell them to work everyday to perfect their craft. YouTube and Google are great tools to educate themselves. Taking classes and workshops, and investing in themselves by getting professional headshots, and to start building their resume. Don’t go into the game wanting money. Focus on getting into productions to perfect their craft of acting and building their resume. This applies for producing and directing. Get involved and present themselves as a professional, whether pay is involved or not. Build a good reputation and people will love to have you involved, and soon want to pay for your talent. Be an asset to a project. Get as much hands-on experience as possible. Be teachable, reliable, and a good team player.” In your early twenties you developed the gift of MIME. It was recognized, and highly sought after. You were awarded “Best Praise Dancer” in the Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts area (Holla Back Gospel Music Awards). How did all of that come about? “Ahhh the mime! It's funny because my mom had told me she saw me miming before it even crossed my mind. I was like, “yeah right”. About a month later a friend (at the time), and I were conversing and she asked me about miming. To make a long story short, we came up with a mime to “Holy, Holy, Holy'' by Kurt Carr. The Bishop was so open to us ministering that to the congregation. It was new in Connecticut, and no one had done that before in the area. I was extremely nervous, to the point that my stomach had knots and butterflies right before we were due to minister that Sunday morning. Nevertheless, it was well received and the church was tremendously blessed. We were quickly sought after to mime almost everywhere. A few years later we decided to go our separate ways. My signature dance as a solo mimic was, “You Brought Me” by Marvin Sapp. Mime has opened up a lot of doors for me.” You were the Founder and Head Instructor of “Jesonda’s School of Performing Arts” in Connecticut (Jesonda meaning: Jesus and Ylonda). What made you want to open a performing arts school? “I always loved children. I have a passion to teach, and deposit into the lives of our young people. Since the arts is my craft and passion, I decided to use it as an avenue to help children and teenagers. It was a confidence booster for so many kids I worked with.”

Speaking of “Jesonda”, I would love for you to tell us about the importance of Jesus in your life. I am a FIRM believer in the power and the presence of Jesus, as well as the importance of the presence of His Father in our lives. Can you speak on that for us? “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light. Without Him truly in my life, I would be lost. My relationship with Christ is simple. Jesus knows my personality, and I talk to Him everyday like He is my friend, my teacher, my protector, because He is just that to me. We don’t have to use big words to pray and have a relationship with Him. The importance of having Jesus in my life is because He guides me, He teaches me, He consoles me. He takes the heaviness away, and bears it along with so many other benefits. I can go on and on, lol. We are spiritual beings in a natural experience, so we need Jesus and the Holy Spirit to be a part of our lives to know the purpose and plan for our lives.” You wrote, produced, and directed the stage play “STUCK” (2010), and “Big Boys Do Cry” (2019). Please explain a little bit about the two “power packed” stage plays, for those who may not be familiar with them. Lastly, what does Ylonda Powell have to look forward to in 2022?/What should we be on the lookout for from you?

“Both these plays hold a special place in my heart. “Stuck” was birthed in the spirit, and I realized that when the debut in 2010 was standing room only, and the anointing fell in the theater in the middle of the production. Both these plays deal with strongholds that have the main characters in bondage. “Stuck” and “Big Boys Do Cry” can be centered around mental health. I love to write both drama and comedy, so you will see some of both genres in both stage plays. I love the fact that all races relate to both plays, especially “Stuck”. I have had audience members come to one show and then show up to the next show with 2 or 3 more people, because they said they needed to see it. Dancing and music are incorporated in both plays. “Stuck” is available for streaming, and on DVD. Covid shut down our second run of “Big Boys Do Cry”, so we are preparing to get that okay on the DVD in the near future.” We look forward to seeing what else Ylonda does with Jesus by her side, as she continues to pursue her dreams, and works on her craft.

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ShySpeaks THE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR

Written By: Parissa Randle Images Courtesy of ShySpeaks

ShySpeaks is an Indie hip-hop and spoken word artist from Dallas, Texas. The 5x award-winning Spoken Word Artist of the Year is known for her soulful voice, thoughtful lyrics, and dynamic stage presence. She has given opening performances for great artists, such as Ludacris, Torey Lanez, Tye Tribbet, Jeezy, Grammy award-winning artist Bun B, and others. ShySpeaks has a social media series called Free Lunch Fridays. On this platform, she drops free music every Friday and allows everyone to enter to win “free lunch money” by inviting others to the table; this has gained the attention of hip hop giants like Rapsody. She is also a creative entrepreneur who is on a mission to help Indie artists turn their art into a viable business. She knows what it takes to bring the entrepreneur out of the artist. What is the story behind your music journey? I was born into a musical family, so I discovered my gift at a very early age. I stepped away from it after high school. But before I finished college, I picked it back up! Sure, with degrees I could contribute to the bottom line of a company, but with the language I speak through art, I could contribute to culture! What message do you want listeners to gain from your music? I basically want people to know that they can be victorious in the face of life's obstacles by embracing faith, hope and positivity! How has this experience changed you as an artist? Unlike my earlier days in music, where I was loose-lipped and derogatory with my content, I found myself watching my words to make sure that they are both poetically potent and life-giving to my listeners. How have you coped mentally and spiritually during the pandemic? During the pandemic, I made an effort to be more about truly resting. Not just going to sleep, but taking intentional moments to break and recharge. FEMI MAGAZINE | 68

Tell us about the program you started to help other aspiring artists? I am on a mission to awaken the entrepreneur in artists! For many creatives, things like organization and administration can be daunting. But when pursuing the independent music route, artists quickly realize their need for business infrastructure. That's why I created Indiestructure Academy, an online course to help indies set up, organize, and operate their art like a business so that they can scale their profits and attract the team they've always wanted. How do you maintain respect in a music industry that often displays female artists as simply objects of sex? I study my craft, ever endeavor to make my live presentations an experience and I work with diligence and discipline! In this way, my talents, not my body, remain the object of adoration. Plus, I'm always thinking of the role I model for the next generation. I take personal responsibility to be the representation that I wish to see in the future. What do you enjoy most about the art of spoken word and when did you discover you had this gift? That's easy, I've always been fascinated by words and the art of communication, but my favorite thing about Spoken Word is the open space it gives a poet to paint pictures with literary devices. As a child, my mom put me in oratorical contests after overhearing her little shy daughter (no pun intended), privately reciting a monologue with more prowess than the on screen actor. The oratorical contest exposed me to poetry reciting. Writing hip hop lyrics helped me find my voice...and the rest is history!

Join ShySpeaks’ table by following her on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Spotify) at ShySpeaks. Website: www.shyspeaks.com

What’s next for you? Civilized! It is an annual 1 Day festival and the title of my next 2-part EP. In addition to that, and launching the Indiestructe Academy, I am leaning into YouTube content creation via culture commentary and co-hosting a visual podcast. There are a few other projects in the works that you'll have to stay tuned to see. Simply put, my goal is to expand my creative enterprise while helping other emerging artists establish and cultivate theirs as well.

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Gina Belafonte Written By: Tyrane Hughes Images Courtesy of Gina Belafonte

Growing up it was always my dream to become a writer. I also wanted to be an actress/singersongwriter (maybe even write a script someday)… but, no matter what, it always came back to my first love of writing. I grew up watching classic films, and listening to old school music, and smooth jazz. I was into the arts of my time, but something about the classics made everything come together. If it weren’t for those who paved the way for other people of color to be able to have examples, platforms, resources, and/or voices, people such as myself probably would’ve never felt it were possible to pursue their dreams. Some may wonder what this has to do with this particular interview-everything. It has everything to do with this interview. You reap what you sow, and how you choose to cultivate the seeds you have been gifted has a huge effect on everything in life. Especially when you have power and influence. We’re all connected, whether we choose to believe it or not. That’s why it is such an honor for me to be the conductor of this interview. Gina Belafonte is the daughter of Harry Belafonte. The mark he has made as an artist, an entertainer, as a producer, in education, as a Civil Rights Activist, and as a father has made a lasting impression-and he is still cultivating, creating, and making waves. Gina is an example of what happens when you plant good seeds. She has done more than follow in her father’s footsteps. She has made a name for herself, and has made an impression of her own. Together they have created this impactful organization, Sankofa.org. Mr. Belafonte will be celebrating his 95th birthday on March 1, 2022. FEMI got a chance to catch up with Gina Belafonte, and she gave us some info on Sankofa.org, as well as the upcoming star studded birthday celebration for her father:

The name Gina means Queen. How befitting for a woman such as yourself. You are the daughter of the great Harry Belafonte; your family is royalty. Your father is the epitome of black excellence. It is clear that he has instilled great lessons and values into you. Please give us a peek at what it was like growing up with a jewel such as your father. “Well my father was very busy as you can imagine. He did his best to be there for performances and school events. He did his best to schedule his tour dates when we were on school holidays or vacations. And he did his best to include us as much as he saw fit. He has been an amazing mentor to so many, as well as myself. I had the good fortune to sit at the feet of greatness. We had a revolving door of organizers, artists, and political leaders. Whether it was Fannie Lou Hamer or Dr. King, Julian Bond, Dave Dinkins, Sidney Poitier or Marlon Brando, our home was filled with life and people coming together for a common cause. There was food on the table and deep strategic conversations being had. Fundraising events and stuffing envelopes. When we would travel our parents made sure we were exposed to the people, and often the most marginalized in a community, to see and learn how we could be of service.” You’re an ARTivist, actress, educator, director, award-winning producer, and so much more. You are the Executive Director and the Co-Founder of Sankofa.org. Can you tell us how all the many hats that you wear go hand in hand with the Sankofa organization? “I am called the Executive Director of Sankofa.org. When we started Sankofa.org my father was not into titles and I shared my duties with Raoul Roach, so we were Co-Executives, but encouraged him to understand that it just makes it easier for folks to grasp what an individual's scope of work is by their title; so I haven't changed it since we started. I innovate, produce, organize and direct programs and projects in and outside ofSankofa.org.”

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Some may not be aware that the word Sankofa comes from the Akan people of Ghana. It’s a term that means “retrieve”, or “to go back and get it.” How did the name of the organization come about? “On one of my dad's trips to Ghana he brought with him two men from the community and opposing gangs. They learned what the word Sankofa meant. One of those men died, and in honor of his legacy and desire to bring Sankofa to life, we settled on that name; also because it's definition is exactly what we do. We call upon our ancestors, our elders to assist in informing us on the way forward.” When diving into the fundamentals of Sankofa, I was impressed by the depth of the organization. It was beyond “meat and potatoes”. It is a full course meal, or rather, a feast. I was very intrigued by how the information just flowed, the creativity backing the knowledge was congruous. Please explain the process of creativity (the Art of it all) within Sankofa. “If the initiative or project is not coming from me directly we have a massive network of collaborators, artists, and organizers that come up with initiatives or projects they want to realize- and if it fits our mission and vision, we come together and see how we can bring it to fruition. This includes artists at all levels of their careers. We sought to institutionalize the capacity of someone like my dad. Using art as a tool to communicate messages of hope and political consequence.”

On March 1, 2022, Sankofa.org & The Town Hall will be presenting HB95. A celebration honoring the life and work of Harry Belafonte. Can you give us details on this spectacular event? We know that it will be one for the history books. “We are coming together on the actual 95th birth date of my dad to honor him, and celebrate 10 years of Sankofa.org. This is our first public fundraiser and we are honored to be celebrating with so many amazing artists and organizers, political and community leaders. We are also presenting the first Harry Belafonte Social Justice award to 8 amazing individuals who have given so much of themselves to the liberation of all people.” Your father passed the baton to you, and you are carrying it with radical grandeur. It’s safe to assume he is proud of your process and progression with Sankofa. Speaking of pride, your daughter Maria Belafonte seems to be the apple of your eye (one we can tell has fallen less than an inch from the family tree). She’s young, but doing some amazing things with her gifts. She has already been nominated for best Director (LA Under The Stars), as well as won Best Comedy at The Global Film Festival Awards (2022). When we are celebrating your 95th birthday, will you be passing on the baton to Maria? “Maria is doing some very inspiring work, and we are very proud of her. She works with us at Sankofa.org, driving our social media and assisting us on projects. Her path is hers to create, and the baton will always be there for her to grasp. I will support my daughter to make her own creative and life choices, and I am blessed for the time we have together to share in the work we do!”

Sankofa uses the arts to fight for social justice, lift the voices of disenfranchised people, and so much more. Not to say that any branch of Sankofa is shorter than the other, but can you elaborate on the deeper end of treading the waters of Sankofa? “We do our best to bring our full mission and vision into all we do. We believe in intersectionality and seeing the places where there is crossover and interdependence. We are more about inclusion than exclusion. So whether it is Immigration, income disparity, mass incarceration, or any kind of violence we stand ready to bring an artistic lense to assist in shining light and bringing voice to those without the mic.”

Lastly, what else is in store for Sankofa in 2022? “Sankofa.org has some very exciting programs that we are raising funds for. In partnership with Creative Acts we have an innovative Virtual Reality Program that we will continue in 2022, a youth civic engagement program that we do with youth artists of multiple disciplines to engage in peer to peer learning and activations. We have multiple collaborations, and a wonderful baby blanket program. We distribute baby blankets to the homeless/houseless, and currently and formerly incarcerated new mothers. That's just the tip!!!!!” Mr. Belafonte has broken a lot of barriers, and he has accomplished many things with some amazing people historically. He and Gina are using their resources, and their influence, along with the influence of other artists, political and community leaders to shine a light on important issues in the world today. Mr. Belafonte, and many others put themselves on the line, and used/still use their blessings and gifts to not only showcase their talents, but to promote freedom, justice, and equality for the people. We are beyond grateful for all of their sacrifices. We can’t wait to I see what else Sankofa.org does to continue to activate and create change. We also look forward to celebrating the life and accomplishments of one of our great leaders, Mr. Harry Belafonte. Sankofa.org @peacegina Instagram

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Averianna Patton Written By: Parissa Randle Photography: Tonya Osborne @tonyaosbornephoto

Averianna the Personality is a young and popular radio personality in Nashville, Tennessee, where she was also born and raised. Some called her the “Queen of Nashville Radio” and “The New Voice of Nashville” who had appeared on major red carpet events at the NAACP Awards, BET Awards, BET HipHop Awards, Black Music Honors, and BET Soul Train Awards. She had worked on the set of Dr. Phil, The Real, The Four, BeatShazam, and Family Feud. She also worked with artists such as Toosii, Lil Duval, Club Godzilla, Young Dolph, NBA Young Boy, and Kehlani. Averianna had made her mark at popular radio stations in Nashville. She was the program director of “Streetz 99.3” and was recently picked up by “Young Country 96.7”, a country station that allows her to keep her hip hop music and urban content. Averianna the Personality hopes to bridge the gap between country and hip hop in music city. Tell us more about yourself and what led to your career path in music? I am a Nashvillian born and raised in the city. Always been in front of the camera from dancing, to acting to now TV/Radio Personality. I’m a graduate from Middle Tennessee University with a bachelors in Multimedia Journalism. I’ve lived and worked out of the streets of Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA which now has given me over 5+ years of professional experience. Music has always been my outlet and I’ve always been in diverse schools and environments to explore many different genres. Like I said I was a trained dancer for a huge portion of my life so I've always had a love for it. Ironically I just so happen to be from the music city!

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What do you love most about Country music and how have you aided in changing the stereotype of those assuming it’s not for black artists? Simply because it offers a spin off of soul music. It’s delivered obviously in its own unique way but gives us different instruments and musical sound as a whole. It also requires a LIVE band. You notice hardly ever do you have a country artist performing to a soundtrack at least not in my city! So it brings us and keeps us ALIVE. I personally won’t take credit for aiding a change but my platform offers something different by highlighting country and Hip Hop artists who are A & AM artists in my city which is a hub for that genre of music. How do you plan to bridge the gap between country music and hip hop? By connecting and creating platforms that provide spaces that are healthy, strategic and life changing for everyone involved. Honestly, just being the voice for the hip-hop community and shedding light on them so they can be seen and heard!

Are there any artists/personalities that have been influential to you in this industry that are on similar paths? Definitely Lala Anthony; it’s because of her I even learned the term journalism because at the time, as far as my vocabulary went, it was “106 & Park Show Host”. I went to a school of arts like her, so yeah! I would also credit Nick Cannon and Don Cornelius; they set the standards of where I’m headed! What new projects are you currently working on? Getting everyone to subscribe to my YouTube channel, “Averianna the Personality,” I drop content daily. I’m also hosting the “Exposed Nashville” Showcase, one of the biggest musical showcases in the city. Any producers, labels, A & R’s stopping in pull up all info is posted to my Instagram @homeofatp and @averiannathepersonality. Tune in with me weekly on Young Country Nashville (YoCo 96.7 FM) Fridays 1-5 PM! Download the free YoCo App to tap in Anytime. FEMI MAGAZINE| 74

What has the support been like amongst your peers and family? My family is all on board; they know the dream. They have seen me work hard for where I am today, and it’s only up! What message do you want listeners to take from your music(show)? 1. Healthy body creates a healthy and alert mind. 2. Averianna the Personality is the only way you should sip Tea! 3.Nashville is not just country music. 4. All it takes is for you to affirm to yourself what it is you want, manifestations happen every day! To sip some tea with Averianna the Personality, subscribe to her YouTube channel, “Averianna the Personality,” and follow her on Instagram at @homeofatp and @averiannathepersonality.

Rufus John Written By: Sheri Simmons Photography: Hilary Gauld

Rufus John’s own music tells life stories of his past. A certified youth worker and mentor, John’s goal is to bring to the fore-front, deeply embedded issues experienced by the youth he helps and to inspire those who want to do more, to listen, to learn and join the movement. John’s mandate has always been to not just connect but to engage. John’s patience & commitment comes from his own experiences & mistakes and the people that helped him. Walking alongside the youth he mentors is not only necessary for their journey but for his. Being in for the long term is important.

Sheri Simmons: Welcome. Let’s start with an introduction of who you are and where you are from. Rufus John: My name is Rufus John, I am a singer/songwriter based out of Cambridge Ontario. Have been singing since the age of 6, performing since the age of 10 and writing music since the age of 14. I have released 1 EP (The Reason), 2 albums (Growing Pains & Gone But Not Forgotten) and gearing up to release an EP I have been working on titled, The Freedom Marching Project EP. Outside of music I am a graduated Child and Youth Worker and a Youth Mentor within my community.

S.S. That is so awesome! Tell us about your Freedom Marching Project? R.J: About two years ago thousands marched through the streets all over the world shouting, “Black Lives Matter!” People found the courage to use their voices and took action in what is hailed as the most significant civil rights movement of our generation. I attended one of these marches in my hometown, Kitchener-Waterloo. Although I was very excited to be among people that supported my community and understood the struggles we have been facing for decades. I left the march feeling some shame, guiltand embarrassment. With being a visible minority and not being informed as well as I thought I was when it came to systemic racism, how this mechanism really impacts my community and the real work associated with anti-racism really impacted me. So I decided to do something about that and began a long journey of gaining more understanding and knowledge around this issue. This journey wasn’t easy because I didn’t know where to begin, I didn’t know what to read, what platforms/publications to trust etc. I was fortunate to have had prior relationships with some of the organizers of the march in Kitchener and was able to connect with them and ask questions. These conversations were hard because I didn’t want to say the wrong thing, use the wrong term and/or offend anybody. Also, I knew going into these conversations that my expectation wasn’t for them to teach me but to lead and guide me. I just wanted to be presented with some trusted resources that I could then look into myself to get the information I was seeking. As I was going through this growth and evolution I knew I wanted to put this into the music but I needed to get to a place where I was comfortable to speak on it. Once I was ready to engage I started the quest of putting together The Freedom Marching Project. The project's goals are to use the creative power of Art, Education & Activism to inspire individuals to #JoinTheMarch. It first started with writing a song and then it transitioned into wanting to speak to individuals that were in my position when I started my journey. I wanted to find a way to connect with those that are ready to do something but don’t know where to begin. So then I created the website that just have resources that I used along my way to help me stay informed, get connected and take action. The hope is that these resources will help those to #JoinTheMarch.

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Fast forward to today and we have been able to record a 4-song EP, filmed a docuseries, 3-music videos and a website (www.freedommarching.com). For the EP I used my connections within the music industry to bring together some Juno & Grammy award winners & nominees to lend their voices and talents to this EP/. Collectively the talented group is called United Artists 4 change and the ensemble features over 40 Black and Racialized Artists, Musicians and Producers from around Canada. The EP was produced by Da-Rell Clifton, vocally produced by Gary McAuley, myself & Darren Hamilton, and mixed/mastered by Dan Brodbeck. Some of the artists involved are: JRDN, Carlos Morgan, D.O, Chad Price, Dan-e-o, Owen “O Sound” Lee, Dwayne Morgan, Quisha Wint, Jason Simmons (Vocal Paint), The McAuley Boys, Nefe, Clair Davis, Aphrose, D/Shon and The Waterloo Region Mass Choir. The docuseries follows me from the beginning of this journey and I share all the ups and downs that transpired as I was creating the project. The music videos really tap into the experiences of many black, racialized and indigenous people EVERYWHERE (not just Canada). S.S: Why did you choose to work specifically with the youth? Growing up my house was the place that kids always could come to whenever they needed a safe space. Our door was always open with a hot plate, listening ear, warm pillow and great conversation. We didn't have much but whatever we had we shared and for me this is a big part of my mother's legacy. Also, I moved to Kitchener at the age of 10 and we were the only black family in our school. My experience in the school system was faced with a lot of racism, which in term made it hard for me to navigate. However, there were certain teachers and mentors that I can pinpoint that really helped me get through. All ofthese experiences made me want to be of service to youth within my community S.S: I admire that your music tells your personal story. What is one thing that you want people to know about you from your music? R.J: Anything you want to know about me you can find in my music.

S.S:I love your answer! Do you have any other projects in the work? The next project for The Freedom Marching Project is entitled Legacy. Stay tuned.. S.S: What is next for you? R.J: A much needed break...lol.. S.S: I hear you on that one. Where do you see yourself and your music in the next 5 years? R.J I see myself going into schools and speaking to youth, working on more initiatives via Freedom Marching and working with different artists (writing, developing) S.S What do you feel sets you apart from other Artist in the industry? R.J: My live show. I call myself the bridge between the young and old, the catalyst for change and the kid next door. My music bumps for younger audiences but has a message that can resonate with an older audience. My music is rooted in my truth and I hope that people can take something from my experience to better their lives and I believe I am relatable. The live show is where I am able to really drive this home. At the show I am able to draw people into my art.

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Tia Nache’ Yarbrough SPOKEN-WORD ARTIST LEAVES HER AUDIENCES IN AWE WITH HER POWERFUL POETRY

By Debbie Stokes Images Courtesy of Tia Yarbrough

Words are seeds to the soul. They can implant strength, wisdom, love, healing, and power while inspiring us to see things clearer. Tia Nache’ is a spoken-word artist who has used her poetry to pour into the minds of listeners leaving them wanting more. She enlightens the inner man through her messages igniting passion, joy, and change; while at the same time, changing mindsets to make you think what is impossible is possible. Many of her messages are rooted in experiences she’s had, seen, or been inspired by, and from her desire to speak on the realities of social injustices. Tia’s empowering words have captured the hearts of her social media listeners where she has experienced going viral. In addition to performing on social media, she performs on stage, and at times has shared the stage alongside national recording artists. Meet Tia Nache’ Yarbrough, spoken-word artist, educator, wife, and mother who focuses on uplifting people with her thought-provoking poetry and her messages of hope. When did you know you had the talent and wanted to be a spoken-word artist? I started writing poetry when I was 7 years old. I always had a love for words. My father would cut, “the word of the day” from the newspaper and teach us the pronunciation and the definitions. He introduced us to the thesaurus and the power of language. It was in those early years, I enjoyed learning, hearing words, and the way they helped us articulate thoughts and expressions. “Honey, I Love” by Eloise Greenfield was probably one of my first poetry books. I was fascinated with the cadence, the rhythm, and the rhymes. I memorized the title poem and soon began writing my own. I began sharing my gift at church for holidays, and then at school for events and graduations. I think I may have been about 12 when I had the moment--“maybe I’m gifted” and I wondered whether I was “Church good” or if I was “Good good.” I was about 16 when I performed for a high-school event and a staff member, John Moore (RIP), made a B-line for me towards the stage, affirmed me, and said I had to join his poetry class. I think the rest is truly history.

As a self-proclaimed “church kid”, how much have your experiences growing up in church played a part in your poetry? Being the daughter of ministers, I think naturally my style has a tone and cadence that resembles that of a Pentecostal preacher.Growing up in the church, you have a lot of opportunities to build your confidence and refine the art of presentation, whether it’s for a Sunday school play or a solo. My ability to capture a crowd, convey meaning, change the inflection of my voice, and ultimately invoke the spirit came from watching ministry go forth. Although the church is a faith encounter, there is definitely a performative entertainment aspect to being a part of a church service.

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I applaud you for being an educator; we need more good ones. How has that helped shape your career as a spoken-word artist?

Why are you so passionate about delivering messages relating to social injustices?

Good teachers are performers! We make our lessons come alive, hook our students’ interest in the content, and capture their attention to make learning fun. As a language arts teacher, I had a blast assigning poetry recitations, and giving kids the opportunity to write raps for final projects and more. Being a poet helped me to remain creative even in the classroom. We paired song lyrics with passages from books, and always discussed artists as writers and authors. As an educator, it is always important that I teach and provoke thought. That’s what I do in my spoken word, I use my experiences or my interpretation of events to commentate, challenge, and inspire.

My passion for social justice is very much rooted in my upbringing. My parents lived a life of service and raised my brothers and me to do the same. Jesus had a social justice agenda. His life was not only to live righteously, but to expose the ways people were being marginalized and disenfranchised by the government, culture, and religion. My Jesus is an advocate for social justice. He loved people, but he also held them accountable.

How has being a spoken-word artist been received by your fellow educators, students, and church?

Going viral is surreal. Your phone is dinging all day and your followers are climbing in the thousands. Verified accounts and celebrities share your post; in my case, my poems, and they commented to me directly and told me I was dope. You feel famous for a bit, lol. I went to the grocery store, to work, or just out and about and people knew I was “Tia Nache`

My colleagues and students have been incredibly encouraging and affirming. I’ve been recognized by my superintendent and district leadership. I have performed for both school-wide and district workshops, and for professional developments. I have even been contracted to perform for other neighboring districts and schools as well in the Seattle area. During school assemblies or school events, my students would smile and cheer me on with joy. I think they felt proud that I was their teacher and principal. I would use my poetry for class lessons to teach literary devices or stylistic features. Growing up in the Church of God in Christ,some churches side-eyed Christian hiphop, as my style of poetry was often considered; but over time, even the most conservative churches invited me to share my gift. Church has evolved so much just as gospel music has. All denominations have welcomed me and my gift with open arms, even if not a “spoken word” fan. The anointing is the anointing. Period. What impact does your poetry have on you? What do you hope your listeners gain from your messages? My poetry is just one of the many manifestations of my purpose, my call to the world. I feel a responsibility to use my voice to speak the truth and to challenge and inspire. Whether I’m opening for a major gospel artist, or performing in a club, I know my message cuts through the noise and lands on the ears of those who hear me. I hope the listeners of my spoken word ultimately hear my heart, hear my transparency, and my truth. Although rhythmic, and stylistic, my poetry is meant to grab your attention, inspire your heart, and call you to action.

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What did it feel like when you went viral on social media?

How has your family received you as a spoken-word artist? To them, I’m sis, mommy, wife, daughter, auntie, and friend.They feel a sense of pride when they see me mount a stage. My daughters, 5 and 6 say, “Good job mommy.” My oldest has performed with me too. My husband doubles as my stylist and always encourages my heart and speaks life. He reminds me to leave it all on the stage, wherever I’m at, to give it my all. My family is very supportive. What’s next for you? This is a great question. I have to get my book out, my collection of poems, and my children’s book. I will have more spoken word videos, more regular posts, features with a major artist, and my own project as well. More spoken word everywhere. I also desire to start my own podcast and spend more time growing my followers and YouTube channel called, “I AM Tia Nache.” FaceBook: Tia Nache` Instagram: @ IamTiaNache YouTube Chanel: I AM Tia Nache`

LADY DAME

SULTRY MUSIC ARTIST, LADY DAME, MAKING WAVES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Written By: Debbie Stokes Photography: Travis Houze

Lady Dame is an award-winning, multi-talented music artistwith a love for fashion and entertainment; she is setting her hometown of Washington D.C. on fire with her talent. Her music, style, and performances are electrifying. She delivers a sultry sound, seductive moves, and lyrics that will leave you thirsting for more, as her one-of-a-kind fashion style tells a story of its own. She is an artist making a statement and living up to her stage name, Lady Dame. As you watch her perform, you can see her musical influences shining through, but it’s important to note although she is influenced by them, she has a style all her own and one you cannot forget. In her own words, she says of herself, "My sound is a feel-good, self-conscious, yet intuitive in a hood classy girl way." And she describes her style as, “expressive and saucy.” Lady Dame is recognized as a rising music artist in the D.C. region, and her mission is to become one of the baddest female rappers in the game. Make no mistake, with Dame being a “quadruple threat”, a lyrical powerhouse, and an explosive performer, she is getting closer to her dream of a “global takeover” in music. She had the opportunity to perform on the Washington, DC’s nationally syndicated shows, WUSA9 Get Up and Great Day Washington. In addition, she has opened up for the certified platinum, hip-hop group, "The Lox." Meet rapper, singer, fashionista, and entertainer, Lady Dame,who is making her mark in the music industry.

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At what point of your life did you know you wanted to be a recording artist and how did you prepare yourself? Honestly, there was never a beginning point in my life where I wanted to be a recording artist. This Life purely chose me, from the first few bars I ever spit to the many years I've created a name for myself. The preparation came after I committed myself to Music and the craft of creating. Everything I learned was through trial and error, which was the best way for me… experience. And through error, I grew and prepped myself better by just understanding the things I wasn't so successful in. What sets you apart from the other female rappers on the scene? My energy! It is contagious. But my experiences set me apartand my passion for all things art. My sound, I pack a heavy punch for a girl that's 5'2. The topics I touch can be taboo, like one of my many records called "Down Low" (selfexplanatory). And most of all what sets me apart is my ability to not be boxedin, I pride myself in doing it all. Also, I've never been into labels. What has been the hardest part of getting to where you are today? I believe in outreach and maintaining a larger fan base. You are classified as being a “quadruple threat.” What other surprising talents do you have? Yes! Well, in addition to rap, acting, dancing, and modeling, I also have directed and produced, including my own docuseries called Dameville. What was it like working with some of hip-hop’s heavy hitters, including “The Lox?” I actually went on a state/city tour to help with the promotion of the "Bad Boy Reunion" concerts. It was a great experience!

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You have a love of fashion. Tell us about your style and how you intertwine it with your performances? My style is very synonymous with my rap style: vibrant, fun,and effortless. Each day, I wear what energetically calls me. My style is very edgy with a classic "lady" twist. Intertwining the two is explosive because I consider only what I think helps me become my best self when I hit any stage. Do you have any upcoming projects? I do… I just released a dual-drop with my new record "Only Fans" as well as the visual. With my latest record called "On Notice", which is still streaming. And of course, you can always stay up to date on my website at Iamladydame.com.

FLO MALCOM ATLANTA RAPPER DELIVERS HIS OWN UNIQUE SOUND

Written By: Debbie Stokes Images Courtesy of Flo Malcom

Many are judged by the choices they make in life. That being said, in a lot of cases our past is used against us, some accept us and some reject us for whatever reason. Flo Malcolm is a musical artist from Atlanta who has not let his past or what people think about him to define him or deter himfrom his mission in the rap game. Being influenced by his mom who loved poetry and the music his grandmother listened to; Flo fell in love with the idea of making music. His only setback was his time in jail. So many people allow that experience to dictate the actions they take, usually recreating the types of things that led them to that life and those decisions in the first place. But Flo wanted something different for himself, he used his stint in jail to collect his thoughts concerning the path he wanted to take musically. He infused his experiences, and his compositional and lyrical genius to create street credible, eye-opening tracks that caught the eye of rapper Soulja Boy, a player in the rap game. Their meeting led them to work together. Meet Flo Malcolm as he tells his story.

How would you define your style of music and what makes it stand out from other artists? I can’t even put a style on my music because it’s so unique. It’s to the point when you hear it you, off the tops, you know that I’m destined for greatness. My style can’t be matched and it’s very different, and that’s why I stand out from other artists. You’ve served time in jail, how has that affected you, and how does it influence your music and your decisions in life? Me doing all those years in jail really helped me in a way. It saved my life. I learned I can’t take my talent for granted because you can’t enjoy your fame and fans if you’re behind the way. And it influenced me even more once I got out because of all that time I lost, I could have been creating new music. It makes me think before I do things now. What lessons have you learned about yourself that you didn’t know before? I learned that I can’t let my anger control me. What message would you give to others who have gone to jail or been through rough times about not giving up and going after their dreams? God put his strongest soldiers through the hardest times. It’s all happening for a reason. What’s down must come up. Patience is the key. You can’t rush greatness. Always keep your chin up and never let them see things are getting to you even if it’s bad. Who are some of your musical influences? Ludacris, Don Trip, Cassidy, Soulja Boy, and Tupac

Tell everyone a little about yourself. What led you to be an artist/rapper, how long you’ve been performing, and what do you want people to understand about you? I’m Flo Malcolm. I’m from the east side of Atlanta and I’ve been around music my whole life. My grandma played a lot of old music growing up so I really took a liking to music at an early age. I’ve been performing since I was 9 years old. And I want people to understand that music is what I am, everything else is what I do.

How has music changed your life? It changed my life for the better because my music touches different people in different ways and that’s a blessing. Where do you see yourself musically in 5 years? Owning a label and giving other artists a chance to live their dream. What projects are you working on? Currently working on 4 different projects at the time. Collab tape with my artist Askia Ture and more singles dropping. Where can people follow you? Instagram @FloMalcom187 Twitter @FloMalcolm187

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M’Shai Dash M’SHAI DASH USES HER VOICE TO INSPIRE HEALING IN PEOPLE

Written By: Debbie Stokes Photography: Francesca Andre, Optik21

M'Shai Dash is a powerful public speaker from Washington D.C. She speaks life and power to her listeners on her social media platforms, on stage, at public events, and in books. Dash is also a masterful storyteller who uses the written word to bring stories and thoughts to life. In addition, she uses her voice and music to awaken the spirit within people to bring about light where there is darkness and healing where there is pain. There are times you may find herspeaking against social injustices in her poetry and fiction. M’Shai Dash is a blogger, author, spoken-word artist, storyteller, and public speaker, which has opened many doors and set her on a path of empowerment for herself, as she empowers others. This is her story. How did you discover your talent for writing and how old were you? I was about six or seven years old. As soon as I could read well, I immediately wanted to write and started writing short stories in second grade. As a writer, author, and speaker, how do you hope your words and stories will impact others? And how has your writing impacted you? I hope that my entire body of work is a demonstration of how to use art as a tool for healing and survival. My goal has always been the same, whether I'm speaking at an event or putting out written work. I want those who find me, through whichever medium, to come away with an understanding they have something in them that makes them feel brilliant and seen. And whatever that thing is, they shouldn't be afraid toFEMI leanMAGAZINE into it | 82 because there's often a path to healing in that endeavor.

You recently completed a poetry collection called Woman in Sujud. For those who don’t know, what is that about? It's my first volume of poetry, and the first thing I've released that's entirely my own. The poems are about the triplicate version of myself as a Black American Muslim, and how each layer of that triplicate imprints itself on the next. There are compact poems about aging, feminism, and divorce, a haiku for an ex-girlfriend, and some poems that further examine that intersectionality. You transform adversity into purpose and art. How so? And what do you mean by the evolution of Afrofuturism? I was already a sexual assault survivor before the age of 16. After that. I didn't know how to be or feel. So, I ended up doing a lot of dangerous, foolish things trying to sort myself out on my own. Once I hit my lowest point from that trauma, I knew I needed to grant myself space and permission to feel something other than guilt and sadness again. Then, a lightbulb went off and I remembered that before anything else, I'm a writer. I dove headfirst and began writing poems and songs, then eventually started writing stories again in college. Through my writing, I won a few awards and found my community, and that experience was an epiphany… an intervention. But before I got to that point, I had given up on myself. I'd forgotten that purpose. It felt good to rediscover it. When I say Afrofuturism is evolving, I'm referring to its holistic evolution. Even its name didn't exist until long after many pointed to different instances in pop culture… moments defined by Black people being regarded as other-worldly beings with a future and past that connects ancient technologies, philosophies, and even fashion--and decided that those things should be regarded as 'Afrofuturism.' A few decades later, it continues to be further defined and understood. Now, we're at a point where there's enough out there to study Afrofuturism as a thriving genre and academic discipline, and that's pretty exciting. How do you use storytelling to connect with your audiences? I've always loved public speaking, but I was nervous when I first started. A common piece of advice is to warm the crowd up with a joke, but I've always been too longwinded for that. For me, I launch best when I'm telling a story. I think my blog is my best example though. Each entry dissects an incident from my life that affected me, and I truly try to unravel each one like a story. The best part for me is that after each post, I usually get a message from a reader letting me know that some portion of it resonated with them.

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What inspired you to talk about social injustices and how has that affected your life? I don't write as many straightforward nonfiction pieces on social injustice as I used to; I've instead chosen to incorporate them in my poetry and fiction. That subtle shift has affected me for the better, though, because writing about injustice 24-7 drained my emotional battery at one point.

You write on race, pop culture, and mental illness. What is it about those three topics that inspired you to write about them? Pop culture is just easy fare to write about. As long as celebrities have social media accounts and refuse to stop using them while drunk, they'll always be something controversial to talk about. Plus, I'm a binge watcher and anime junkie, so speaking about pop culture stuff is sometimes a nice break from the doom and gloom of serious current events. These days when I'm writing on race, it's typically from the angle of encouraging other marginalized people to share their stories and control their own narratives. The latter is an important but sometimes overlooked tool that can be used in this uphill battle against systemic racism because we're still in a hegemonic culture that gate-keeps which stories get told, and by whom, and because representation is powerful. I've been passionate about mental wellness for the last several years, especially when I realized that POC communities still have a lot of stigmas to undo with regard to seeking professional help. Whenever I'm able, I remind anyone who'll listen that self-medicating for a mental health condition is not a cure, and prayer is powerful, but it doesn't cancel the need for therapy. I've seen people train themselves to suppress their pain and soldier forward; I've certainly done it before too. But now I believe we just end up recycling generational wounds when our issues go unaddressed. You’re a writer for BlackSci-Fi.com, what is it about Sci-Fi that attracts you? Particularly, I'm drawn to Black sci-fi, and I think it's the rebel in me. Also, I'm due for it. I grew up reading so much cis-hetsci-fi that it felt like we (Black women) couldn't possibly have a voice at all in the genre, and with each passing year, that idea made me angrier. A worse insult was that I watched so many slave movies receive the acclaim that I stopped counting them; I even got to a point where I couldn't stomach them anymore. I dig sci-fi because it's terrifying in a way. Even though I read about dragons and unicorns, I have yet to see those and never will. But stories about constant earthquakes, space exploration gone awry, people using ancient DNA to clone dead religious figures, and imaginings of the warped future that (likely) awaits us as a society so reliant upon tech and AI (artificial intelligence)? Those are things to ponder… real possibilities. I think that's why scifi has always been so fascinating to me. It's the idea that you may witness something shift from fiction to nonfiction if you live long enough.

You have spoken at many important events, what has that experience been like and which one stood out the most? So far, one of my fondest memories is when I spoke at a high school graduation ceremony held at MiraCosta College in California. I thought teens would be a tough crowd, but afterward, I received nothing but positive feedback and learned that the audience had a great time. Now, I look forward to speaking with youth each time I get the opportunity because I'm usually on panels with adults. What’s next for you? I'm wrapping the second book in my Quirky Black Sci-fi Tales series and putting the finishing touches on a pilot I wrote. A poem from Woman in Sujud is included in the art catalog for an upcoming Afrofuturist art exhibit at Carnegie Hall next month, too. And all that stuff is great and I'm excited about it, but above all else... I'm really hoping to get a cat this year. You can find her at: https://mshaidash.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/mmmshai/

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Josie Randle JOSIE RANDLE (ADPTD): SPEAKING HER TRUTH THROUGH HER MUSIC

Written By: Parissa Randle Photography: Adam Geltch

Josie Randle, better known on the rock scene as Adptd, uses her music to speak her truth and tell her story about her life as an African American woman that comes face-to-face with the ways of this world. Adptd takes pride in who she is and creates music that can relate to people of color, not only with deep feelings and emotions but with electric tunes that will broaden the mind. Her debut EP is upon us with songs like "Coward," "Scared," and "Believe It or Not," which talk about relationships, racial injustice, and faith; it has me looking forward to hearing her entire project. Join Femi Magazine as we look into the world of Adptd.

What inspired the name, Adptd? I wanted a name that represents me as a person and a musician. Adptd is Adopted. I am adopted, and I believe me being adopted speaks true to who I am as a person and why I am the way I am. What influenced you to be a singer-songwriter? One artist I feel that really brought out my influence to pursue being a singer-songwriter is Bryce Avary of The Rocket Summer. Dude just kills it on every instrument he touches and writes such powerful songs through the lyrics and catchy ass instrumentals. How did you gain a love for rock music? I mean, the first bands I ever really got into were probably Pink Floyd and Green Day. Two complete opposites but definitely dope-ass artists. The tones and vibes from those bands just really made me want to get into playing rock music. Your recent single, "Scared," is about racial injustice. How have those experiences affected your mental wellbeing? How do you work through it? It just takes a toll. You get sick and tired of it. Whether it's personally affecting me or the continued injustice shown throughout the news, it's taxing. I work through it by maybe talking to those close to me or just writing music. It's a solid positive distraction to ease the stress and anxiety. Being a minority, how open is the rock community to you? I'd say pretty open. I think it's still new and different for a lot of people to experience, but yo, it's 2022 now, and there's so many incredible rock, emo, pop-punk, hardcore artists that are minorities that are just killing it out there.

What can we expect from your new track, "Believe It or Not," which drops on January 14, 2022? The verses really simmered out yet rhythmic with some dope drums that drive the verses. The chorus is a headbanger that just tells you what's going on. The vocals really speak through to the music and message of the song. It's a song about faith. Believe It or Not, is a song about my religious views and how skewed they are to me. It can hit personally for many. Describe your creative process when you write new music. I've really started to hone in on my creative production around all the music. Sometimes I like to start with maybe a synth or a sample, and when I'm exploring different sounds, I can hear other parts of the song formulate inspiration. Other times I start with drums and guitars. Vocals and Lyrics usually come last to the writing process. Also, a nice 420 sesh is always mixed in there. What will you like fans to receive from your music? Relatable and dope music to vibe to. What are your plans for the coming months? Album drops February 25, 2022, and from there, some more music videos, and if you're West Coast-based, we'll be playing around. That was just a peep of Adptd's world. To get a better view, check out the EP debut, 'Bedroom Walls,' which will be released February 25, 2022, and follow her on Instagram: @adptdrock and Twitter: @AdptdRock. Website: www.adptdrock.com

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