FWM: What is it about the entertainment industry that moves your soul?
People’s moods, perspectives, and lives can be changed by music. The fact that the music industry has that type of impact on the global community, that comes with great responsibility. It moves my soul that I am apart of that impact.
FWM: Tell us about your role as Nettie in Broadway’s fist national tour of the Oprah Winfrey presented musical “The Color Purple.” What intrigued you the most about this role?
Nettie was a loving free spirit with the courage to change the world around her. She was an inspiring character that I had a ball playing night after night.
FWM: Do you have a favorite role?
I just finished playing the role of Stoney, in the live stage play ‘Set It Off’. I’d have to say that was probably my favorite role to play because I got to tap into multiple emotions, more than any other role I’ve had. Stoney went through a lot with the loss of her brother, the pressuring decision to join her best friends in robbing banks, and falling in love. Needless to say, she had quite a bit on her plate, emotionally.
FWM: You played, Rachel Maroon in “The Bodyguard” a musical based on the 1992 film, starring Whitney Houston. How did this role strengthen your acting abilities?
My acting abilities are strengthened every time I take on a new character, because each one is different and their stories are different. Rachel Marron was more true to form because she was a performer, as I am. So it’s wasn’t hard to pull from that arena. Also, growing up studying the great Whitney Houston, it was exciting and natural for me to fall into character.
FWM: Tell us about your new single, Forever.
My latest single ‘Forever’ is a feel good song that I intended to be an anthem for everyone. My mission in this song was to celebrate my heritage and give others permission to do the same.
FWM: How have you evolved as an artist?
I have evolved in many ways as an artist. Having been on this journey for quite some time now, I’ve made plenty of mistakes and have learned a great deal about myself along the way. I’m more in tune with me, being that I have lived and experienced more of life. I’m more business savvy having learned many things the hard way. I’ve been in love, have broken hearts and have had my heart broken. I’ve had the opportunity to get lost in the worlds of the various characters I’ve played which opens your perspective. All of this has helped me evolve as an artist because I have more experience to pull from when songwriting, performing on stage as an actress and/or vocalist, and even when negotiating deals.
FWM: Do you plan on any collaborations in 2022?
Actually, I do have a special collaboration on my upcoming album in 2022, with my good friend and incomparable vocalist, Anthony Hamilton. I’m finishing up the album now, so there may be more surprises. I can’t wait to share this body of work with everyone. It’s been a long time coming.
