3 minute read
Keyondra Lockett
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Nobody can say I did anything because of someone else. All my ideas are specific to me and make up as an artist. And I’d like to keep things that way.
Q. It is an honor to interview with you can you tell everyone who you are and where you’re from?
A. Thank you so much, the pleasure is all mine. I’m an Urban Inspirational Gospel Artist, Keyondra Lockett. I’m a 2x Stellar Award Nominee and 2x Billboard Top 15 Singer/Songwriter. I’m from Shreveport, La residing in Atlanta, Ga.
Q. Who or What inspired you to sing? A. The ability to sing inspired me to sing.
Q. Tell us about this gospel group “Ziel” and how this group got started?
A. We were known to have a developed sound as The Clark Sisters. So much so, we decided to cover one of their most popular songs “Is My Living In Vain” for our first national project, Zie’l Genesis. We had some really amazing successes. We sang on the 2007 Stellar Awards, had a Billboard chart topping song, written by me and shared the stage with the likes of Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond and Tye Tribbett... to name a few. The group began singing together in the summer of 98-99, invited to sing in the city and shortly after, we branched out into other cities and states. The group disbanded in 2015.
Q. I also see you have an apparel line “Jolie Noire” can you tell us more about this line?
A. Yes. My sister and I are both at the helm of this business. We wanted to further push the narrative that representation matters. Jolie Noire means “Pretty Black” in French so of course, our line is dedicated to black women. Black women, especially in this time, need affirming and we wanted to push a message for us. We’ve had the honor of having the likes of Fashion Bomb Daily’s Claire Sulmers, Plus Size Super Model Liris Crosse, Gospel Superstar Jekalyn Carr, and Plus Blogger Essie Golden to wear our brand. Our line can be found here: www.joliexnoire.com, Followus: @joliexnoireapparel
Q. You’ve written the song “State of Emergency” what is the meaning behind this song?
A. It was a cry out to God. The chorus says: “Lord I need you now, it’s a state of emergency!” We’ve all been in situations where we didn’t know what to do. And had God not heard our cry, we would have gone crazy! But, as scripture says: “Thanks be unto God for allowing us to triumph!” We eventually win in the end.
Q. What are some things you like to do with your free time?
A. I’m a homebody by nature. I love the feel and atmosphere of my home. So, I’m a Netflix and Chill type gal. I chill and write songs too. I also work from home. Jolie Noire keeps me busy these days.
Q. What is one of your greatest accomplishments you have had being in the music industry?
A. Developing my own sound and creating a lane of my own. Nobody can say I did anything because of someone else. All my ideas are specific to me and make up as an artist. And I’d like to keep things that way.
Q. If you can go anywhere in the world where would you go?
A. Paris. It’s one of the most beautiful places ever!!!
Q. What are some projects you are working on right now?
A. I’m working on my EP, Cornerstone. The name of the EP is probably most important to me because of its strong message. When architects begin with the building process, the foundation is what matters beyond all the other constructs of the building itself. If the foundation stone which is the cornerstone, isn’t secure or positioned strong, the build will collapse when shaken. It’s the same for our spiritual selves. If we don’t have what the Bible calls the Chief Cornerstone (Jesus), when we’re shaken by calamity, we will collapse.
Q. Where can the audience follow you at?
A. You can follow me on my social media: ( FB/ IG/ Twitter): @KeyondraLockett
