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Queen GodIs
"Woman of Many Talents" Three words describe this artist: impressive, remarkable, and revolutionary. She is a master at her trade- a performer like no other. I first-handedly engaged in one of her performances, Queen GodIs ripped the poor stage in half and left it begging for more. She is a poet, emcee, and singer! She does all of this while taking time out to connect with her audience, looking in their eyes with all the passion of her work. Queen GodIs’ (pronounced Kewn God-iz) debut album is available, get yours now and read about the Woman Of Many Talents:
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B-E-M: How would you define Healthy Living?
QG: To me, healthy living is the result of a healthy state of mind. A healthy state of mind is connected to self-awareness, self-worth and cognizance of one's ability to be a powerful force in their own life. It is knowing that one is connected to an unlimited source of greatness, love and potential. Ultimately, this mind-set manifests itself through actions, choices and ways of being that are conducive to one's happiness and vitality. Diet, relationships, physical health, career path etc. all fall into place from there.
B-E-M: In what ways do you keep yourself healthy?
QG: I love to laugh and dance as hard and as often as I can. I take solitude and rest when necessary even if it is just quieting my mind. Travelling, especially by train, helps me gain perspective and restore peace. Spending time with loved ones is always rejuvenating, even if we just sit in silence. I surround myself with inspirational books, people and music as often as possible and remind myself to maintain a spirit of gratitude no matter what.
I am a very creative person and I try to channel it in all that I do from my work as a performance artist to the color and style of clothing that I choose to wear. Creativity is cathartic and healing. For me, it is a great way to channel energy. Good hugs and thought provoking conversations always revitalize me. I seek balance in my career and relationships by looking for the message or bigger picture in all that transpires in my life. I balance eating well and drinking water with healthy tastes and flavours that I actually enjoy. Having the privilege of being around an adorable child or two always helps keep a smile on my heart. Maintaining a sense of youthfulness is crucial. But most of all, I try to give myself space to go through the life's motions. Like most people, I have some very difficult days and then days that seem phenomenal. I am always learning how to just be present to what I feel instead of resisting or condemning myself. It's crazy, but sometimes in life we have to remind ourselves to just LIVE...fully...That is the healthiest thing I think that any of us can every truly do.
B-E-M: How long have you been doing music?
QG: I have been performing since I was three years old...professionally for 11 years and recently released my first album, Power U!, in September of 2006. Check out www.myspace.com/queengodisbiz or www.cdbaby.com/cd/queengodis
for more details.
B-E-M: Have there been any challenges along the way due to your sex or gender?
QG: Yes of course. Not everyone is on the same page with regards to womanhood . Women birth the planet. All human life passes through us; our bodies are built to nurture even at the most basic of levels. Female energy adds a necessary balance to the universe. For the most part, we all know these things, but there is often an overwhelming disconnection that many people (both males and females) experience. As a result, we have a lot of the inequities, abuse and disrespect that we see everyday in various communities. My journey is no exception to this. There is however, a difference between perceiving something as a challenge and seeing it as a complete roadblock. But I don't do roadblocks....at least this is my new mantra. I am resilient, outspoken, compassionate and professional. I am in tune with my own humanity and that of others. We all face challenges no matter who or how we are. But I have learned that from time to time, we have to be 'social alchemists.' We have to be able to transform the pangs of socio-political ills into a positive energy of change and a golden opportunity for healing. We have to help people get reconnected. I definitely have my moments when this is easier said than done. Sometimes I just want to tell someone off or set them straight for their 'isms'. Sometimes I do. But I am committed to channelling the energy into my work and remembering that the most effective way to lead is by example and less by pointing fingers or wallowing in anger or the idea of victimization.
B-E-M: Who were and are your influences?
QG: My Parents, Dr. Maya Angelou, youth, Nina Simone, Alice Walker, Anna Deveare-Smith, Lauryn Hill and Les Brown are amongst the many people that have and continue to inspire me. The list is truly vast and gets bigger everyday.
B-E-M: What does Women's History mean to you and your work?
QG: Whether they have been distorted in text books or concealed in tombs, the contributions of women on the planet speak loudly for themselves. From the prostitutes to the mothers and leaders of nations, every woman has played a significant role in the growth of humankind. Whether that role is to teach or warn, hunt or nurture, discipline or please, we are all connected and play our part. Details of women's stories throughout the world have inspired me to remember our cycles echo that of an even greater existence. From the so called least to the so called greatest amongst us, all of our functions resonate with that of some aspect of Mother Nature. That is big. Womanhood is a 'beautiful struggle' with many seasons of birth, death, growth, change and sacrifice...It is a great mirror for the plight of all of the world's people regardless of race, class, faith or gender. This truth can't help but to show up fiercely throughout my work.
B-E-M: What is your ethnic background and how has your background influenced the music you produce?
QG: I am of African and Cherokee descent. There are strong rhythmic, griot and creative traditions that run through those bloodlines. I am just grateful to be blessed with a fraction of the talent and vision that my ancestors had while they walked this earth. I have studied and learned a lot about my lineage, but most of it divinely shows up in my work whether I plan it consciously or not.
B-E-M: What do you want the world and more specifically the black community to get out of your music?
QG: My music spans across the color spectrum in many ways. I would love for each person who listens to or sees me perform to get from my work what they find conducive to their journeys. I want my black community to continue to find my work inspiring, accessible, healing and an empowering reflection of who we truly are.
B-E-M: How do you view commercial hip hop and R&B?
QG: Quite frankly, the commercialization of Hip Hop, R&B, Rock and Gospel for that matter are the result of an idea that did not start nor will it end with the music industry. Capitalism, greed (in some cases) and the insatiability factor are the culprits. I'd even dare say fear, low self-esteem and spiritual disconnect are high on that list as well. We have - as a whole - become more and more fixated with money, material things and appearances. Essentially, none of these are 'bad', but addiction, misuse and manipulation are where we go astray. As a result, the essence of what we are after, the integrity of our work and the power of our words/ visions suffer or take a back seat to superficial things.
I am however, excited about the artistry and activism that thrives below the radar as a result of what is largely happening in front of the cameras. It is actually a beautiful thing, and I have enough well-rounded and phenomenal artist’s friends of various genres in my neighborhood alone to prove it. All hope is not lost. This is only the beginning. With every great period of corruption and destruction comes an even greater resurrection.
B-E-M: What advice would you give aspiring artists, especially female artists?
QG: We don't get a second chance to live this life, so we need to be fully present, honest and sincere with our craft. Our creations, whatever medium are powerful. They are helping tell the story of our time. This story is too big for the pages of textbooks or newspapers. Artists have a great role - First and foremost to ourselves as human beings and secondly to one another, to the planet and beyond. We all benefit from hearing each other’s stories or witnessing each other’s power to create and recreate. It is important not to cheat ourselves out of this opportunity. It is how we know who we are, who are becoming and who we want to be. This is vital. The minute we start stifling our own true voices, putting on masks or becoming the 'money marionettes' of others, we lose our power and that of the present moment. POWER YOU! This goes for males and females alike.
B-E-M: What community service projects have you been involved in or what projects would you like to see in your community?
QG: I could rattle off an impressive list here, but to be most sincere, my first and most important “community project” is myself. The stronger I am, the more I can be of service to others in the various communities that I am a part of. This may sound self-centered. But those who center themselves first, have a stronger core with which to assist and embrace others.
B-E-M: What is your favorite part about being an artist?
QG: I LOVE performing, especially when the energy between the audience and the stage is balanced. When my level of personal satisfaction matches that of the listener or on-looker, it is a wonderful union. We are planting seeds for even greater possibilities once we go our separate ways. Performing often generates a feeling that is hard to define, but that makes it all worth while.
B-E-M: What are some of your plans for the future?
QG: In the short term, I plan to tour and workshop the album 'Power U!' successfully throughout various communities. And in the long-term, I plan to help establish an inter-generational, community-run learning and recreation facility which promotes entrepreneurship, education and self empowerment through the arts and other necessary disciplines.
QG: To me, healthy living is the result of a healthy state of mind. A healthy state of mind is connected to self-awareness, self-worth and cognizance of one's ability to be a powerful force in their own life. It is knowing that one is connected to an unlimited source of greatness, love and potential. Ultimately, this mind-set manifests itself through actions, choices and ways of being that are conducive to one's happiness and vitality. Diet, relationships, physical health, career path etc. all fall into place from there.
B-E-M: In what ways do you keep yourself healthy?
QG: I love to laugh and dance as hard and as often as I can. I take solitude and rest when necessary even if it is just quieting my mind. Travelling, especially by train, helps me gain perspective and restore peace. Spending time with loved ones is always rejuvenating, even if we just sit in silence. I surround myself with inspirational books, people and music as often as possible and remind myself to maintain a spirit of gratitude no matter what.
I am a very creative person and I try to channel it in all that I do from my work as a performance artist to the color and style of clothing that I choose to wear. Creativity is cathartic and healing. For me, it is a great way to channel energy. Good hugs and thought provoking conversations always revitalize me. I seek balance in my career and relationships by looking for the message or bigger picture in all that transpires in my life. I balance eating well and drinking water with healthy tastes and flavours that I actually enjoy. Having the privilege of being around an adorable child or two always helps keep a smile on my heart. Maintaining a sense of youthfulness is crucial. But most of all, I try to give myself space to go through the life's motions. Like most people, I have some very difficult days and then days that seem phenomenal. I am always learning how to just be present to what I feel instead of resisting or condemning myself. It's crazy, but sometimes in life we have to remind ourselves to just LIVE...fully...That is the healthiest thing I think that any of us can every truly do.
B-E-M: How long have you been doing music?
QG: I have been performing since I was three years old...professionally for 11 years and recently released my first album, Power U!, in September of 2006. Check out www.myspace.com/queengodisbiz or www.cdbaby.com/cd/queengodis
for more details.
B-E-M: Have there been any challenges along the way due to your sex or gender?
QG: Yes of course. Not everyone is on the same page with regards to womanhood . Women birth the planet. All human life passes through us; our bodies are built to nurture even at the most basic of levels. Female energy adds a necessary balance to the universe. For the most part, we all know these things, but there is often an overwhelming disconnection that many people (both males and females) experience. As a result, we have a lot of the inequities, abuse and disrespect that we see everyday in various communities. My journey is no exception to this. There is however, a difference between perceiving something as a challenge and seeing it as a complete roadblock. But I don't do roadblocks....at least this is my new mantra. I am resilient, outspoken, compassionate and professional. I am in tune with my own humanity and that of others. We all face challenges no matter who or how we are. But I have learned that from time to time, we have to be 'social alchemists.' We have to be able to transform the pangs of socio-political ills into a positive energy of change and a golden opportunity for healing. We have to help people get reconnected. I definitely have my moments when this is easier said than done. Sometimes I just want to tell someone off or set them straight for their 'isms'. Sometimes I do. But I am committed to channelling the energy into my work and remembering that the most effective way to lead is by example and less by pointing fingers or wallowing in anger or the idea of victimization.
B-E-M: Who were and are your influences?
QG: My Parents, Dr. Maya Angelou, youth, Nina Simone, Alice Walker, Anna Deveare-Smith, Lauryn Hill and Les Brown are amongst the many people that have and continue to inspire me. The list is truly vast and gets bigger everyday.
B-E-M: What does Women's History mean to you and your work?
QG: Whether they have been distorted in text books or concealed in tombs, the contributions of women on the planet speak loudly for themselves. From the prostitutes to the mothers and leaders of nations, every woman has played a significant role in the growth of humankind. Whether that role is to teach or warn, hunt or nurture, discipline or please, we are all connected and play our part. Details of women's stories throughout the world have inspired me to remember our cycles echo that of an even greater existence. From the so called least to the so called greatest amongst us, all of our functions resonate with that of some aspect of Mother Nature. That is big. Womanhood is a 'beautiful struggle' with many seasons of birth, death, growth, change and sacrifice...It is a great mirror for the plight of all of the world's people regardless of race, class, faith or gender. This truth can't help but to show up fiercely throughout my work.
B-E-M: What is your ethnic background and how has your background influenced the music you produce?
QG: I am of African and Cherokee descent. There are strong rhythmic, griot and creative traditions that run through those bloodlines. I am just grateful to be blessed with a fraction of the talent and vision that my ancestors had while they walked this earth. I have studied and learned a lot about my lineage, but most of it divinely shows up in my work whether I plan it consciously or not.
B-E-M: What do you want the world and more specifically the black community to get out of your music?
QG: My music spans across the color spectrum in many ways. I would love for each person who listens to or sees me perform to get from my work what they find conducive to their journeys. I want my black community to continue to find my work inspiring, accessible, healing and an empowering reflection of who we truly are.
B-E-M: How do you view commercial hip hop and R&B?
QG: Quite frankly, the commercialization of Hip Hop, R&B, Rock and Gospel for that matter are the result of an idea that did not start nor will it end with the music industry. Capitalism, greed (in some cases) and the insatiability factor are the culprits. I'd even dare say fear, low self-esteem and spiritual disconnect are high on that list as well. We have - as a whole - become more and more fixated with money, material things and appearances. Essentially, none of these are 'bad', but addiction, misuse and manipulation are where we go astray. As a result, the essence of what we are after, the integrity of our work and the power of our words/ visions suffer or take a back seat to superficial things.
I am however, excited about the artistry and activism that thrives below the radar as a result of what is largely happening in front of the cameras. It is actually a beautiful thing, and I have enough well-rounded and phenomenal artist’s friends of various genres in my neighborhood alone to prove it. All hope is not lost. This is only the beginning. With every great period of corruption and destruction comes an even greater resurrection.
B-E-M: What advice would you give aspiring artists, especially female artists?
QG: We don't get a second chance to live this life, so we need to be fully present, honest and sincere with our craft. Our creations, whatever medium are powerful. They are helping tell the story of our time. This story is too big for the pages of textbooks or newspapers. Artists have a great role - First and foremost to ourselves as human beings and secondly to one another, to the planet and beyond. We all benefit from hearing each other’s stories or witnessing each other’s power to create and recreate. It is important not to cheat ourselves out of this opportunity. It is how we know who we are, who are becoming and who we want to be. This is vital. The minute we start stifling our own true voices, putting on masks or becoming the 'money marionettes' of others, we lose our power and that of the present moment. POWER YOU! This goes for males and females alike.
B-E-M: What community service projects have you been involved in or what projects would you like to see in your community?
QG: I could rattle off an impressive list here, but to be most sincere, my first and most important “community project” is myself. The stronger I am, the more I can be of service to others in the various communities that I am a part of. This may sound self-centered. But those who center themselves first, have a stronger core with which to assist and embrace others.
B-E-M: What is your favorite part about being an artist?
QG: I LOVE performing, especially when the energy between the audience and the stage is balanced. When my level of personal satisfaction matches that of the listener or on-looker, it is a wonderful union. We are planting seeds for even greater possibilities once we go our separate ways. Performing often generates a feeling that is hard to define, but that makes it all worth while.
B-E-M: What are some of your plans for the future?
QG: In the short term, I plan to tour and workshop the album 'Power U!' successfully throughout various communities. And in the long-term, I plan to help establish an inter-generational, community-run learning and recreation facility which promotes entrepreneurship, education and self empowerment through the arts and other necessary disciplines.
