Spotlight Artist - Empress J

Welcome to another exciting edition of Birdie Promotions Magazine's Spotlight Artist of the Week! In the spotlight this week is the multi-talented Empress J, a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment. Transitioning from a renowned DMV dancehall promoter to a Caribbean American Soca artist proudly representing her Bajan heritage, Empress J is the epitome of a quadruple threat entertainer. With a diverse skill set encompassing singing, songwriting, scriptwriting, dancing, acting, and producing, she's a true powerhouse in the industry. Empress J's music serves as a vibrant tribute to her rich Caribbean and African roots, making her a standout artist on the global stage.

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BPM: Can you share a bit about the evolution of your career, from when you started to where you are today? What have been the key milestones along the way?

 

Empress J: I started off at a young age singing in church choirs and dancing ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical.  From traveling all over the US in a professional recording gospel choir, I transitioned into performing poetry and music on the underground scene in the DMV, all while also promoting dancehall parties. Being one of the first promoters to bring soca DJs to a dancehall party, I consider myself a pioneer of Caribbean culture in the DMV.  With a passion for teaching and championing our culture, I created a couple of dance genres that incorporated Caribbean music, which eventually led me to sing my own music for use in my dance fitness classes.

 

BPM: Your music often celebrates Caribbean culture. What aspects of Caribbean culture do you find most inspiring and important to showcase through your work?

 

Empress J: The spirit of freedom and perseverance, love and excitement that our music brings is my inspiration.  Whether it’s the fun jump up music associated with carnival or the words and melodies of love and freedom in reggae and groovy soca sounds, it all just shows our diversity as we are still one.

 

BPM: Can you share with us how your Bajan and African heritage has influenced your music and artistry?

 

Empress J: My heritage has definitely influenced my lyrics and style.  It also inspired me to create a festival in Africa bringing together both cultures.  With my music, you can sometimes hear the “bashyness” of my Bajan roots and in more recent songs because of my trips to Africa, you will definitely hear the rhythms and feel of Africa and Afrobeat.

 

BPM: As a multi-talented artist involved in writing, dancing, acting, and producing, how do you balance these different creative pursuits with your music career?

             

Empress J:  It is often difficult to balance so many talents but I am unapologetic about being gifted in multiple areas.  But, like most artists, I focus on one of two of the arts at a time.  But as hard as it is to balance, I have created an entertainment company that feeds into each other.  My dancers from my dance company sometimes serve as backup dancers when I perform.  I utilize my music in my stage plays and in film work.  I perform my music at the festivals and events I produce.  In all that I do, it is my mission to always highlight and educate about the Caribbean culture even down to writing a children’s book about it.

 

BPM: Could you provide some insights into your collaborative experience with the dancehall icon, Sean Paul, during the creation of the hit song “Breathe,” and could you also share how this collaboration came to fruition?

 

Empress J: My collaborative song with Sean Paul was arranged through my distribution management company Rich Nation Entertainment and the producers who already had the track and feature.  When they heard my title track off my EP B.O.S., they immediately wanted me to have the track.

 

BPM: Collaboration is a big part of the music industry. Are there any other artists, both within and outside the soca genre, that you dream of collaborating with in the future?

 

Empress J: Within the industry I would love to do something with Spice, Shenseea, and Destra. I named only women because I feel it is important that we, as women in this industry, work together and stop letting the patriarchy manipulate who and how many women can thrive in the business. Outside of the Caribbean genre I would love to work with Masego, Tobe Nwigwe, and Lizzo.  These American artists exemplify making a mark in the industry without conforming to industry standards.

 

BPM: Soca music is known for its vibrant and energetic style. How do you incorporate these elements into your performances and productions?

 

Empress J: Whenever I hit the stage the energy is inevitable.  When a mic is in my hand, I am unstoppable and even if it’s your first time hearing my songs, you will leave singing and will never forget the good vibes you experienced.

 

BPM: How do you think soca music contributes to the cultural diversity and unity of the Caribbean diaspora and beyond? 

 

Empress J: Some of my music is an exquisite blend of the Caribbean sound and American music which often resonates with a broader audience.  Also, with the mission of my company AfriCaribbean Festival, we are bridging borders and waters through culture, music, and art. The diversity of my music and projects is with the mission of spreading the Caribbean culture worldwide.

 

BPM: How do you hope your music impacts listeners and the communities you represent?

 

Empress J: I hope that not only will it bring joy, vibes, and enjoyment through my music, I strive for it to make a positive impact for the community.  I strive to be impactful by not only making good music but bringing people together and teaching the history and vibrance of our culture.

 

BPM: The music industry has seen significant changes in recent years, particularly with the rise of streaming platforms. How have these changes affected your approach to releasing and promoting your music?

 

Empress J: Streaming has definitely impacted how often I release music. Traditionally, soca music has only been released around carnival times. With the expansion of the genre and streaming giving us the opportunity to reach an even wider audience, streaming my music has been instrumental in exposing it to a broader audience.

 

BPM: You've performed at various festivals and events. What's the most memorable performance you've had, and what made it stand out?

 

Empress J: The most memorable performance was this past Crop Over in Barbados.  I performed on Superlynks and Lil Ricks Soca Fridays.  To share the stage with the veteran superstars of Barbados and to have their respect after seeing my performance was the most memorable.  Although Peter Ram and I have crossed paths over the years, it was the first time he has seen me perform and gave me accolades for a great performance.

 

BPM: As a writer and actress, do you find that storytelling plays a significant role in your music, and if so, how do you weave narratives into your songs?

 

Empress J: Absolutely. My creative writing and storytelling are definitely shown in the songs I write.  The very first professional song I wrote for the artist Ginuwine years ago is called “Role Play”.  It was the first time I turned my storytelling, through writing and poetry, into song form.

 

BPM: What advice do you have for emerging artists who are looking to break into the soca and Caribbean music scene?

 

Empress J: My best advice is be authentic to you and never let anyone put you in a box.  Innovation doesn’t happen overnight.

 

BPM: What legacy do you hope to leave in the world of Caribbean music and entertainment?

 

Empress J: My legacy will be that I was instrumental in bringing the culture worldwide beyond carnival.  That I will tell our stories not just in music but on stage, in films and in books.

 

BPM: What projects are you currently working on, and what can fans expect from you in the near future?

 

Empress J: I am currently working on some new music for next year.  Also, I am still organizing our second annual carnival experience in Freetown Sierra Leone.  Now that I am back in the DMV you can expect more local events and performances.  Overall, just more of Empress J, di B.O.S.- di Bad Gyal Of Soca.

 

As our interview with Empress J comes to a close, her inspiring journey and passion for celebrating her Caribbean and African heritage through music continue to resonate, leaving us eagerly anticipating her future projects and performances.

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Photo credits: Front Image: Images by Comfesta Inc

 

Stay connected with Empress J on her social media platforms HERE and below:

FB: @EmpressJMusic

IG: @EmpressJMusic

YouTube: @EmpressJMusic

 

For Bookings and Info:

 

Watch “Peppa”

 

Watch “Vice”

 

Watch "B.O.S"

 

Watch “Breathe”