Meet Ajia | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ajia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ajia, why did you pursue a creative career?
Art and creativity have always been a part of my life. Growing up in a large household (I’m one of five children), my parents were adamant about teaching us the importance of individualism. As a result, they let us try our hand at whatever sparked our interest. Because of that freedom, I was able to play the violin, dabble in piano and guitar, sing in my school’s Acapella choir, etc. I also played basketball, tennis, softball, and ran track, which led to my collegiate career as a Division 1 Basketball player at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).

Although sports have instilled physical and mental discipline that translates to my work ethic in all other areas in my life (that I’m incredibly grateful for), music has been a source of creative release and exploration. Sports and academics revolve around perfection. There is always a correct answer, a winner and a loser, and a better technique. Yes, the music business has those similarities, but creating the art itself has no boundaries. Art is subjective, and my music can be about whatever moves me at that moment, and those that find it relatable can enjoy it for what it is.

Singing and writing are ways that I express my joy, sadness, or contentment. As a teenager, I was always shocked at how songs by people I didn’t even know impacted or related to my mood. To this day, I still feel the same way, and the only difference is that now I can do that for others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am originally from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Currently, I live in Washington, DC, for Law School, where I’m in my 3rd year at Howard Law.

I moved from Pine Bluff to DC back in 2018 with the end goal of attending and graduating from Howard Law, but I didn’t think that I would become an artist. My entire life, I wanted to be a singer, but many failed attempts at singing show auditions and little to no traction on my YouTube page as a teenager made me doubt that being a singer would ever be a reality.

Five failed auditions and no’s later, and I decided to take matters into my own hands. Before social media, there seemed to be no way to be a singer without a “big break” on television, but I’m happy to say that I’m doing it. I’m most proud of my resilience. Every day I’m putting fear aside to follow my passion and learn more about the music itself and the business. Being an independent artist is very tricky; it’s trial and error, but I’m excited to see where this road will take me.

I’m proud of my resilience and dedication, but I’d be lying if I said I said I was self-made. My support system and God are to thank and play a significant role in my success so far. My family is my team. My mom is a self-published author and a college professor in mass communications at my alma mater. She helps me prepare for releases, assists with marketing strategies, and shows up in any way possible. My two (2) younger sisters are my additional creative direction from giving honest feedback on my music, doing my make-up and hair, and anything else I need. Also, my dad, other siblings, and friends physically show up, share my work, and give additional encouragement when it’s needed.

Making music and living out my dream is beautiful, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. There are days when I feel inadequate and afraid that my hard work is in vain. Everyone has an imaginary finish line in sight, and it can sometimes seem impossible to reach. To make things less overwhelming, I remind myself of my progress by setting short-term goals. I also give myself grace on hard days and make time for my family, friends, and God to recenter.

I’ve learned along the way that I can’t take the actions of others personally; what you put effort, time, and energy into–good or bad–becomes your reality, and forcing outcomes leads to destruction.

My future involves great music and using my law degree to advocate for myself and other artists in the entertainment industry. However, success is not a destination, and I must remember that the journey is an essential part of my story.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting this area, I would take them to The Wharf for the views! We’d also go kayaking and eat a nice lunch or dinner overlooking the water.

Museums and monuments are a huge part of the DC experience, so we would also visit the African American Museum and the National Mall. If they’re into art (it’s my friend, so of course), we’d hit the Portrait Gallery.

After the touristy things are out of the way, we’d spend time in the Shaw area visiting Howard University, getting good food, and bar hopping for drinks on U St. Oh, and I cannot forget checking out a poetry jam or an open mic night and brunch. DC is known to have great brunch spots!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout goes to my family, friends, and the city of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

My foundation has been family and community. It truly takes a village, and my family, and the city of Pine Bluff, has given me the tools to define success how I see fit. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of you!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajiathegreat/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajiathegreat

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFm6B1lpxsb4Ks1LoMRNQ_w