Meet Golanda Blackwell | Gospel Artist

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

Hi Golanda, how do you define success?
I believe success is walking in God’s divine purpose for your life. When successful you feel fulfilled and motivated to keep going through seasons of uncertainty.

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.
Although I am a new gospel artist, singing has always been a huge part of my life. I am excited to share that I released my first single entitled, “My Everything” April 16, 2022. The outpouring support of family, friends and even strangers has been such a blessing and I am truly humbled and grateful.

How did I get where I am today? I would have to give credit to my Lord and Savior along with amazing family and gifted friends. I am grateful for my team of producers and musicians, my spiritual brothers, David Geter, Mario Smith and Mautrice Abraham helped lay the foundation for my song. They were extremely patient with me and executed the vision so beautifully. My additional spiritual family, Trey McLaughlin and Shawna Harris of Augusta, Georgia, who are also independent artists, took time to lay the background vocals for the project. Shawna has been such a great blessing in mentorship and I appreciate her more than she knows. Last, but definitely not least, I want to acknowledge my husband, Shawn, who is also my executive producer, and my beautiful daughter, Ebony. They were the first to hear the initial lyrics to “My Everything” and they encouraged me to record the song.

I believe what sets me apart from most gospel artists is my determination to minister through song and not just perform. Although I want my audiences to enjoy my stage presence, I believe my first assignment to the body of Christ (in the proper setting) is to minister to the hearts of God’s people……..to encourage the broken-hearted and uplift those in despair. I am also called to sing in different settings like weddings, retirement parties, commencement ceremonies and workshops. As a psalmist, I think it is important to be versatile.

Was it easy to record my first single as an independent gospel artist? No, it was not easy at all. I went through many emotional breaks because I once feared traveling alone. Prior to the pandemic, I traveled many years singing with my family group and singing background with other artist friends. The thought of traveling alone was fearful. I prayed that God would give me the strength and courage to do the assignment that he called me to. I am focused on his promise that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

One major disappointment I faced was making the decision cancel the CD release concert. I made that decision due to the uncertainty of Covid. One of my guest psalmists had just been admitted to the ICU with Covid. I didn’t feel comfortable bringing a crowd of people together during that time. Safety is the most important goal and although we didn’t have a concert, I am still pleased at the response and support from my fans.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way? So far, I’ve learned that God’s provision matches his vision. I’ve also learned not to worry able things I cannot control. I’ve learned not to expect me from others. Meaning? Just because I support others in their assignments, that doesn’t always mean I will receive that same support from them. I’ve learned to embrace the genuine people in my life and focus on the goal.

I want the world to know that my goal on every stage, no matter the size of the audience, is to encourage the hearts of everyone I meet. I’ve written many songs but the single “My Everything” is near to my heart. God gave me this song to pull me through one of the worst seasons in my life. When I was in despair, the more I sang this song the more my burdens lifted. I felt free again. This is my prayer for every listener. I pray that as they listen to this song the warmth of our Savior fills their hearts.

My career: I am a minister of the Gospel so I enjoy preaching the word of God as well. I do believe I was called to minister as a teen but I waited until 2011 to accept the call.

When I am not singing or preaching, I am honored serve as Clerkship Administrator for Trinity School of Medicine which is a Caribbean-based medical school. As the students transition from their first two years on the island to the United States (Warner Robins, Georgia) for clinical rotations, my role is to ensure the clinical years run smoothly as the students prepare for graduation. I’ve also been blessed to sing at the 2021 and 2022 commencement ceremonies. It means so much to me that my job supports my artistry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Listen, Atlanta is full of fun entertainment and good food! I love to try new places to eat. If my BFF comes to visit for a week, the itinerary would be like:

Sunday: Travel Day
Monday: Brunch @ Gabe’s, Shopping at Lenox Square Mall, Dinner @ True Kitchen.
Tuesday: Breakfast @ Another Broken Egg, Noon Session @ Painting with a Twist, Dinner at Houston’s.
Wednesday: rest day with Wine Down Wednesdays downtown Douglasville.
Thursday: Breakfast @ First Watch, Spa Day at True Bliss Cave and Spa, Dinner @ Fin and Feathers.
Friday: Brunch @ Gritz Breakfast Bar, Shopping at Cumberland Mall, Movie at IPIC, Live music and dinner @ Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint.
Sunday: Travel Day

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?
I definitely would like to shout out my parents, Pastor and Mrs. Gold (Dorothy) Walton, Jr., for teaching me about God and showing me the importance of having a real relationship with him. My love for ministry and singing was birthed from their relentless pursuit of God. My mom has a soft soprano voice and I can remember her singing in the kitchen while preparing meals. As a child, my family and I would gather in the living room and sing for hours. My dad made me sing my first song publicly at the age of 4. He was a deacon at the time and the choir director as well. We would travel every Sunday to multiple churches in the local communities and abroad to sing with our home church choir and various other church choirs and ensembles. So I want to thank my parents for cultivating the gift of singing for my siblings and I.

Website: https://beacons.ai/golandablackwell?fs=e&s=cl

Instagram: @golandasings

Twitter: @GolandaB

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GolandaBlackwell/

Youtube: Golanda Blackwell

Image Credits
Jay Design Photography Mikedunnit Photography