Meet Joi Najae | Singer, Songwriter

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

Hi Joi, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
One piece of conventional advice that I have always disagreed with is, “always have a plan b”. I disagree with this because I believe we are here on earth to fulfill our upmost desires, passions and talents, not to be a slave to our own lives. I believe in perseverance and picking yourself up and trying again before you give up on yourself and your dreams for you life. Having a plan b is like giving yourself the chance to never accomplish plan A. Just follow through.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Receiving a BFA from Savannah College of arts and designs, majoring in performing arts minor in film and television, I am an all-around performer but my heart lies in music. I began creative writing when I was 8, I loved to write poetry and from there I started writing my own songs. I write my music based on my personal life/relationship experiences, and I am intentional with every lyric, every harmony, and every adlib. If I am not working on releasing music, I am doing a cover to one of my favorite songs or remixing that cover with my own lyrics. I strive to touch my audience, move them, music has always been my healer, so when I write, I write with the intention of making the world feel something. I am most proud of my creative development over the years and the responses I receive from those who take the time to listen to my music. I have found that what sets me apart from others is my passion and drive for the art of music. It has never been a transactional thing for me, I want to give all I have with the gift that was given to me, that alone fulfills my soul. I do what I do because I love it, and it sets my soul on fire.

Being an artist is NOT is easy, it is very difficult, through this journey I am learning that the most important part, Is your mental health. Staying positive, and staying away from self sabotage is very difficult. We tend to care a lot about other peoples opinions towards our work and allow it to affect how we perceive ourselves as artist. I am slowly getting over this by focusing more on the effect I want my music to have on each listener, and understanding that not everyone is going to love it, my art is not to perceive everyone. I am also overcoming this by speaking more positively towards myself, looking at the good first before the “bad”.

What I want the world to know about my story, is that it Is not easy, no matter how easy it may seem on the outside, it its not, we all experience different journeys, we all have different struggles that are unique to us, but I want the world to know that your dream belongs to you and no one, or no struggle can take it from you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am new to the city still, about 8 months in and so far there are so many places that I already love. some of my favorites spots to eat would be; The Vic, Kid Cashew, Lazy Dog, Blue martini ( hookah).
I would take my friend to one of the really nice studio grills here, I love a good Froze Margarita with mozzarella sticks.
Kats Cafe Open mic, loved this spot, it was some of the best live music I’ve heard and very intimate.
Ponce city Market is by far my favorite place to go when I want to have a nice shopping day. There’s so many different shops and vendors and opportunities to network.
I would take them to the Atlanta Underground, great vibes all the time, networking opportunities, and just an overall great social experience.

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 want to shoutout my family and the many singers and song writers before me. My family because without their guidance and support, I would not be pursuing this career and pursuing with full confidence. I shout out the singers and song writers before me because they have created the opportunity for artist like me to be free in ourselves with poetry and songwriting and melodies. Without artist like Michael Jackson, Beyonce,

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

Youtube: https://youtu.be/uFemjF5e9dY

Image Credits
Rawntellect Goodtastedigital