Meet LaTricia Akhagbeme | Actress & Singer

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

Hi LaTricia, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Without a doubt, my faith in God has been the foundation for everything I’ve had an opportunity to do creatively. I know that I did not give myself these gifts/abilities, so without that, I would not have been able to achieve any measure of success. I’m grateful!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born and raised in Houston, TX, and didn’t see many people actually pursuing this as a career. One summer while visiting my dad and stepmom in Atlanta, they took me to an acting class audit…and I was officially bit by the “acting bug”. I went back to my middle school that fall excited to find something similar, to no avail lol. But it was then that I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. That dream was part of the reason why I made the decision to move to Atlanta with my dad and stepmom the following summer. From the moment I stepped into high school, I darted straight for the musical theater department and stayed there for the following 4 years. Those formative years were so valuable to me, as I got to grow both my acting and singing skills. During that time, my parents owned a music school, Music Life Studios. Not only did I get to be apart of the family business on the administrative side, I also had the opportunity to start vocal training at the school as well. I’m so grateful that I had the chance for those experiences to be my foundation to this ongoing journey.

The years following high school, I attended Georgia State University for Business Management. I desired to have a solid business foundation in addition to my creative goals. While at GSU, I was given the opportunity to begin leading worship for a youth group in Snellville. I was nervous to start that because I would essentially be the music director, lead vocalist and keyboard player. Again, so grateful for that part of my journey because it taught me so much about the importance of preparation! I was a full time student, but still needed to set aside time for the weekly services. I believe God also used that experience to teach me how to rely on Him and the purpose He has for me in each season.

That worship leading experience led me to being a contracted worship leader for North Point Ministries for about 5 years. Getting to connect with so many other vocalists and musicians in that circuit, led me to an amazing wedding band, Steel Toe Stilleto. At that point, I was blessed to be a full time vocalist – performing at weddings and corporate events, as well as getting to help lead people to Jesus at various Sunday services, conferences, and events around the Southeast. I was getting to live my version of a dream. Doing what I knew God placed in me all those years ago.

All the while, without even realizing it, I ended up taking a “pause” on my acting dreams. It wasn’t intentional, but just with life, and focusing on the singing opportunities, I was starting to miss it again. In 2020, I started doing virtual acting classes with my husband, and in 2022 started auditioning again! One of the musical theater productions I was so proud to be apart of that year was “The Color Purple” at City Springs Theater Company. Getting the chance to play Nettie was such a life-giving role for me, and was the perfect kickstart back into my acting dreams. Around that same time, I’d been praying and believing for an opportunity to get an agent for TV/film. Huge thanks to @atlantaactorscollective for opening up a door for me to be apart of one of the best agencies in Atlanta: Atlanta Models & Talent!

Since joining this dream team, it’s been a whirlwind in the best way. I feel so fortunate to say that within those first 6 months of joining, I was able to book 6 TV roles – and various other “wins” behind the scenes. As much as I’ve been blessed to do up to this point, I know I am still only getting started.

This journey has not been the easiest or the quickest, but it has surely been rewarding. Anytime I get to step on a stage (to sing or act), audition for a new character, or even just doing mundane vocal scales at home, the feeling I get in indescribable.

One thing I’ve learned, and still learning, is that this journey is a marathon, not a sprint (shoutout to Nipsey). We live in a culture now that wants instant, right now, quick, overnight, etc and that’s just not the name of this game. Each year has looked different for me. Some very busy, some very slow. However, the one thing that has stayed the same: remembering the excitement that the little 13 year old me felt thinking about getting to do this forever. That excitement, joy, gratitude, and passion has not and will not leave me. I knew then that I was set apart and had a unique purpose, and I hold true to that when things may not be looking as I want them to.

I’m excited for my future, and excited to be a picture of what’s possible to others!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question! Some of my favorite places to eat are Desta Ethiopian Kitchen, Copelands, and JJ’s Fish & Chicken. Frida’s in Fayetteville is also a new favorite of ours.

I love a good foot massage, and my favorite place in the city for that would be Treat Your Feet.

The Battery is always a great time, too. Pretty much a one-stop shop!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate this shoutout to my parents, Nate & Traci, as well as my hubby, Aloye. Growing up, my parents wholeheartedly supported my dreams – and showed me everyday that nothing was impossible. My husband has helped cultivate my gifts, passions and dreams, and as a fellow creative, we’ve been able to support each other in continuing to grow in our purpose together.

Instagram: latricia.akhagbeme

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11884076/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk