Meet Oni | Published Songwriter & Artist

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

Hi Oni, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Honestly, it started as a therapeutic release. I went to a performing arts school in Petersburg,Va called Appomattox Regional Governor’s school, where my major was literary arts. Studying the craft of writing and character development throughout high school actually gave me inspiration to become the artist I am today and will be in the future. I knew I wanted to do something with word play and rhythm and also mix my own personality all at once. Being a trained writer helped propel me to listen to my therapist on becoming a rapper. I needed an outlet, one that already felt natural and one that already felt like home, and boom “Oni” came about and I love her!

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’m so big on word play and consistency. I love writing to creating a scene in your mind. To me, a song of mine should always have something to say whether it’s putting my foot down or just simply describing a relaxing day at the salon. If it’s funny, if it’s sad, if it’s emotional, I want my audience to be able to live in the moment and imagine themselves there. I want my music to be a story time and a getaway. Get lost in it so you can replay it again to recapture those feelings whenever you need to feel them! I want the world to know that I’m a writer, and I’m sensitive about my sh… but honestly, I have so much to show and say and I can’t wait to create more imagery in my music and visuals. This is just the beginning and I will be great in my own way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, I’d take them to Catch 21 and Mr. 3’s Seafood Charlotte. Now we probably are not gonna be eating inside because you can only carry out, but we definitely have to hurry home or eat it in the car to enjoy the freshness. If we want to get fancy, Eddie V’s. They never fail me, a bit expensive, but I’ll be a baller on a free check for them.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shoutout to God honestly. Without him, nothing is possible. I almost lost myself and my way, but he allowed me to be a voice for others in my own way to reach who I need to reach to hear what I have to say. I’m nothing without God.

I also want to shoutout my management team, Destiny Feemster and TG The Mogul, for pushing me and helping to create new opportunities for my brand and music. We’ve been longtime friends since college so it’s beautiful to see us come together now as women to use our talents cohesively!

Instagram: @OniGotBars

Youtube: OniGotBars

Other: TikTok: @OniGotBars

Image Credits
Vernon Samuels @MaxResPhotos