Meet Queen Majeeda | Poet/Recording Artist

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

Hi Queen, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been an artist. Growing up, I found myself writing songs, plays, stories, and poems. Today, I feel like being a poet and recording artist is who I am — like I could not separate my work from myself because my work is an extension of who I am – my work is my thoughts made audible. A poem of mine on the page is a thought that was made visible. I always saw myself doing what I am doing today as a poet and recording artist. I remember being about four years old, climbing up on furniture with a flashlight in my hand, pretending I was on stage. Right after high school, I started hanging around musicians every chance I got and I would rehearse with them. Soon after, I started recording my album and since then I haven’t looked back.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a poet who records and performs poetry set to music. I also perform without music. I am inspired by God, nature, global affairs, and the experience of humanity. I feel called to document the times we’re living in through verse. I am excited that my most recent album, Wedding Invitation, was long-listed for a Grammy. To be on a list of poets that are being considered is much more than I ever dreamed of when I was writing for the album, which was during the global lockdown. Spoken Word Poetry did not even have its own category then, so to be considered in this category is a great opportunity for me. This opportunity allowed me to network with others I probably would not have communicated with otherwise.
I started recording and performing fresh out of high school on my native island, Jamaica. Over the years, I have also toured the United States, doing college circuits, schools, libraries, churches, and poetry cafes. There were challenges because, along the way, I decided to pursue higher education and then work as a newspaper reporter and English Instructor, and balancing all these roles posed a challenge time-wise. However, I am thrilled to realize the poets that I admire typically worked as newspaper reporters and educators too. The lessons I have learned along the way as I perform and meet people is that we all have the same need to be seen as worthy regardless of our past. People want to know that mistakes they’ve made in life do not have to hold them hostage in the present. Sometimes, it’s the message from a poem that makes them come to this realization. I’ve also learned that in life, we are called to sometimes many different roles but not necessarily all at the same time. I want the world to know that through my poetry, I aim to draw people’s attention to things we may often overlook, to see beyond what is on the surface, to dig deep for truth, and to bring awareness to situations that may require our action to effect change for the better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Peachtree St. is a must see! The Peachtree Forum is a great place to hang out, shop, and eat. It’s a beautiful outdoor shopping mall, it’s family-friendly and has great food. There’s also a Barnes and Noble to hang out, read, and purchase books. There’s also a Trader Joe’s that carries good, wholesome food. There’s so much to see and do that it requires more than one day’s visit there. There’s an annual literary fair for book lovers, poets, and authors. Circle Poetry on Tuesday nights is another great place to enjoy local and visiting talent. Johns Creek, Atlanta, is beautiful and is worth driving through for sightseeing.

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 dedicate my shoutout to God, who is taking me on this journey. He deserves credit for inspiring me with verse so that I create poetry to reflect the times, touch hearts and inspire souls. Also, to my mom who has supported my creative endeavors ever since I embarked on this recording and performing journey.

Website: https://queenmajeeda.com

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/QueenMajeeda

Twitter: https://Twitter.com/QueenMajeeda

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/PoetQueenMajeeda

Youtube: https://Youtube.com/@QueenMajeeda

Other: https://Tiktok.com/@QueenMajeeda

Image Credits
Emily Ristow