YahZarah- A woman of many talents
Interview conducted on Feb. 10, 2020
By Dan Locke
“Something about watching the power of music change a heart, changed my life”~YahZarah
You have been out on the web (at least in Instagram since 2016 where I found you) tell me about yourself?
I’m a person who likes taking it one day at a time. I guess you could say its sort of like the Alchemist, I’m trying to live out my own personal legend by telling my story through my music. I started sharing that story as a child in church where I discovered the power of music can change my heart and others.
Studied classical and sacred music at Duke Ellington School of the arts.
And later went on to midwife one of our generations’ most beloved classics “Mama’s Gun” along with her band camp wisdom at the age of 21. By the time I was 23 I was releasing my first project in 2003 and being published in Vibe, Honey, the Source and an Essence woman to watch beside someone of my greatest influences it was a dream then and has been an epic journey from then till now.
Nearly thinking I’d never make music again after giving birth to my son in 2011 to ending up on the road for 4 years with Lenny Kravitz to now being support vocals for one of our decade’s most incredible artists Madonna.
Presently I’m on the verge of releasing my most personal and 5th project my first in nearly 9 years “The Ceremony”.
What do you mean by the statement My mother’s only child trying not to grow like a flower while the boys grow into trees?
What I mean by that statement is I will grow at my own powerful pace not allowing what religion nor men define my role is in the world. As a strong woman people will try to define what you are. I am constantly questioned and even sometimes judged for pursuing my destiny and ambitions the way my male counterpart does. Men are given room to find their destinies allowing them to grow strong and tall while most of the woman of the Xennial (the micro-generation of people on the cusp of the Generation X and Millennial demographic cohorts, typically born in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Xennials are described as having had an analog childhood and a digital adulthood.) of my generation were told to achieve but also none of that would mater unless you catch (a man), marry (a man) and carry (a child). That phrase it just a reminder that I am my own best resource and that I’m best when I “wife my own life” a phrase I heard from a resent affirmation. Women can be, do think decide to live their life how they want to. We are just as powerful as men and we will continue to fight for equality until it is actually achieved.
Who is you Superhero?
Storm from X man, of course.
Back in November you wrote on your Facebook site Winding down after an awesome LA show with Madonna. Tell me about that?
Ah, I remember that post and that day. It was just a great show for Madonna and everyone. LA gave the energy, the cast felt like a unit. I was carrying the energy that comes from a show well done and well felt. Since that show I would say that Lisbon Portugal has been one of the best crowds to perform for.
You started singing in the church at 7. How has the church helped you grow as an artist?
Singing in church since I was a child showed me the power of words, intention, and faith. You know the church folks don’t play. They are blunt about vocals and choirs in DC where I grew up you understand you couldn’t just step to the mic to minister without making sure things were done with focus and in excellence. Venerability was also key. If it wasn’t real, it ain’t right, it won’t flow. You have to open up your heart when you sing to let it bleed your truth the way that Jesus was said to do.
What talent search did you win at Kennedy Center at 10-year-old?
You are digging up a lot of information on my past and I love it. The talent I won was The National Postal Service Arts and Talent search. Thinking about it now, I was up against so very serious talent.
I believe I won because I was good and I worked hard. I remember I was so small the trophy was bigger than me…lol.
You have a degree from North Carolina Central University in Durham. And during the time in school you had a full ride. Which not many people do. How was college life for you?
I didn’t finish college. It came down to where I had to eventually choose between living my dream or education to the point, I was nearly being harassed to quit singing background and I was working with Erykah Badu and Camp Wisdom on “Mamas Gun” at the time performing at the Grammys. I even began to work on my project and create a significant international following. I wanted to finish school but I got little support from my university to do so. I had a professor tell me “it was a shame I would be wasting my voice on whole notes” But I also had the dearly departed Opera diva Lynn Bridges say to me “love some people’s wing span is too bright to be in a cage” this building will always be here to educate you but this opportunity won’t. And with that I stepped into my destiny in 1999 and started to work in music full time. By 2001 my class project so to say was my 2000 release Hear Me. I had my picture in Ebony magazine, it wasn’t a bad start. Maybe one day I can go back to NCCU as faculty or to do a workshop.
I will always have a sweet space in my heart in my heart for Central because that’s where some of the most incredible jazz musicians of our time taught me and are still teaching great minds there today. I was just the first student of my kind there. There was no real point of reference on dealing with a student already living their major in real life. In their defense my freshman year I was a mess who could blame them for not knowing how to access me even though I spent the next two years on dean’s list while touring with Erykah Badu. I’m on great terms with them now and hope that one day I’ll return to teach what I have learned in life’s class room like my former class mate and friend 9th wonder.
Anything is possible.
Since you are connected to Durham NC, I am going to asked you about some bands from North Carolina. I would like you to make a statement about each if you can. I have to warn you some you may not have heard of before, but all are interesting.
Diali Cissokho and Kairaba
Mary Lou Williams
Thelonious Sphere Monk
Max Roach
Nina Simone
George Clinton
Maceo Parker
First, I might surprise you I was a jazz major and raised by two DJ’s both baby boomers in Washington DC. home of some of the best radio and live concerts in this great country, maybe the world.
I would say I came of adult age in Durham where I relocated to for College with my high school band. But D.C., Germany and the road is where I received my music education.
With that being said here goes …
Nina Simone: Fearless, Visionary, and troubled
George Clinton: One of the most undervalued band leaders of our time. Prince used to sit in our Parliament rehearsals so much to watch him and the band work and steal ideas they banned him from their rehearsals. BTW Prince is one of my musical hero’s 💜
How was it to work with Erykah Badu?
I learned a great deal and thank her for allowing me to have a window seat beside her for seven years while she evolved, I really do owe her everything. Here example of dedication and generosity are reasons why I commit to living life with authenticity. I must always sing my truth on and off stage.
How was it to rock out with Lenny Kravitz?
Wonderful! I even got some amazing screen time singing a major solo on tour at the end of his single “Chamber” and featured in his documentary “Leave it All Behind.” Lenny has by far been one of the most artistically and emotionally generous people I have ever worked with in the industry. Every night it felt like I was at church on stage with him. He is a gift to music. He heals people with his talents.
Just like Erykah it was a great next musical move for me. I couldn’t have planned it better. I have always wanted to make soulful, rock records but hearing black girls rock out hasn’t always been the common thing to do. Touring with him deeded the Neo Soul conversation for me once and for all. He sings it all and now I get to sing it all because now folks can visualize it again.
You were considered for a few Grammys. Did you go to the Grammys? And how was it?
Yes, I was considered in 6 categories. And I’ve gone to the Grammys twice during my career. Once as a member of “The Foreign Exchange” and once the year I was considered. I have served on the board of governors and was the youngest member at the time for 2 terms.
I felt frustrated often because many of us were working to create a more even playing field for artist of color and it often felt like a hopeless task. Its nuts to think that we are still fighting for a fair seat at that table in music and film. We have made strides, there are also folks breaking through so we just have to keep calling out things and creating solutions and opportunities for ourselves that will allow.
How often do you get to perform with the Roots?
When the spirit strikes! Of course, we were able to perform together more before they became the band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. I take it when I can. I love those guys they are all musical geniuses for real.
How did you get the name Ms. Purple St. James?
Well, I was looking for a phantom name to work under while trying to get out of a really creatively restrictive and finically horrible record deal. Many artists have the same story. Hearing the name YahZarah started giving me writers block there was just so much uncomfortable energy around me. Feeling that name and I were literally owned by someone else Purple St. James just sounded like freedom and it just stuck. I didn’t feel so much pressure when creating under that name. Purple is my favorite name and color. St. James just sounded like one bad chick who kicked down the door waving the 44 until they couldn’t take anymore to reach hear goals…. lol. Just like YahZarah the names of my paternal and maternal grandmothers reminded me to always be a Queen and an Empress no matter what I’m faced with in life. Purple St. James is a constant reminder that I can beat any challenge put in front of me.
What was the Foreign Exchange project?
I’ll let your readers look it up for their own history lesson. Just know the early beginnings and what our musical union did for a generation should be a movie for the big screen and that’s the truth.
We made music that defined our generation at the time and is being mimicked to this day.
Our shows were electric and the only thing stronger than our sound was our bond. We came together as friends who had a music respect for one another that allowed us to create something that stands the test of time. Like I said, I will let your readers do their homework and look up Foreign Exchange to learn for themselves. I say that as humbly as possible.
Is it still going on?
The website has not been updated months. They tour often are individually everyone has released and is releasing projects. I only hope that all are doing well and carrying nothing but love for the time we all spent together. I know they do travel with new members. One is my Cousin Tamisha Waden and the other Carmen Rodgers. Both ladies are incredible singers, songwriters and performers in their own right.
What is your, feeling about Trump?
He is a monster we should take very seriously. History will show him as a liability to our freedom as we know it.He can be stopped with our collective power to vote. We must use our right to vote
Tell me about you upcoming solo project.
I feel it is my most real and personal project I’ve ever written. It may end up being my favorite because each song was made from scratch between the co-producers and myself. “The Ceremony” has a bit of everything but isn’t disjointed. It flows together nicely. What’s most important to me it’s my truth. It gives you a crazy, sexy, cool, retrospective, and rebellious vibe.
Who are you working with?
Mostly I worked closely with the producer Raymond Angry. Together we wrote the most personal and retrospective songs on this project. “Running” the very first song I wrote for the project which was tapped for season one of Spike Lee’s TV show “She’s Gotta Have It” (Netflix), “Beautiful Ashes,” “Too Good to be True.” and “Beautiful User,” “Heights” and Nsroma are some very real life tunes about my journey to clean house internally and externally in my life.
Raymond Angry was the first producer to believe in me. He gave me a safe place to sing as catharsis. At the time we started working together my son was 17-month-old and I would have to bring him with me to the sessions. Raymond understood and because of that I think of him as wayyyyyy more than a producer, he is my brother, we are family. We literally wrote a song for every stage of my healing and new adult puberty, as I call it.
His writing credits include “Lauren Hill, Joss, Stone, Solange, The Roots, Elvis Costello, Emelli Sande and a host of others. There are so many artists. Raymond is one of those Quincy Jones types that can write and produce anything, any genre. His constant strives for excellence brought the best out of my voice and stories. Check his music and thank me later.
Christopher “Biscuit” Bynum, Vonhiggenbothem and myself produced and wrote “Legend,” a song about me creating my own personal Legend born from all the ish I’ve been through but rose above. It’s meant to be “Rocky Music” the song you pregame, your morning wake up get you going song, or when you celebrate a big life moment. Pump your fist, jump on the couch, and scream out as an anthem.
“Creatures” produced by Cass Maya is an unapologetically wild tune inviting you to embrace the wildness that lives inside your soul. Striving to be my authentic self, this has been difficult for me so I wrote this song about doing it, ride the dragon, just soar. This lyric gets me every time “Neva gonna die we gone do this shit forever, come and take a bite let me let you live forever.”
Jonas Rendbo of Copenhagen and I did a hunting tune called “Drugs” about a highly addictive love affair that can’t be shook despite the fact it’s ripping one of its partners to pieces. It hurts more to be without it then with it. The recognition that she doesn’t intend to beat it but instead to embrace the high energy love affair for what it is.
Basically, I put all my damn business is in this project. It was really me healing and shedding my skin.
And M Tkalla Keaton one half of a new musical project I’m part of called MI7 (my infinite heaven) He and I produced “Back Seat of My Star And newcomer B. Boisseau a first generation west African American pianist signed to Raheem DeVaugn’s 368 label.
He and I collaborated “Fly Me to The Universe” a sensual tune about physical venerably and mutual emotional submission. I think of both songs as a package deal one is making it from 3rd base to home, and the other is the afterglow.
And, an amazing track that is dedicated to my country of conception, my father’s homeland Ghana. West Africa and my son Miles no Kofi Oduro-Kwarten (since his naming ceremony during the year of return) that I did with Raymond on production and International Ghanaian artist M.Annifest
The entire project is 11 tracks and a real musical Journey.
Are you planning a solo tour in the near future?
Yes, I am we are in the process of planning it right now and can’t wait to announce. I also am planning to bring together dope woman who have inspired me along my musical journey. It will amplify unknown female talent across the globe giving them a platform to showcase their art. I can’t wait, I am passionate about bring artists together. It will only make us stronger.
How do you stay healthy while touring and what is your favorite comfort food?
Rest, rest, and as much as you can more rest. Stay hydrated drinking lots of water, a regimen of herbs and vitamins. It’s important to me to protect my light with meditation. My favorite comfort food is shell fish like crab and lobster. It reminds me of my childhood in DC sitting around the table with the four generations of women who raised me. I admit I have a heavy tea addiction. Never thought I would say this but I can drop big money on teas around the world. It’s sort of a treat to me. I fell in love with white port wine while touring with Madonna.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I have some short-term Goals right now they are starting to manifest. One of them is staring as the Lion Goddess Shekmet in 4 films along with an incredible cast in the first all-black casted action adventure trilogy “Protector of The Gods” it is set in Egypt. It is about the four female rulers of Egypt and the kandakay warriors who protected these female Kings. It’s a film written by new director Kameco Tarnez and produced by the one and only Hill Harper. The film is scheduled for release next year. I put out in the universe that I was going to act in, produce, and score in a film and I am working in all three roles in “Protector.” I am fortunate to say my five-year plan is in action.
Taping into the fashion industry I am also working on my own high-end clothing line called “Black Star Royal” which will be emerging this year. It is my hope to be more than a musical artist like Gordon Parks, one of my idols, a man who did it all. Aretha Franklin spent the later part of her career singing everything from pop to classical music floating gracefully through multiple genres of music. I love how she was brave enough to take risks with her artistry until the end.
It’s important to me to give back so I put in effort expanding my activist work for to help protect women, girls, and boys who are victims of sexual abuse in West Africa. It’s also my wish to expand as many gifts as I can in the next five years including creating a healing resort space for female artists.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
I am a living witness that no matter how shaky the start you can redesign your world after the worst of setbacks through the power of intention faith and hard work. Most importantly thank you so much for allowing me to share my story and music with your readers none of this happens without them or you. I am grateful.
You must be logged in to post a comment.