Zakiyyah Sutton, the woman behind the name Zakiyyah
Interview conduct on Sept. 26, 2019
by Dan Locke
Boston native Zakiyyah Sutton is a professional singer who is well versed in Opera, Jazz, R&B, and Gospel. After graduating as the Student Body President and Valedictorian of Boston Arts Academy with a major in voice, she pursued a degree in Political Science and Sociology from Wellesley College.
Upon graduating from Wellesley College in 2012, she worked in communications for local City Councillor Tito Jackson, while also teaching voice part-time at her alma mater, Boston Arts Academy.
Daniel Locke: Why did you decide to use only your first name?
Zakiyyah: I feel like my first name suits me best. Zakiyyah is an Arabic name that means “one growing in purity and intelligence”. I try my best to live up to the meaning of my name.
You are a professional singer (opera, jazz, R&B, Gospel, and rock) what was your upbringing like and your training in music?
I grew up initially singing along to my parents’ music. They played a lot of Old School R&B like Patti Labelle, Smokey Robinson, and even Frankie Lymon. I started performing live as a singer at about 7-years-old and when I discovered there was a high school in Boston for the visual and performing arts, I knew I had to be there. I found a voice teacher to help me with my audition for the school and turns out she’s an opera singer so from then on opera became a part of my life. I thankfully got into the high school, Boston Arts Academy, and studied voice the four years I attended the school. Although I didn’t focus on music when I got to Wellesley College, I still took private voice lessons there and then later continued to train at New England Conservatory.
How was it to work for Tito Jackson?
Tito Jackson is a great guy who loves to give back to his community and it’s always great to work for people like that. He did put me on the spot a lot when he discovered I could sing though. When I would go to events with him he would randomly ask me to sing Minnie Riperton’s “Loving You” and then he’d dedicate it to the audience. It was special.
What opera should a person check out if they never saw an opera?
That’s an excellent question. Thank you for asking. There are so many great choices. People always loved it when I would perform a piece called “The Queen of the Night” from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” so I’d recommend that one—mainly because it has a lot of drama and people tend to like the songs. Then again, the drama is not difficult to find in an opera.
You were a political science major. What are you’re feeling about Trump Immigration policies?
In one sentence, Obama is my president.
Boston Art Academy was a very progressive high school. During the time you were there you took their free college-level classes that were offered. What classes did you take?
WOW! You really do your research. I took one Liberal Arts class through Boston Conservatory for college credits, and I was also a part of a rigorous, competitive program called the Harvard Crimson Summer Academy. Through that program, I was able to study on Harvard’s campus for three summers and take college classes in addition to classes specifically offered by the program. I wound up taking everything from an intense Spanish course to American Government, poetry, and then the program’s classes like quantitative reasoning and photography.
So, out of the famous people who have gone to Boston Art Academy included
Russell Ferguson- The winner of season 6 of “So you Think you can Dance”
Diane Guerrero- Orange is the new black
David Davidson- guitarist from the band Revocation
Issac Akiba- principal with the Boston Ballet company
Did you know any of these people?
Ha! I didn’t spend time with any of these people, but I did know of Diane Guerrero and Russell Ferguson. Diane, I would see around but never interacted with her much because she was two or three years ahead of me. Russell was one year ahead of me I believe but I interacted with him some in high school and I am happy to say we’re still in contact with each other. I remember when I would go to the cafeteria for lunch, I’d always see him Krumping with other students and even teaching them how it’s done. He’s a sweetheart!
How was it to travel for a year, around the world?
Traveling is one of my favorite things in the world and having the opportunity to do that for a year was amazing. I went through this program that was called “My Wander Year” and everyone in the travel group was using the opportunity for something different. Some people were entrepreneurs, others were remote workers, and I was learning about the music in different countries and working with local artists. We spent three months each in four countries: the Czech Republic, Thailand, South Africa, and Colombia. I’ve grown so much from that experience both as a person and as an artist and I’m so grateful the opportunity existed.
What is Ethnomusicology?
Ethnomusicology marries two of my loves: music and sociology. It’s essentially the study of how music is used in various cultures and the relationship between culture and music. I, unfortunately, have never had the opportunity to take a course in ethnomusicology–but it’s on my list to do!
Tell me about the event Black Live Matter SD Edition?
That was a very interesting day! When I was living abroad, it was important for me to engage with communities that I felt I could learn from and whose experiences I thought might have mirrored mine in the States. Because of this, I decided to host Black Lives Matter events in both South Africa and Colombia. I knew given the recent history of South Africa that it would be a challenge but I didn’t anticipate that the main conflict might be between colored and black instead of black and white. That was an oversight on my part because in the States–we’re all black, but mixed people in South Africa are an entirely different race and carry themselves as such. The owner of the establishment we were in tried to shut the event down because people were complaining, but even after he shut off our mics and put music on to drown us out, we kept the conversation going, and that to me made it a success.
What can you tell me about D.A.S.H.?
D.A.S.H. stands for Defensive Aids in Situations of Help. My first full-time job out of college was working for Sheriff Steven Tompkins in Public Relations. While I was there, I saw an opportunity to utilize the skill set that the officers had by offering them to women in the community. It wasn’t easy initially because people were concerned with the risks but by pushing harder and creating a proposal, I was able to start a women’s self-defense program that would travel all around Suffolk County (which includes Boston and some neighboring areas). I believe the program is still going and that’s something I’m very proud of.
How did you form Free For All Concert Fund?
I didn’t form the Free for All Concert Fund, but I am a trustee on the board along with former Massachusetts Governor and Presidential candidate Mike Dukakis, State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and other active members of the community. The board is charged with making sure classical music is available to the masses and Landmarks Orchestra is currently one of the main beneficiaries.
What is GRLZ radio?
GRLZ Radio, “where girls are heard and respected”, is a webcast radio program that is run by high school girls and promotes positive messages about women and girls on air. It was also my very first job! My name was DJ_Ladyharmony and I learned how to use the radio equipment, how to interview people and create great content. When I was there it wasn’t webcasted but played throughout different sections of Boston and I remember how empowered I felt being able to determine what messages I wanted people to hear about women and people of color.
You have a certificates Coursera in Songwriting and music production. Do you feel more people should take classes from Coursera?
That’s amazing that you know this. I absolutely recommend people take courses through Coursera or any other platform that offers courses online. I’m someone who is always trying to learn more and gain new skills, which was part of my incentive to take those classes. I believe that knowledge is power and once you realize that, there’s no limit to how powerful you can be.
I am going to name some black opera composers. I would like you to say something about each if you can.
Scott Joplin- Treemonisha 1911—I love Treemonisha because it’s such an important story with themes that I think can still resonate today. What happens when people choose own their education and destiny as opposed to simply holding onto what they’ve been told? Joplin is a treasure I wish more people would celebrate and recognize. I really appreciate how he blended African-American musical styles with traditional classical music. Thanks to him, Hip-Hopera can exist!
H. Lawrence Freeman- Voodoo 1914—I know of Voodoo but I’m not really familiar with it.
Shirley Greham DuBois- Tom Tom 1932–Shirley Graham DuBois was as fascinating as a person as she was as a musician. Even though she was married to W.E.B. Du Bois, she was an activist in her own right and fought for women’s liberation. She faced so many barriers towards becoming a composer and yet still created a beautiful work of art. She’s a true inspiration to artists like myself.
James P. Johnson0 De Organizer 1940–I love the very idea of blues opera and appreciate James P. Johnson for that reason. De Organizer is in a sense Hip-Hopera before Hip-Hopera. It features the theme of black liberation juxtaposed to the idea of infusing your cultural identity with what is recognized as a traditional white art form. The fact that Langston Hughes contributed poetry to the work is the icing on the cake.
Anthony Braxton- Trillium J 2009–I’ve heard of The Trillium Operas but have yet to engage with them. I’ll have to add it to my list!
Would you like to create your own opera?
Yes! It’s actually on my to-do list. That would more than likely be a long-term project but I have seriously considered it and when the time comes, I’ll definitely jump on the opportunity!
Did you know that Terence Blanchard just got hired by the Met to put on Fire Shut Up in my Bones?
WOW, I did not know that but I’m already ready for it! Definitely, something I want to see and experience!
Can a black opera singer make in the world of opera music?
I do believe black opera singers can make it in the opera world because I’ve seen it done—but it isn’t easy. I think part of the issue is that people of color need to create platforms where they are valued, as opposed to waiting to be recognized by white spaces.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I pride myself on using my artistry in a way that’s not only entrepreneurial but also rooted in activism. In 5 years I’d like to be an established artist who not only has a well-known, respected name, but also programs and grants that are making a positive impact in the communities that I care about.
Anything in closing?
Stand for something, or fall for anything.
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