Femi Magazine interviews the energetic, beautiful, and talented Sharaya J. She discusses her transition from a dancer/choreographer to a rapper. From the beginning of Sharaya’s J career, her vibe caught the attention of several professionals such as the French-singer Myléne Famer. After dancing on Myléne Famer’s 2006 tour, Sharaya J’s career soon skyrocketed. She worked alongside prominent and respectable artists such as Diddy, Rihanna, The-Dream, Ciara, and Alicia Keys. Sharaya’s J unique fashion and dance style also landed her with leading choreographers such as Hi-Hat and Laurieann Gibson.
However, Sharaya J knew it was time to step away from dancing and choreographing and begin her rapping career. In 2010, she was signed by Missy Elliot’s label The Goldmind Inc. After Sharaya J released her song “Green Light” produced by Soulddiggaz, which featured vocals from iconic Missy Elliot, she soon released her single “BANJI”. This eventually led to her movement, “Be Authentic Never Jeopardize Individuality.”
Catching up with Sharaya J now, if you did not watch her performances in the 2018 season 2 show “The Four: Battle for Stardom” where contestants fought every week to hold their seat, then you have truly missed a show! From “The Four” to now, Sharaya has released many songs and featured significant artists. Sharaya J even hopped on some afro beats to add to her repertoire.
It has been two years since being on “The Four”. What have been your significant takeaways from being on the show? What are some things that you are working on now?
Being on “The Four” will always stand as a monumental moment in my life. I met a ton of amazing people with amazing talents. The show really pushed me as a person & an entertainer. It revealed to me my true strength & character in the midst of a battle. I walked away, confident, and inspired by all the love & support I gained during my journey. I am currently working on new music & just recently shot a video for my single “NUNU,” which I’m excited to share with the world!
While battling Cancer, what has been your biggest motivation and influence when competing during the show?
Dealing with something like Cancer during the show was no cakewalk, but I relied heavily on my spiritual connection. I lost my grandma to cancer, so I called on her many times for guidance along with my family back home. I wanted to show the world that just because I was battling such a serious disease, it didn’t mean I could not continue to fight for my dreams and goals. I truly owe a lot of my motivation to the fans who poured out their love and support every single week; they really helped me push thru!
During a recent interview, you discussed how you tell new and upcoming artists to be authentic and not to be afraid to take critiques. How did you manage your confidence when starting your rapping career? What were some adversities that you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Breaking into this industry can be tough, so I try to be as honest & helpful with new artists because I myself had to learn some hard lessons. Overall, I try to always encourage them to be themselves. It may seem so cliche, but it’s just truth. There are always people trying to change you or make you feel less confident about being your authentic self, but I am a true advocate for this, hence the reason I created the BANJI MOVEMENT, which is an acronym for Be Authentic Never Jeopardize Individuality.
I had to learn this the hard way because I was offered a deal with the stipulation that I change my look to be “more sexed-up,” but I knew I was selling more than just sex, and my worth as an entertainer and a person was way more! Needless to say, I passed on that deal. It’s also very important to always be a sponge and never be afraid to take critiques because it will only make you a better version of yourself.
Describe the major transitions in your life from being signed with Missy Elliot in 2010. Also being featured in VIBE Vixen’s “Rapper to watch,” and in 2016 starting your record label?
Having the Icon Missy Elliott as a mentor was such a blessing. I learned so much from her, so when it was time for me to fly solo, I was ready & prepared! She pushed me into my greatness, and I am so grateful for that. Creating my own label seemed like the next organic step for me. Missy not only taught me more about music & the business. She also taught me how to aspire to be a boss.
You have dabbed in dancing, rapping, competing, writing, and speaking about global music matters. What can your fans expect from you next?
I have a genuine love for each of those things! I try to put my best foot forward when I do anything. I’d like my fans who have supported me from day one. For my new fans that continue to support me now to know that I have some huge things on the horizon. I’m healthier, stronger, happier, more creative, and fearless, so if you guys rocked with me before, wait until you see what I’m cooking up next!
So, there you have it, straight from Sharaya’s J mouth, to the reader’s eyes. As Richard Evans quoted, “It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars”. It is clear as day that Sharaya J is the star that we have been waiting to see.
For more updates, TikTok videos, and some inspiration from Ms. Sharaya J, follow her on IG @banjiraya and Twitter @Sharaya_J.
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