There’s a strong possibility that if you are from Buffalo, New York, you have heard a jazz and soul-infused voice moving through the airwaves in churches. The gospel and inspirational artist DaMarka Wheeler, was a sensation in 2014 when she was amongst the Top 10 contestants on Season 7 of BET network’s “Sunday Best”.
Her presence is a testimony of her life stories and the way she delivers her vocals. She has shared the stage with gospel legends like Grammy Award-winning gospel group, The Clark Sisters, and Grammy-nominated gospel artists Kim Burrell, Richard Smallwood, and Bishop Paul Morton.
We caught up with DaMarka to get a look into how her experience was.
What was the experience like being on Sundays Best?
My experience on BET’s “Sunday Best” was one of the greatest moments of my entire life. It was an honor sharing the stage with some of the best gospel artists in the world. Season 7 was a family. The whole cast was very close. We all still keep in touch today. I actually competed on the show twice as a contestant that season. First, I was there as one of the top 10 contestants, then, after I was eliminated, I was invited back as a “wild card” pick by the Sunday Best band led by the late James “Big Jim ” Wright. Being accompanied by that band was incredible. The best moments were meeting Kirk Franklin and getting advice and criticism from some of the greatest names in the gospel music industry. Also, I cannot put a price on the valuable time spent with our vocal coach, my favorite singer of all time, Pastor Kim Burrell, and sharing an unforgettable moment on stage with Kierra Sheard-Kelly. Sunday Best opened a lot of doors that connected me to significant names in the gospel industry. I grew as an artist, and the connection to BET’s Sunday Best amplified my name. I will never forget that experience.
What opportunities followed behind your appearance on the show?
Oh my goodness! The exposure from the show caused people to want to hear me sing more. I was getting invited to sing a lot and began traveling to perform for different engagements. I was honored to participate in a fantastic tribute for Richard Smallwood. I also sang a duet with gospel artist Lena Byrd Miles. I opened up for Kierra Sheard- Kelly & James Fortune in concert. I also participated as a judge in Buffalo’s Got Talent, a spinoff of the show America’s Got Talent, in my hometown of Buffalo, NY. After the show, I took my music artistry more seriously. I collaborated with fellow season 7 contestants Serena Williams and we did a small tour in Western New York called “The Pain to Praise Tour”. I wrote more music, and I connected with an amazing music director and producer named Jonathan Boyd. I released my very first single and had my own concert. Today I co-host for an internet radio show called Mission in Action Live, with Minister Kevin Brown. I also started a brand for t-shirts, called “Jesus is My Healer”. Many people do not know that I suffered a lot of serious health challenges. In my lifetime, I have had 15 surgeries. My t-shirt line inspires me and reminds me to wholly lean on my faith. I hope it does the same for others.
You are a Domestic Violence Survivor, share with us what you went through & how you overcame it?
I had an early start with domestic violence. My first experience in a violent relationship was with a guy I dated when I was a teenager. Once that relationship ended, I went into a new relationship in my early twenties. I didn’t know either guy was capable of physically hurting me. I don’t think you always know in the beginning. I went into a new relationship, thinking it would be totally different because the guy had a church background and came from a great family. After a few months of being together, the verbal abuse began. Not long after we moved in together, our disputes became physical. Looking back, I know I never healed from my first abusive relationship. It was pretty toxic back then. But as an adult, I was a high-functioning abused woman. I was still out singing and ministering to others. I was telling everyone about heaven and going to hell at home. Eventually, my singing engagements became a problem for my spouse; but music was what I loved. I was accused of being gone too much and not taking care of the home. That was hard for me. I didn’t realize I was also experiencing emotional and mental abuse in that relationship. Sometimes, I was afraid he and I would go too far in a fight, and my mother would grieve losing me. I didn’t know what to do. Luckily, he left me. I didn’t receive any outside help or counseling because I was too embarrassed. I also didn’t want to embarrass him. Singing helped me escape my pain. Finally, I started talking about it, and I felt better. Prayer & staying close to God is what pulled me through that time in my life. I began to minister to myself.
What advice do you have for women in abusive relationships right now?
Pay attention to red flags, even the red flags in your own life. Be honest about it with yourself. For example, ask yourself, “do the women in my family have a history or track record of being in abusive relationships?” It could mean something. Seek help before it goes too far. Never stay in an abusive relationship because you love someone & you think they will change. I’ve learned that a person can love you to death. Literally!
How did you deal with people who were being negative if any while you were dealing with this abusive person?
I never dealt with any negative remarks concerning my situation because I didn’t tell anyone right away. I was always told to keep people out of my personal business. That was horrible advice, but I stuck to it. I was very uncomfortable talking about my home situation. Back then, I didn’t even tell my family, but eventually, people found out. Since he and I shared some of the same friends, I didn’t feel like I had the support I needed at the time. But when I finally told my family, they rallied around me, and I received what I needed to push through that time in my life.
What have you learned about yourself on this journey to happiness now?
I have learned that I make the best decisions when I pay attention to my inner feelings. You know the saying, “go with your gut”? I rely on that more than I have in the past. I’m a full-time artist now. I love being able to focus on my son, music, and my own well-being. I learned that I have to put myself first sometimes to keep myself healthy. I’ve learned to find a reason to smile and have gratitude. Every aspect of my life has been a learning experience. Through my music, I can minister to others and testify about the benefits of trusting God, getting through tough times, and healing. I can tap into a flow and get out of my flesh. That makes me happy. I know what it’s like when people give you lame advice. My experience has taught me to be fearless and unashamed of my past because someone else is going through what I already went through, and I can help them. Honey, I have been broken, beaten, and abused, but I’m still standing. I’m working on new music that addresses these issues. I believe it will help someone. I cannot wait for you all to hear it.
What’s next for you?
Music is next, now and always! I am looking forward to upcoming performances and more traveling for ministry. I am excited to be entering a new season in my career with my new publicist and manager. Also, I will be featured on an upcoming album by my dear friend Jason Wright and The Master’s Touch. My producer and I are preparing to record a new album and re-releasing my single, “Oh Taste and See”. My new song, called “The Conversation”, is inspired by my experience as a domestic violence victim and overcomer. I look forward to sharing that with everyone. Last but not least, I will continue wearing and selling my t-shirts and hoodies. You can purchase them online at DaMarkaWheelerministries.com/shop.
