YAHZARAH, a singer/songwriter/producer, epitomizes life’s ceremonious journey through her remarkable career. Raised with a profound connection to African customs, her innate talent and passion for music were prophesied from birth. Despite facing personal challenges, including a turbulent marriage and career setbacks, she persevered. After a hiatus, she found solace in music again, collaborating with noted producer Ray Angry. Her experiences culminated in the creation of her latest album, “The Ceremony,” showcasing her dynamic vocals and genre-defying sound. Alongside her musical endeavors, YAHZARAH delves into acting, recently securing a leading role in an upcoming film trilogy. Through it all, she embraces life’s ceremonies as opportunities for growth and resilience, embodying the ethos of perseverance and self-belief.
We had the opportunity of sitting down with Yahzarah to discuss her journey through the highs and lows of life, exploring the melodies of her music and the lyrics of her resilience. She reminds us that In a world where every voice matters, hers rings out loud and clear, a testament to the transformative power of art and the indomitable spirit of the human heart.
Can you tell us more about your journey of becoming a vocalist?
My journey of becoming a vocalist is a story shared by many black American girls and first-generation Ghanaians. Growing up, I felt a connection to both of my cultural backgrounds, and this duality has shaped my musical path. It all began in the church when I was just seven years old. Hearing gospel music for the first time, I felt a deep resonance with its stories and lessons. I knew then that I wanted to use music to tell these stories and touch people’s lives.
In addition to my love for music, I also became aware of the challenges I faced due to my skin color. Despite being surrounded by black people, the effects of colonialization were still evident in Washington, D.C., where I grew up. Colorism was prevalent, and I learned early on that my complexion was seen as a deficit rather than a positive attribute. Music became more than just a means of praising God; it became my outlet for receiving praise and validation from others. It was the one thing people recognized me for, and it even helped me escape bullying.
At the age of ten, I received my first public recognition outside of the church. I participated in a talent search at the Kennedy Center, accompanied by a pianist who taught me the essence of being a true musician. I am grateful for her guidance and the seeds she planted, which would eventually grow beyond the confines of religious entities.
Later on, I attended Duke’s performing arts program, where I chose to focus on music. This decision changed the trajectory of my life. I vividly remember the first day of school, standing on the front steps at 5 in the morning , as a child who had been bullied by children and adults at that point knowing I was finally some where with fellow weirdos filled me with excitement and a sense of belonging. It was the first place where I felt safe, understood, and part of a family that wanted me as much as I wanted them.
My love for music, dance, art, and international travel continued to grow. At the age of 16, I had the opportunity to perform at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, solidifying my passion for these creative endeavors.
In college, I attended North Carolina Central University, where serendipity brought my entire high school band together with full scholarships. This was a sign that I needed to change direction and move down south. The love and support I received at the university changed my life. It was there that I released my first record, collaborating with talented artists such as Phonte Coleman, 9th Wonder, and Darien Brockington. Our crew started a movement that has continued to expand in Durham, North Carolina, and even in my birth home of Washington, D.C.
During my sophomore year, my talent and potential became evident, and I received a call to audition for Erykah Badu. At just 18 years old, I learned 17 songs in three days and went on to tour and arrange music with her for seven years. Erykah became a mentor and inspiration to me, allowing me to infuse my own gifts into her classic album, “Mama’s Gun.” at the tender age of 19.
Since then, I have released five projects and been considered for a Grammy in six categories. I have experienced the joys of motherhood, the loss of a husband, and the journey of self-discovery. And singing for 4 icons Lenny Kravitz, Elvis Costello and Maddona.
And after 10 years, I am releasing my 5th project, “The Ceremony.” This album is a diary of my womanly reclamation, dovetailing my first project, “Hear Me” which began my own musical journey which explored love and the journey of a young woman navigating her own emotions and experiences. Great bookends.
Share your experiences of working with music giants like Erykah Badu and Lenny Kravitz?
Working for Erykah Badu was a dream come true. She was a confirmation of all that I was becoming. She made the choice to choose herself when I was still learning how to choose. She took me all over the world and allowed my voice to become a household name. Along with Camp Wisdom, they became my family, and she became a mentor to me in a ceremonious way.
Lenny Kravitz was so much more. I had a little more performance latitude on stage and the opportunity to sing duets with him. He allowed me to be a total artist, from the music to the fashion to the treatment. He gave me the ability to grow and ask questions. The safety and kindred of the family environment were present, with no sex and rock ‘n’ roll, but definitely a whole bunch of family and a great deal of great music. Since the day I fell in love with Tina Turner, Prince Rogers Nelson, and popstar Diana Ross, I’ve always known that I was a rocker.
One day at rehearsal, Lenny walked into the room and said to our superstar visionary stylist, Rodney Burns, “I want everybody to look more like YahZarah.” That statement blew my mind. My whole life, I was ridiculed for not being black enough. Lenny knew what that was like too. To have him knowingly bless everything I knew to be beautiful about myself, but always felt unsure about due to my environments, was a major game changer for me. After he kicked us out of the nest in 2017, I went into the world ready to claim myself. Because of him and that time, four years of Boot Camp with the rock ‘n’ roll guide himself, I am forever grateful. Hopefully, one day he’ll let me open for him.
Performing with Lenny at Afro Punk was an incredible experience. I stood there humbled to be behind him, but also knowing that one day it would be my time to be on that stage too.
And In 2023, I made that dream a reality by opening Afro Punk with my full band and music from my project, THE CEREMONY. Talk about a confirmation.
Overall, working with Lenny Kravitz and Erykah Badu was a transformative experience. They not only provided me with opportunities to showcase my talent but also supported and mentored me along the way. Their influence and belief in me have shaped my career and allowed me to embrace my true self. I am forever grateful for the time I spent with them and the impact they have had on my life.
Your decision to use your voice to convey a personal message about fighting for the right to be a mother and gaining full custody of your son is powerful. Can you share more about what led you to this point and the challenges you’ve faced?
My situation is complicated, and I cannot fully disclose all the details publicly. However, I want to emphasize that our current legal system does not adequately support regular citizens without legal representation. This lack of access to justice is not only unfair but also illegal.
Before my case, I had faith in the justice system’s ability to uncover the truth and find fair solutions. Unfortunately, my experience has shattered that belief. I can only imagine the challenges faced by young black men in courts across the country, where economic privilege often determines the outcome. In my ongoing situation, I had hoped for justice that would prioritize the best interests of my son and foster unity and fairness between co-parents. However, my ex-husband’s extensive connections, as the owner of a prominent black law firm on the East Coast, have transformed the case into a battle between the privileged and the underprivileged.
It is important to note that my ability to parent has never been questioned. Despite this, I have been denied my right to have my son returned to me, and my evidence of custody and motions have been ignored. I do not consider myself a victim, as I have entrusted this matter to a higher power. Taking my ex-husband to court has significantly improved my son’s life, as it has given him a voice in issues such as bullying, racial targeting, and conversations about his mental health. It became necessary to go to court to protect my child’s interests.
My main focus now is ensuring that my son can navigate this challenging phase in his parental life and thrive despite the circumstances. My music tells the story of our triumph over adversity, symbolizing the strength it took to bring him into this world against all odds. Despite the negativity we have faced, both his father and I are equally passionate about him. We need to find a better way to co-parent that is fair to both parties.
My son is my biggest fan and greatest champion. Every day, I perform with the knowledge that what I am building is for him. I am preparing a place for him, eagerly awaiting the day he is returned to me. It is crucial for me to remain aware that this situation is not about me or his father, but about what we both desire for our son. Regardless of my personal feelings towards his dad, our focus must be on his well-being.
Can you shed light on the kind of support you’ve received from fans and supporters around the world? How has their response affected you and your determination to fight for your rights?
The support I’ve received from my fans has been incredible. They have shown their generosity by raising over $10,000 to cover my legal fees and flights to see my son. Additionally, I have received GoFundMe donations and private contributions from celebrity friends who love my son and understand the depth of my love for him.
The most touching responses, however, have come from other women who have faced similar tragic circumstances in the Atlanta family courts. Their stories of spending exorbitant amounts of money and enduring years of legal battles to regain custody of their children have been both inspiring and heartbreaking. I had a conversation with one woman who shared that she spent $70,000 and fought for over 8 years before finally being reunited with her child.
Despite having visibility and the support of people who choose to bless me with their resources, I still haven’t been able to achieve a victory in the justice system. Nevertheless, I am immensely grateful for the candid and honest women who have shared their stories with me. Their openness has reminded me that I am not alone in this struggle. I am also grateful to those who have offered their resources and prayers. Their support has been a lifeline during moments when I forget that things could be much worse.
Even in the midst of these challenges, I remain grateful. Every day, as I walk into my son’s room, I imagine him being home with me full-time again. Our bond is unique, and I consider myself incredibly blessed that despite the circumstances, he is thriving and we remain extremely close.
Maintaining the balance between sharing your truth and avoiding causing harm can be challenging. How do you navigate this delicate balance, and what message do you want to convey to those who may be skeptical or critical of your situation?
Navigating the delicate balance between sharing my truth and avoiding causing harm is not easy. My son is old enough to read the news and browse the internet, so he is aware of more than I would prefer at times. However, I am thankful that he has a supportive group of friends who have also experienced the complexities of co-parenting. He can confide in them and express his feelings. He has expressed his wish that his father wouldn’t use him against me, and I have reassured him that his father’s actions stem from his love and passion for him. I believe that one day, when this is all over and the adults have found a more peaceful and fair way to share him, we will be able to sit together, maybe even laugh together. It is my hope to find shared peace with his father, but it must be based on fairness. Currently, the circumstances are far from fair. It is already difficult enough that I was deceived about the return of my child and had to make the most of the situation all these years. We need to change the way we relate to one another. Our son is old enough to see and understand, and neither of us should allow him to be soured against us simply because we cannot find a way to move past the past and create a future that includes both parents actively involved in shaping his life.
I pray for the day when there will be peace after this tumultuous period. My son shares this prayer as well. Thankfully, he is a resilient and wise young boy who knows how to utilize his emotional resources. We talk as often as we can, and I answer his questions to the best of my ability, considering his age.
Are there specific changes or reforms you hope to see in the legal system regarding custody battles and parental rights based on your own experiences?
I believe that family courts need a significant overhaul, with a shift towards fewer lawyers and more mediators and therapists. The current system is plagued by individuals who are solely motivated by financial gain, often leaving families in distress. Many lawyers charge exorbitant fees without providing any substantial assistance, as I have heard from numerous women and fathers who have shared their experiences. It is disheartening to see that those without unlimited financial resources are at a disadvantage, even though they have the legal right to represent themselves.
In addition, individuals who choose to represent themselves often find their motions ignored and are treated with contempt when they speak up. This lack of respect for pro se litigants further exacerbates the already imbalanced system.
In my personal case, my ex-husband, a highly respected lawyer within our community, has an unfair advantage due to the close-knit nature of the legal circle in Atlanta, Georgia. I have witnessed my lawyer and the judge casually discussing unrelated matters during one of my hearings, which highlights the unprofessionalism and bias that exists. This experience has reinforced my belief that lawyers should be removed from the equation, and instead, family counselors and attorneys for the children should be involved. The focus should be on facilitating effective communication and understanding between parents, considering the needs and desires of the child.
Unfortunately, I am skeptical that these changes will happen in a timely manner. The current system prioritizes financial interests over the well-being of families, as evidenced by the alarming number of abusive parents being awarded custody simply because they can afford the high costs associated with the legal process. It is disheartening to witness such corruption within the Atlanta, Georgia child custody court system.
As you continue to use your platform to speak out, what advice do you have for others who may be hesitant to share their own stories of injustice and struggle?
As I continue to use my platform to speak out, I encourage others who may be hesitant to share their own stories of injustice and struggle to find the courage to do so. I understand the embarrassment and shame attached to speaking out, especially when questioned about why it took so long to do so. I, too, felt ashamed and embarrassed that despite my visibility, I couldn’t afford proper defense. However, I discovered that there are resources, support, wisdom, and love available for those who speak up. Public defenders and advocates are free and accessible options for those who cannot afford legal representation. It is also important to educate oneself on how to file motions independently to reduce reliance on lawyers and their costly fees.
While it is crucial to acknowledge and address any embarrassment, it is equally important to examine one’s motives. If a peaceful resolution can save both the child and the parent from the anguish of a contentious court case, every effort should be made to achieve it. However, if a peaceful resolution is not possible, it is essential to persevere and do whatever it takes to protect the child, regardless of personal embarrassment or pride. As parents, we have a responsibility to ensure our children have the best lives possible in every way. Remember that you matter, you are worthy, and if you have done the necessary work, you are a great parent. Stay steadfast in your motives and reasons, and with time, justice will prevail.
Connect with Yazarah Online by visiting: https://www.yahzarah.com
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