Guests Crystal Powell, DaVan Johnson, & Keyondra Lockett!
WBCA Podcasts
The Jayman Show
Well, hello there. This is the J-Man Show on WBCA 102.9 FM, Boston's local community radio station. Hello, this is the J-Man Show on WBCA 102.9 FM, Boston's local community radio station. I'm your host, Jay Bina. I guess it is Krista Pavo, a lot of psychiatrists and comedians. Hi, Krista. Hi. Thanks for having me. I'm so excited to be here and I appreciate your flexibility and your persistence and your just patience. And that's how I know everything that you do is going to be successful because I've been all over the place now. How long has this been what we first got in contact during the pandemic? Yes, I remember. Yeah. Okay. So I just want to say thank you for not giving up on me. And I'm glad to be here. And thank you for having me. Absolutely. So such a positive heavy on the show. Yeah. Okay. I guess I'll stop by him saying, how would you get started in comedy? What actually made me want it's unfortunate. It's kind of a sad story, but it's like my mom's last gift to me. What actually made me start doing comedy is I lost my mother, unfortunately, really sudden. And thank you. And so being from Texas, I come from a big family and everything I knew was in Texas. I was born in Tyler, Texas, raised in Tatum, Texas. But everything I knew was in that small town, I graduated from Prairie View. But that's only like three hours from where I'm from. So when my mom passed away, I just left and came to California, had no idea what I was doing. I started doing background just to be able to, and I actually even started out because you know, when you're in college, everyone says what state they're from. They don't say the city and state. And one of my close friends actually was from Vallejo, California. And I saw her doing a super bowl. And I was like, hey, she was like, what's going on? And I was like, oh man, because she was like, how's your mom? And I was like, oh my God, my mom passed away. And she was like, just come next to California, come with me. And I was like, I'm going. But had I known where I was going, I mean, it's still, that's my extended additional family in Vallejo and the Bay Area. But when I got there, I kept saying, where's the Hollywood sign? Because I was in Northern California. But I stayed there for a year, saved me a little bit of money. And then I came to Los Angeles. And even then, like I said, I was doing background. I was doing marketing gigs. And my mother's passing, unfortunately, is around my birthday. So I was, my nephew was here and he was like, you know, let's just go try it. You should just go try it. Plus in my auditions, I was getting the feedback of, oh, she's too stiff. Like she needs to loosen up, blah, blah, blah. So we took a shot of Patron and tried it. And I got booked my first night. And I've been, even then, I still didn't know if, like, I was still like, okay, comedy can help pay for acting classes. I just thought I wanted to be an actress. And although I'm taking acting classes now and that is something that I'm pursuing, I'm more naturally funny, like, being funny is second nature to me. And acting is something that, you know, we look at these people, you know, these actors and you're thinking, oh, yeah, that's great. No, they have completely submerged themselves. And people can say the same thing about comedy, like, but when you're talented, you make it look easy. So even when I first started doing stand up and getting a little bit of booking, I was still like, oh, I want to be an actress until I started really doing stand up and getting time and getting my rhythm and flow on stage. And then I started noticing how I was feeling once it was finished. And I was like, this feeling, I want it to last forever. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm still a nervous wreck every time before I hit a stage. That just means I want to do it well. The times that I'm like, let me go on in here and knock this out real quick. I'll be in there, boom, boom, boom. So I love it. I wouldn't try anything for the world. To me, the difficult part is traveling. Once I get there and get on stage, that's when the fun happens, but it's, you know, running through the airport trying to make a connection. Your ankle's looking like elephant ankles. You know, you're eating nothing but carbs because you're eating airplane food and club food. So, you know, I'm not even going to complain about the, the pro, I mean, the cons to it, but that's the hardest part. But the comedy part, once I get on stage, once I get to create, once I get in that moment, that's where the fun is. Oh, that's unfortunate. And I was talking about your mom, you know, because my mother passed away two or five years ago for a heart attack. Oh, I'm so sorry. That's how my mother passed away. She had a heart attack. Yes, I'm sorry for your loss. It's tough, man. We're not, we're in an, in a sucky club, but it's just, it's just life. And I try to use that as a scope of when I get really, really upset about something, you know, I always say, okay, you made it through that. So if we can make it through get up, see another day after losing our parent, and I lost both of my parents. So, you know, and you can make it through that. Like, it might disappoint me. It might hurt for a little bit. And I'm okay. It's okay to feel that, but just understand I'm not going to die. And I will be able to get through it. So it's one of those clubs, but life is, you know, grand. I'm exhausted right now. And of my eyes are red or not. But I can remember praying for these moments that I'm having. Like, I can remember saying, Oh my God, I can't wait till I can do clubs. Oh my God, I can't wait till I can travel and do, you know, do shows. Mike Ips gave me $300, probably for three minutes, my first show at the San Diego Civic Center. And I just, me and my girlfriends were there, Taja D Simpson and Kita McGat, they were with me. Taja is on the oval and Kita owns a bullet team, bullet busters, Muay Thai, and they were with me. And you would have thought that Mike gave me $100,000. But it was my first, you know, it was my first gig. So of getting actual paid. So it's, I have no complaints. Like I said, I'll probably with daylight savings time too. And I know it. Thank you because it's super late for you. But I'll be in bed by 8 p.m. because if I'm not working when I'm at home, night, night, night, night, night, you thought I drank a bottle of Nyquil at five o'clock. That's how sleep, Bobby, I just have to catch up on my wrist because it's a lot. Sometimes it can be. I definitely understand, you know, and, and like I said, I saw you in a movie where earthquake, yeah, it was earthquake, cat Williams, Kiki Palmer. It was so many comedians in that movie. And I'll tell, I can, I won't, I'm not ashamed. I stand in my trip. I've been doing stand up for 13 years now. And that year, that movie was two minutes of fame. That was my first time doing stand up without taking a shot, because I thought I needed it to be able to perform. And so in two minutes of fame, I'm doing stand up, but I've got a six a.m. call time. So I'm driving around Los Angeles, trying to find a liquor store that I can get some type of something to give me some liquid courage. And we're on set. And when you're on set with cat Williams, Jay Ferrell, earthquake, you know, red grantees, big hitters, Kim Ray, you want to do well. So when it's your turn, so when it was my turn, I had nothing in it, but I had to go. All of the greats walked out and I rushed. So that was my first time in that movie performing without, you know, and I'm not saying that I was, you know, getting drunk, but I would take me just a little shot just before I hit the stage. And I realized, I don't need it. You know, well, that was back then when that movie came out, but yeah, that was my first time performing without any type of alcohol in my system. So that was a fun movie. Yeah. And you also the movie, I won't move with Kevin Hart, Kevin White, you know, and also America's Got Talent, you know, that was a wonderful. Yes, that was super fun for me. America's Got Talent. I just kind of got the bad end of the stick because it was right when COVID first started I'll never forget it was Friday the 13th. March 13 when I was performing because they were like, my call time was like eight o'clock that morning, I didn't perform until 11 o'clock because they were trying to figure out, are we going to perform, are we going to perform. There was no audience. So I went in anyways, they pulled me last minute said, okay, you're going to go. And I was like, Oh, so my nerves, imagine my nerves all day. That was the longest 12 hours. So I go, I get it, I get passed on. Okay, now the next time we get ready to come on, COVID is in full swing and they have shut everything down. So now you have to, they were like, you have to have a performance in a garage or in your front yard. And I'm like, I live in an apartment and I'll never forget we came back on and I didn't advance because they were like, well, you just didn't advance. I was like, how am I not advancing. And I didn't even get to perform. And they were like, we're sorry. That's just the rules you didn't advance. And I'll tell you that night I was having a little pity party. It's like midnight. And I get this phone call. It's private. And so I'm really in my feelings. And I'm like, who is calling me private at this time of night. So I answer so aggressively like, Oh, hello. And it's this English one and she's going, hello, may I speak to Chris do pal and I was like, okay, it's midnight. It's not a bill collector and I was like, this is she. And she said, hold the moment and it's Simon Cowell. And he was like, I loved you when you walked out when I first saw you. He said, but I loved you even more when you took up for yourself because I was just like, how do I not get to advance and I did not get to perform. But it was just COVID and between. So right when I have that happen, then we had COVID then we had our eyes on George Floyd and that craze bow. So no one really so my season kind of came and went. But, you know, it's still a blessing. It's on my resume. It was a great time. I talked to the producers all the time and I'm always like, I was like, you guys need to bring us all back from that time. But it was a great experience. Simon Cowell and those guys over there. They're super nice. I actually was. It was funny. I performed on a show with Howie and he couldn't recognize me because I had my mask on and I was like, Hey, I was like, I'm Crystal. I did America's Got Talent. I'm the star spangled banner girl. And he was like, Hey, I can recognize you with your mask on. So yeah, it was a, it was a good night over there at Supernova in Los Angeles. Wow, that sounds like a fun night. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So are you looking for any new partners right now coming out? Yes, I actually just wrapped before I went to Mexico. I just wrapped a soulful and funny. And so funny is my own production and it's where I'm combining soul food with comedy and the two things that we don't need to be without. And we're just talking, sitting down talking with comics about, you know, what's so food means to them. You know, what, you know, what, what's going on in their comedy career, you know, pros and cons, what they like this like. And, and then we, we do it over some food. We pray over some food. We wish each other well and we have some amazing food. And I'll tell you, we production was a couple of weeks. And so we're going around to all these soul food restaurants. And I tell you, I was eating soul food every single day. I need to detox for the next two weeks just to just cleanse because I was getting spoiled on those and just all types of desserts and just yumminess. So I have that that should be coming out in 2022. I just signed on with Carnival to start doing some cruise performances. This is my first time doing it. I don't know how it's going to be, but I'm going into it with open arms and, and then I've got a couple of auditions that I'm waiting on some information for. So send me all the positive vibes because, you know, I want to close the year out, but it's been an amazing year. I'm truly, truly blessed. I'm still on the Vivica Fox, funny by nature tour. We were fortunate enough to work slowed down for me, but we were still able to work during the pandemic. We have a show coming up December 4 and New Orleans. That's myself, Vivica, Kelly Cales, Justin East and Ashima Franklin. So that's in New Orleans. And then I'll be on Quake's house and doing his radio show for a little network. That's, that's a weekly gig. So, like I said, I have no complaints over here. Of course, I would rather, I would want always want to be richer and a little thinner, but other than that, like life is great. So, that's wonderful here. Is any change my kind of Boston for sure. You know what, I don't know when I'll be to Boston, that five hour flight, for one, it's like, when I fly five hours, I want to be out of the country. No, but I, I had some Boston gigs lined up before the pandemic and then they, I don't know if they didn't pick it back up or maybe they went with someone else, but I did have some Boston appointments on my calendar. But as of right now, I don't, but I'll be sure to let you, I'm in New York, actually, at the Broadway Comedy Club. So I don't know who I was listening to this or where you're going to put it. But for those listening, I'll be at the Broadway Comedy Club, November 20th. I'm trying to show that I can get some people out that, of course, the fun is there, but if nobody can come and support it, it doesn't matter. So that's what that's my, that's my struggle right now. That's my hurdle that I'm trying to work on. I hear, I also can't do, I'm angry, so I can meet you. After every show, like I always have a meet and greet, I always stand out, you know, because I don't take anyone that comes to a show of mine for granted because of the simple fact that I can't do a show without anyone in the audience. So I appreciate, and I do know that it's a pandemic, people are making up for the money that was lost during the pandemic so everything has been inflated. Hell yeah, we're going to talk after the club, after the show and take a couple of pictures, man. So I'm just, I'm grateful and I'm enjoying the journey. I'm finally learning, and I'm working on myself as far as enjoying the journey because we're always thinking about, like I said, I prayed for these moments. But once you get there, you're still looking that way, you know, wanting more. And so I'm starting to learn now to sit in these accomplishments, enjoy the journey, just continue to try to do better than I was yesterday and to be kind to people and it'll work. Might not work in three months. So if I keep going, it's going to work. Absolutely. So because I love to meet you kind of boss and I'll start from here and see you in person. I want to see Crystal Powell. Can you guys get her here? Then we'll just, that's how you do it. You hit the clubs. Okay. And then I can, they have my, you know, it's got to be a demand out there. Can't be just me and you. They're going to be like, uh, y'all can zoom like y'all are doing right now. Yeah. Yes. Okay. So, uh, wow. So how can we follow you on social media? Yes. On all my social media, it's crystal P comedy. That's on Instagram. Crystal Powell comedy on Facebook and Crystal P comedy on TikTok. And I'm trying to get more of a social presence. I'm like, that's my daily like thing, like I'm trying to hold myself accountable to just be online because Sam and old school comic. Some of the old old school comments would be like, what? But I've been in the trenches and, you know, it's harder when, when you've been brought up on the stage to just get right in front of the camera. And I'm getting in front of the camera. I'm learning that those in those internet comics that are in front of the camera. That's not easy. That's, you know, take after take after take after take unless you want to take Jake. So it's all subjective and it's all difficult and it all requires discipline. So I'm trying to hold myself accountable. If y'all see me out there and y'all don't start seeing me having some type of content videos. I got to be smarter. We're smarter and not harder. I definitely see that, you know. Yeah. So I guess my last question is, what advice can you have come? What advice can you have people that won't be a comedian like you? What advice can you give us so they can be next crystal on you? What I was the advice that I would give upcoming comic or a new comic or just a comedian, you know, a lot of times people are, you know, hesitant. They're like, Oh, my goodness, I can't wait until I can completely support myself telling jokes during my, my, my, and so they'll persuade people that having another job isn't good. Is it isn't cool, but eating noodles at 40 isn't cool. Says thy guts. You know what I mean? So what I would tell other comedians is always have you a backup plan, always have you. Now, if you are going to have another job, make sure it doesn't conflict with what you are trying to do and make sure that the same amount of time that you're giving to that day job, so to speak, you're giving it to your own stuff. But the more comfortable you are financially, the easier it is for you to pick and choose the gigs that you take for me as a woman, like, yeah, there was a time where, and I just, I'm lucky enough and blessed enough where I found things that work with my gigs because most millionaires have several supplemental income threads coming in. So if I can do two or three gigs, and one of them might not so happen to be comedy, so be it, because if mom will unlock their state tomorrow night, she can go get lots of mistakes. So that's my deal until you know, don't burn bridges, get on stages as much as possible. And, you know, open mics are great, but those are comics that you're performing for, you know, get on those stages, get on those shows. It doesn't matter if it's two people in there, because people that go to an audience, I mean audience members that aren't comics, they're coming to see a show, comedians are in a show and they're thinking about their set, there might be helping you punch yours up. It just, you know, you never know, but the biggest deal is don't burn bridges, get on stages as much as you can, have a stream of income coming in so that, and do not come to Los Angeles without the plan. Yeah, there are some great success stories where people came out, slept in their car for two weeks and they made it. Well, my people, people color brown people, we don't have, we all know that it's the same thing is with life, we don't have as many opportunities. So, so that you won't be out here having to do some strange, but some change have a plan and have some income coming in and put just always put just as much time that you're putting into someone else's job is not double into yourself and invest in headshots. If you're a comedian and you're submitting yourself for jobs, get a headshot, have a three or five minute clip of, you know, a clean set, have a regular set. When someone asks you about your comedy, say, Oh, what's your email address, here's my, here's my EPK, here's my headshot, here's my bio, be professional because that's another thing. There are so many funny comedians, everybody's funny, but everybody doesn't have their business together. You know what I mean, they can be funny, they can stand up on the stage. When it comes to, Oh, do you have your passport, I have a gift for you, you need to be, you know, got to be in Puerto Rico tomorrow, 20, 25,000. Oh, I can't make it. I don't have a passport. Okay, I can't make it, you know, have your things in order. That sounds good, you know, and just, yeah, because, you know, if you want to have the office, take a seat, you know, we got to have an audience, because, you know, I definitely agree, you know, yeah, it is, it's good. But like I said, I'm, I'm just grateful, I'm blessed. And I'm just enjoying the journey. Like I said, I'll probably go to bed right after this because I've just been going kind of nonstop for the last three weeks. And even this, I was like, Oh, I'm not leaving until Thanksgiving and I picked a gig up in Loughlin, Nevada, but that's right here by LA Saturday. And then, like I said, New York next weekend, I'm in New York, but yeah, this is what this is what I asked for. So I got to put my big girl bridges on and get on out there. Well, like I said, you're definitely doing your things sister, you know, I mean, definitely inspire me to be on a beer, but I need to be, to be a, to be a better athlete, but if I'm making, you know, follow you, I'm going from the best love for you, you know, and just don't have my shots hot too long. Yeah, your experience, you know, because, you know, this by me, you know, so yes. Well, I appreciate it, man. This has been great. And like I said, I really, you guys don't understand this man has been super patient with me and he popped in my life. And I was in Mexico. So, of course, absolutely. And I'm super grateful and I wish you nothing but success and all the things, everything that you need is right there to fingertips and your heart's desire and I'm grateful to be here tonight. So thank you for sharing your platform. Absolutely. Thank you very much. Hope to see you in Boston, San Tamper, New York, you know, so I'll try. Okay, like I said, and. Thank you so much and God bless you as well. Thank you. Good night. Good night. Thanks again. Hello there. My name is Jay, why don't you want to jam and show. Thank you for inviting me. Absolutely. Okay, I guess I'll just start by asking maybe tell me a little bit about what stuff I want you to get up to. Yes. So hi everybody. I'm Davin. And I, a little bit about myself. I am a notary signing agent, a notary public. I'm also a radio producer with being in as well. Part of I have a business is called Divine Legacy LLC. And with this business, what I do is I create spaces so that people can experience spiritual healing. So they can kind of like talk about some of the issues or problems that they're going through and get some solutions. And I also provide a platform for local poets and, you know, other local artists. Well, that's wonderful to hear because we need more platforms for us. I just, you know, definitely, you know, and I see this show. You have a wonderful show, you know, yeah. And, and so I used to work. So I used to work. So I used to work on doing a shutdown, the quarter of hours going on. Yes, yes. So with the shutdown, a lot of my business did slow down. You know, I was working with a lot of community centers and places like that were kind of like, you know, what, you cannot gather people here. So I did kind of fall back on a lot of it, but now it's all picking back up and I'm super excited about that. Well, that's wonderful. Are you going to do it in my show as a BNN? Yeah, I'm coming back to BNN in October. I'm so excited. I cannot wait to bring poetry back to the radio and to just open up that platform and share local artists and music on the radio as well. I will also be doing retreats starting in November and in June of 2022. So I'm super excited about it. That sounds wonderful. I can't wait to have you on my show. You know, I really love your music too, by the way. Have you interviewed me? That'd be blessed. Absolutely. Yes. Okay. Okay. So, okay. So do you want to do you want to do you want to do some of some of your poetry right now? Um, let's see what I have. Let me see. I can definitely read something today. Let me pull something up. So I have a poem in it is called PSA. Okay. It's a little bit long, so I'm not going to read the entire thing, but I will read the journey of it. Okay. Okay. Okay. This is called PSA. I don't care if you're uncomfortable with my level of free. I choose to drown out the complaints of my use of language. I choose not to really care that I use too many F words in a conversation as if my F words are keeping you from hearing the despair in my voice. And it's clear you're still missing the point because you're busy judging and aren't listening to understand, but you're awaiting your turn to reply. It's clear that society has taught you what I've lived through experience it because you've learned what I've lived through scholarly essays and philosophical bull crap. We see my story through a different lens. I am not sorry that I choose to turn my back when something is no longer serving my greatest good but feed in the darkness I seek to overcome. Because I can let that darkness consume she and turn me into the biggest malevolent person you ever seen but I really don't care that my style doesn't fit yours and so you bash me while I walk away with the space of compassion for your lack of understanding and self love in my heart. I will not occupy that space for fools in my heart forever. I'm tired of speaking in circles and having to explain myself in sections when I did not apply to be a part of your election PSA. Well, that's definitely that inspired me because I love how you say how you're tired because I feel you're sometimes such that goes around to, you know, I can definitely understand how you don't want to be yourself, you know, and, yeah, I mean, you should think, you know, I'm on the same way. Yes, yes. Thank you. Absolutely. So what inspired you to write that poem that's so inspiring. Um, you know what I think it's a lot of things, especially when I started to really get into working on myself and doing a lot of self work. A part of that what I found for myself was important on my journey is that I needed to learn how to be myself and that I needed to learn how to love the person who I already was. And I really wasn't happy with it. But what was really frustrating me was that people was almost expecting me to be a certain type of way. And, you know, it just kind of frustrated me and it kind of annoyed me so I really just put that into this poem. So yeah, that's that's definitely what inspired. Oh yeah and I definitely hear your sister because I'm like, definitely understand because, you know, I definitely am just someone for me. I mean, and that's, that's a make-up call for people out there, you know, you don't mess up people like that. You know, absolutely. That's right. So what else was first? What else gives you inspiration and hope? So, I think that a lot of where my inspiration comes is from, you know, my own life, my own personal story, my own background where I come from. I also am an author. I have a book out. It's called Shadow Work. And the book is basically about my life, like how I grew up, the struggles that I had to, you know, go through. You know, when I got older realizing that, like, I was traumatized from all of these things and just knowing that I'm going to forever be on a journey for healing. I've always kind of been sensitive to other people and what other people are going through because of, you know, the life that I had to live with my mom. And I just always have been the type of person to, you know, fill other people's pain, you know, not just see it, but like really feel it on the inside and really wish that there was something I could do about it. And so that's really what inspires me and also, I think that, especially for people of color, I think that a lot of us struggle with being ourselves and being okay with showing up who we already are. And I think that we try so hard to fit into other people's lives and to fit into other people's shoes. And I think that we're doing ourselves and to serve. And so a part of my platform is about, you know, creating the space where you could just come and be who you really are, like, you know, with the mask off, you know, not the person that you have to, you know, show up and be when you go to work. Now who you have to show up and be for your kids, but like really you. Absolutely. And that's what it's about, you know, being yourself, you know, and being comfortable in your own shoes, you know, and doing what you have. I definitely agree. I couldn't say better myself. I definitely agree. You know, definitely agree. Thank you. Yes. It's really hard for us, especially for people in the arts. So when I was younger, you know, I used to do like a theater. I used to do movies and things like that. And it's not until I got a little bit older that I realized how pivotal and powerful those things were because I was learning about, you know, what we are struggle was as black people. You know, I was learning that through the arts, you know, through my teacher, her name is Jackie Parker. You know, she did some amazing work and she taught me so much there. And I started to see that, you know, they cut all of the art programs out of school, they cut music out of school, and that's what I feel like really makes our children who they will be when they grow up is being able to tap into that playful side of themselves. As you know, like our kids are going to school now and they're learning how to be employees for other people. But I feel like when you tap into that gifted skill part with that's buried within all of us, I think, I think that you're able to awaken something that's way more brilliant and way more amazing. So that again, those are other things that have been very inspirational for me because I do see how people use our as therapy. You know, it is really healing, you know, when you're a rapper, when you're a singer, when you're a dancer, when you play instruments like that is something that's really healing to the soul is healing to people who hear it who listen and who share it with you. And I love that because, again, I'm a filler, and I love to feel things, you know, you know, within my heart deeply. Absolutely. And I definitely agree that that people that we want to go on streaming, streaming, you know, cutting down schools, arts for the kids as a hazard, because that's where they can shine. You know, we need to promote them to the talent, you know, and the fact that they can shut down their art programs in the after programs with kids who need this person to watch where you're involved is sad, you know, because that's, because that's the thing. And without that, they can get, you know, that's, that's, that's, that's, you know, it's on call for, you know, absolutely. So we need to make a petition to get to bring that back to the spiritual because we need those programs for kids, you know. Yeah. Absolutely. Yes. Our kids definitely need that outlet. Amen. Yes. Um, so, so I guess my next question to you is, um, what advice can you give artists and posts that want to, that want to be the next you, I mean, that want to be, you know, inspired to be you, a poet, you know, what advice can you give us. I would definitely say like whatever it is that you feel in your heart, you know, whenever you have those moments where you have like these, you know, burst of thoughts or burst of energy, use it and put it into your skill. And no matter what it is that, you know, anybody says any negative thing that people have to say about what you feel like is your art. Do not pay them any mind and do what it is that you set yourself out to do. I mean, and really focus on that. And, you know, connect yourself with people who are going to feed that energy, awaken that energy, you know, feed that fire, because that's really what it is. It's a fire. So if you have that fire within yourself, continue to do whatever it takes to, you know, move that. I absolutely definitely don't know that anybody's stopping from dreaming your dream in life, you know, I always said, you know, that's from all my said to always coffee dreaming. I don't know that anybody says I believe in God, you can make it you definitely make it. Absolutely. So when you see something, you know, years from now doing. So something that I am working on now is a healing sensor. That is my initial goal. Well, all of the many things that I do. Outside of that, my goal, my end goal is to have a healing sensor, you know, a place where people can come learn about healthy ways to take care of their mind, their body, you know, maybe even record music. I have this very, very big vision and so I am doing whatever it takes to get me there. In the meantime, I'm hoping that my retreats will be a thing that become bigger and bigger and bigger over time. So, you know, within the next five years, I just feel like that's what I want to be doing with my life, you know, is helping people, you know, enjoy themselves, get to know themselves, tap back into that. That I feel like we lose the, what do they say, like come, like come to God as a child, like a, you know, I think that we lose that over time or depending on what we go through. And I just want to be able to help people enjoy the moments with themselves that they can, especially in nature. So yes, that's definitely where I see myself soon is right there having that healing sensor and being able to help more people tap into the gifts that they have within. And that's a wonderful, that's, that's a wonderful blessing for people and me, and I definitely support that, you know, because we make them, if you all need that, you need to have something that's ours, you know, you know, so we can show guests are telling, you know, I'm so glad. And so that is people like you that are in the community doing it, you know, because especially now that's what we need, you know. Yeah. So that's how you that's how you inspire me to be more like you and get back to get back to, you know, to the community. That's what it's about. Thank you so much. Yes, absolutely. We need each other. Yes, absolutely. I need you and I need you and I can help you and you help me and you help me already. Yeah. So, so, so, so, so, so do you do you still at least do you still at the same age, do you still aspire to be an actress and singer. Um, I don't aspire to be. I'm leaving that to my kids. I have two little girls and both of them sing. Um, and my oldest daughter, she's got a little bit into acting my youngest daughter. I'm going to put her into that. Um, but I do still keep up with like my poetry. You know, um, I, you know, I do a little singing here and there, but I just keep that to myself. I definitely understand that, you know, because I definitely stand up, you know, to do it, to do it, to do it best for you. Um, so what, what's the, what do you like to do for fun, a travel when you're not doing poetry, what do you like to travel to? Oh my God, I just love getting up and going. Um, I love to be on the road. What I love to do, like, you know, for fun is I like to garden. I love gardening. I love growing my own food. I love growing plants. I love growing herbs, traveling. I love to travel. Um, I love going to like hot states, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, you know, I love the South. Um, and what are some other things I like to hike. Uh, anything that has to do with being out in nature, I really like because what I've noticed and what I've realized is that when I'm in nature, when I'm in the dirt, when I'm, you know, surrounded by trees, when I'm surrounded by water, is that I tend to feel. Um, limitless, you know, I feel limitless. I feel like I could think freely. I could be free. Um, and it just makes me feel really happy and really open to be able to do those things. Um, yeah, that's really what I love to do. Well, I definitely hear you because you met my mom because I love the hot weather, you know, I'm not a fan of the store. You know, you know, I'd rather be, I've had to be in Hawaii, or bought a lot of them by a nice tropical one beach or Florida, California, you know, I'm not a fan. You know, because I'm not a fan of the winter, so I'm trying to move the floor by myself, you know, because you know, because I'm nice. Yeah, because I actually, I actually used to live in Tim or Florida years ago, but then my mother passed my heart attack so, and I'm so sorry. I can't come up with the boss because I have to think from the other side, but I'm trying to get back down this so you know, I can't do this call. Yes. That's why I started this podcast. I can, you know, interview people like yourself, you know, and trying and have the college got my social degree in liberal arts. Nice. Yeah, so I'm trying to get my bachelor's degree now I applied, I applied to Switzerland on Florida, California, so I can, you know, try and get that because I had, I feel that's what I need to be you know so and I love awesome by just, but just not the minute time, you know, yes, yeah, and how about you do you plan to do you plan to do one, do you want to move back on back on the world for more you want to do the store for you know. Yes, so I have definitely been looking at, you know, North Carolina and Alabama as places for me to be able to settle. I have moved around a lot and, you know, I really just, it's something about North Carolina that just caused me you know I went to North Carolina in 2018 with my farmers group with my farmers class and when I got out there and I stepped off the plane, my soul, it cried out my spirit cried out I just felt so connected you know, people were looking at me and making eye contact with me and I felt like you know wow this is where I'm supposed to be you know what I mean I just felt really connected to them. And so that is definitely a place that I see myself being able to live. So one thing that so I'm from Detroit. And so I'm not really used to how everybody lives on top of each other here, you know, all of the many many apartment buildings. So it kind of just feels crowded and I'm just like I gotta get out of here I need to be where I can, you know, just feel like I'm a part of nature, you know, not a part of all of my neighbors. So that's, you know, another thing that I really like about the south is that they have a lot of nature, you know, and it's, you know, more affordable I know a lot of people especially if you're coming from Boston and you be going to like the down south. The first thing that people would say is like oh the money's not good there. You know, but I feel like when you go to a place and you have, you know, a good set of skills and you can get a job, you could do is what you could do well and I feel like you can actually enjoy life. So what I'll be stressed out. So yeah. Well yeah, I definitely, I definitely agree with you because I definitely agree with 100% you know, I feel that as long as you have it, as long as you have, I have some sort of education, you're going to be a job you can live wherever you want, you know, and go back to AC figure, you know, and that's about as you, as you make yourself happy number one, you know, as long as you have to be happy for a show. So, you know, and do what's best for a little dear. My name is Jaya Bana you want to jam into which is on WBCA 1 2.9 FM. My guest today is Keandra. A local cost for artists and one of us singer. Hey guys, one to the show today. Good to see you. So good to see you too. Thank you for having me. Absolutely. So, so success is key on to luck. Okay, so clean up. I guess my question to you is, what made you want to become a golfer singer? Actually, I started in my church choir and years went by and met up with a couple of girls from my church back at home and I asked them if they wanted to be in a group. I was approached by this guy because I used to sing around school all the time just to sing around wherever. And I was approached by him. He asked me if I wanted, you know, a record deal and to sing with him. And I told him that I knew another girl who would, you know, be great for this with me. She came along and she sang for him and he was like, you both are amazing. And she asked one of the other girls who was a friend of ours. And then the other girl asked two more girls. And it was the five of us that we started in a group called Zael. And if anybody remembers or knows the group, we started and we did a cover song of the Clark Sisters is My Living in Vam. And that really put us out on the mat. And we sang on the Stiller Awards show back in 2007. We were nominated for two Stiller Awards, had our first top 15 song. Lord, and I wrote it. Oh my God. And so, yeah, so it was just, you know, an amazing journey. And I think just going through the motion, if you will, as, as a younger person doing music. That's kind of what made me stay in gospel, but continuing on now as an adult doing gospel music. I do it for the hearts of the people, you know. Yeah, that's wonderful, you know, because also it was definitely changed my life, you know, and my mother's like, you know, so I definitely understand what you mean. Yeah, so, so I guess my question is, I thought that you do a lot of charities, you know, a lot of events and charities, you know, for people giving back, you know. Are you working on any new and exciting and new songs coming out? Yes, I am working on new songs. Actually, I just dropped a song with Kew Parker from 112. It's a song called Made Away. And so that's a part of the four singles that I'll be releasing before my album next year, Cornerstone. And so I've been working all year on that album. And I'm excited. I hope everybody loves it. Yeah, I'm sure we will, you know, yeah, definitely. And I also saw the song called I try. I love that song. I try. I love the song because it's strange about what we want to go through, you know, and how we can make it, you know. So, as long as we believe in God, right? So, so what inspired you to write that song? That's such a powerful song and I love it. Thank you. Thank you. So what inspired me to write this song was just, you know, going on like a day-to-day basis. We get up in the mornings and we're like, you know, I want to try my best to, you know, do really well, go, you know, and do what it is as the Bible says. But when we make your back home, by the end of the day, we're thinking like, dang it, I didn't do everything right. But the point of living for Christ is, is to make sure that you just put your fourth, you know, your best foot forward. And I, I believe wholeheartedly in grace and Christ's grace. So when we do mess up, we have that extended grace. But at the same time, I believe in how we are supposed to abide in Christ and he'll abide in us. You know, so you got to put forth effort to really live the life. And sometimes it's not easy, but, you know, you just depend on Jesus and he'll help you through it. You know, I also was inspired by this song. So I had to do a lot of changes vocally a couple of years back, because I was going through some vocal issues. And so at the time writing that song was, it was really all I could, all I could give at the moment. And it turned out to be one of my bigger songs. It hit top 15, which was my second top 15 song to Billboard. And I had a music video, which now plays on BET Gospel, and it was first aired on BET. Oh, that's wonderful. And that's, I'm so glad that you actually able to get the inspired us to believe in God in. Yes. You do a music that's very, very important, you know, definitely agree. Yeah. So how did I'm being in, so how did being in COVID affected you? You know, how did the pandemic affect your career? Yeah. Well, actually, as it relates to music, I was working on my album then as well. So it's kind of been like a two year type thing, if you will. I was working on my music video for my first number one song at Billboard, which is called Trouble, Mads. I worked on that music video. And so I really didn't have too many things that, you know, stopped me as it relates to affecting me. Of course, like traveling and things like that for artists, you know, it just kind of dwindled down because of safety reasons. But, you know, it's just one of those things where you got to roll with the punches and, you know, be able to move in spite of what happens. So my sister and I, we have a clothing line is called Jolie Wong, and it means pretty black and French. So all year, all 2020, I was super busy with that. So that's what I mean by like rolling with the punches, where you're not working over here. Make sure you got something working over here. You know what I'm saying? I definitely agree. So one spot should look at your expression and help. Okay, um, God's people for sure, you know, and feeling like I'm called to this, you know, we each have a calling. We each have something that we need to be doing to inspiring people to, or rather to inspire people to, you know, see God in their lives and to point them to God. So that's a part of, you know, me being inspired and, you know, feeling like even being motivated to do this is, is God. And that's wonderful here. Um, so what if I can get, you know, gospel singers that one, that won't be the next, they want to be next year will be a single device can you give them, you know, don't look at me. Your way, do it the best way you can. Best way possible. Um, your way, because I do share this a lot with people. There is no one way to make it. There's no one to be successful. There are plenty of ways. Now, you may not do it the way that Natasha Cobb's did it or a Beyonce did it, but you'll find a groove and a lane for you. And it'll work well. So I can't necessarily tell anybody how to do this exactly, but just be yourself, you know, and, and have a great team around you, people who believe in you and move in your own lane. I definitely, I definitely hear that, you know. Um, so, so what's left to be famous? What's left left to be famous for you? I mean, I'm famous. I mean, I see, I've seen you on some awards, you know, and I see on TV, you know, so like, yeah, so anybody who's on TV, you know, and, you know, I think, you know, so inspired me to be to be out there to you. Yeah, you know, so, yes, I know I'm trying to be hungry. So, um, it's, if there's honestly a battle at times, you know, you want to try and make sure that you are humble and that it's, it's not getting to your head. The fame that I do have right now, it's, it's a steady road of, you know, growth and climbing to where I am. I've not yet just shot off and become just this, you know, famous big name, but it never happens like that for anybody, you know. And so, um, I just, I think that, you know, it's a battle, but you got to have that balance, and the balance is, is staying, you know, accountable to people, you know, people on your team who keep you focused on the right things and not being arrogant and haughty, you know, so. Yeah, that's, that's good to hear. I mean, maybe Anthony, and any films or TV. Actually, that's not something that I'm necessarily interested in. Now, if somebody came to me and offered me a role or, you know, said, Hey, I want you to audition, I do it, I would, but it's not something that I'm necessarily interested in. Oh, okay. And really, so what do you like to travel in a spare time? What do you like to do for fun, you're not working. I like, you know, going to the mall. You know, just chilling, being just a regular person. I am a homebody. I love being at home. I love watching Netflix and, you know, just catching on a lot of shows and things like that. My favorite go to show right now, it's a bunch of reruns, but it's saved by the bell. So, I've been watching that a lot. And, I mean, I'm just a homebody I love being at home. Okay, yeah, me too, you know, I feel your home. So, um, what do you see yourself, you don't see yourself here. So now, so, so producing, singing, and I think I've done the line. For sure. Continuing on with singing, continuing on with with ministry for sure. And continuing on with my clothing line, Jolignon, you know, that's, that is one of the biggest things. My music and Jolignon, they both keep me busy. And so, um, yeah, and I would also like to continue on in like different things as it relates to charity and things like that like I feel like it's necessary that we give our time. And our talents to more than just what we like, you know, it's this whole role is about serving people. And I need to keep that before me to keep me humble. And definitely. Do you put in 12, do you put in 12, maybe just before you do it, let me go on for maybe next year. I, I'm not sure just yet, you know, depending on how COVID does, you know, but until then, I do have spot dates, things like that. So if you want to know anything about me where I'm going, all of that, especially because that's where I always am. That's blocking. Okay. I've been out there. I definitely will. Um, so what do they, what do they think people can do to change the world to make the world better and in your opinion. To change the world and make it better. Um, love people. Love people in spite of, you know, in spite of how they treat you. Um, love people. And, and how they are. That's how Christ did. He loved people. And I think that we should share that are true, be honest with people for sure. But, um, but definitely, because that's a part of loving a person as well. But definitely. I cannot say that I'm better myself here. I definitely stand, you know, yeah. Yes. Yes. So, so how can we, so how can we follow you and listen to your music, you know, if you want to hear more about you, how can I learn more about you. Okay. At key on the rocket, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. And you can also find out more about me on our website, www dot key on the rocket.com. You can also go to my clothing, um, Instagram page. Jolie X. Noa apparel J. O. L. I. E. X. N. O. I. R. E. apparel. And we have a website as well. That's one of our guests. I definitely look for the senior clothes. Good. And it was with myself, you know, so you don't gene. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I go big, you know, go away, you know, right? Yeah. So, okay. So I guess my question is, how do you deal? How do you deal with racism, you know? I mean, how does that affect you? No, because that that kind of affected me. How did it affect you? Yeah. Um, definitely, uh, it will affect me emotionally. You know, you want for people to respect you and, um, and, and see you the way you see them. You know, um, the way that I see people, I see them through a different lens. You know, I don't, I see color, but you know, it's not, it's not an issue for me, just because you're white or, you know, you're not, you're not Michael, that's not an issue for me. And I would hope that other people will be the same way. But of course the world that we live in, that's, you know, it's not the truth. That's not going to happen. But it definitely affects me emotionally because, you know, you want for people to show you that same respect and that's the same level of love, you know, but everybody's not going to do that. And so how I handle it is just making sure that I'm doing what it is that I'm supposed to do. You know, again, it continues to add love to this world and prayerfully. We can change things. I definitely agree sister. I have a way to, um, so when you, so when you, when you, we don't record music, right? Um, how do you get the, um, I guess, you know, the feel of a song, you know, how do you go about writing a song? You know, does it just come to you? Cause it's. Well, um, a lot of times I am sitting, you know, in my room. And, uh, I think of like a melody or something like that. I jot it down and I go to the notes section of my phone and I'll record something, then I'll send it over to my producer, Teddy P Williams. And, uh, I'll send it to him and he'll be like, Oh yeah, let's do, let's do something with it. And then when it's time to go in the studio, we end up like just writing this whole big song, but everything pretty much starts in my room. Okay, that's good. That's definitely good to hear, you know, and yeah, cause, cause it's like a shit album that we definitely, definitely inspired me and also, you know, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm glad to have you all my show. You know, it's just on and it's hard to meet you. You know, you know, and. Thank you. Yes, sir. Thank you. And yeah. And, um, yeah. So this is like, this is a bus interview. I think I think it's time to meet with me. You know, and it's, it's a little more about you, your music, you know, your struggle, what you went through, you know, I think that, you know, it's with God, I think it's a part of why that's funny. I just think I love it. I forgot. I think it's a part of my mother always told me so, you know, so. So, so, so it's just to meet you a little more about you, you know, and, you know, and. You know, and, you know, and I'll try to have some good play next week and of course, you know, because it's on a meeting, it's hard to forget. Yes, sir. Thank you. Good meeting you. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Hopefully it's also okay. Yes, sir. Thank you. Okay. Have a nice good question. Take care. Bye bye. Well, hello there. This is the Jay Man Show on WBCA 102.9 FM Boston's local community radio station.