Today we’d like to introduce you to Ami Divine.
Hi Ami, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hailing from the beautiful state of Arizona, my life has always been surrounded by art. Two beautiful humans adopted me and welcomed me into their humble home. Rooted in paintings, culinary exploration and poetry, the seeds of success were placed early. My father, the soil, lived to read, write and love the hell out of his family. He planted seeds of poetry in my garden daily. My mother, the water, showered me in delicious food and dance. And love.
Then there was music. So much beautiful music.
They are my greatest gardeners.
From there, I began to blossom.
I joined the military and traveled until I landed at Langley AFB, VA in 2008. Here, I found my voice through a collective crowned “Poetic Expressions”. Many written pieces lay sleeping in my notebook that I never thought I would share.
However, through words of encouragement…
Suddenly, there I was. Standing in front of a mic at Soul Food Cafe on a Tuesday Night. Nervous hands thumbed through an old composition notebook before anxious lips parted to speak.
I was addicted immediately after my debut.
Soon after, I was gifted the name “Ami Divine”.
Two years of open mics, slams, camaraderie and unforgettable experiences, it was time to move on.
In 2012, I took an assignment to Nellis AFB, NV (Las Vegas). After getting settled in, I started to search for a new open mic to call home. The first spot in Downtown Las Vegas was amazing. I befriended two artists who welcomed me so gracefully.
One of these artists introduced herself as ‘Riyah B’.
Inspired by Floetry, I started to write songs for us to perform. She would sing and I would spit poetry. After a while, she questioned why I didn’t sing my own songs.
I hated my voice, to be honest.
But, I gave it a try, enjoyed it for a bit and even released my first single.
Then here came the writer’s block.
In 2016, my father passed. This turned my world black.
Soon after…
Through a toxic, traumatic relationship, I lost myself and buried my creative side deep in the ground for almost 7 years.
In 2019, I was able to resurface and was welcomed back into the community with open arms by my dear friend Brittany Soul.
What a celebration. I felt inspired again. And I never looked back. Not once.
In 2020, my mom passed.
Grief wouldn’t win this time. Since we were all locked inside our temples, my first album began to grow a life in the comfort of my living room.
I transformed sadness into sound. Grief into frequency. Pain into melody.
‘SPELLS’ was my therapy. I birthed her, held her for a moment, then released her into the atmosphere to thrive.
I’ve been celebrating the life of parents by fiercely living my own.
‘The Divine Sound’ is being manifested through the creation of my new album.
My spirit is blossoming and I couldn’t be more proud.
The time has come to inspire the collective to do the same…
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth road? Is there such a thing?
I’ve experienced great pain in my life. This has fueled the art. It has inspired the words that cry from my mouth and land as ink on paper.
Losing my parents, a painful divorce and other traumatic experiences have shown me how strong I am.
Hardships have helped me find myself.
But so has love.
Always love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a poet, singer-songwriter and producer.
Honestly, I describe myself best as a creative.
What am I known for? My song ‘Hoodoo’ from SPELLS has been described as an ‘anthem’ in the local community. This piece celebrates the goddess energy we all possess and serves as a reminder to live in one’s power. Manifestation is a possible. Discover the magic that is you.
Who inspires me? Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, The Floacist, Billie Holiday and Stevie Nicks to name a few. Each one of the aforementioned artists are very unique and memorable.
Proudest moment? Continuing to do my best and polishing my craft.
Delivery, poise, style and energy set me apart. I have my own electric wave that I’m vibing to.
What matters most to you? Why?
Love.
Of course.
Because it is all things.
Contact Info:
- Website: amidivine.com
- Instagram: xoamidivine
- Facebook: xoamidivine
- Twitter: xoamidivine
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkMVzqCiPmjdNXfayPjf8Rg
- SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/msamidivine/sets/spells
Image Credits
Rodrigo J Nikon Don Miguel Cortes N Dion Visuals L.Y.Fe Media Renowned Photos
