Rising Stars: Meet Diamond Cherí of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diamond Cherí

Hi Diamond, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born into a creative family. My mother is known as the First Lady of YEEK; an ATL dance style. She was in singing groups, and then became a solo artist. I watched all her rehearsals and even was snuck into a few shows! With my dad as her manager, I was always surrounded by the music business. I always wanted to perform and don’t remember a moment in my life where I didn’t want to sing.

My first talent show was at Narvie J Harris Elementary School. I believe I was in 4th grade. I asked if I could have background dancers, but I don’t think they were prepared for what I had to offer. The first song I ever performed on any stage was “Most Girls” by P!NK. The crowd roared and we were sure I had the win! Unfortunately, I was disqualified. After my dad asked why, they said I was “too advanced” for that show.

The next year, I performed Waterfalls by TLC and finally took the win. I didn’t feel like a winner though. I had to dumb down my performance to “fit in” and that was when I knew I wanted to be a performing artist.

My dad helped form my singing group, Az1, which dominated the ATL scene for over a decade and over 400 live stage performances. We were featured on, Good Day Atlanta, 106 & Park, and Xfactor to name a few.

Since becoming a solo artist, I have continued to elevate as an artist and hope to live my life while continuing my passion…MUSIC

My Team:
Business Advisors: Eric Smalls & Yakia Johnson
Creative Director: Ryan George
Production: Tha Illastrators, Produced by Q, LaTREZ Mixed It
Videography: Sterling McGee IV (@ulikemyphotos)
Editing: Genetix Films

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No journey is easy. My biggest struggle was being managed by my father. As a little girl I craved for the love and attention other girls got from their dads. But mine was so focused on business, I felt like that was always his main focus. It’s funny because, on the other hand, there are so many kids that WISH their parents cared about their passions. So, sometimes, I just took the good with the bad. At least I got his time. He taught me everything I know. Good and bad. For that, I will always be grateful.

Without his guidance, some of the other challenges that come with the industry, would have been too much to bear. Like losing friends, sacrificing social life, and knowing how to handle the reality of being a woman in this game.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Diamond Cheri is known as the complete entertainment experience. Vocals, Dance, Acting, Modeling…I have done it all! It is so hard to stand behind a mic and sing. As an artist I leave it all on the stage. Anything I feel, any thoughts that I can’t seem to speak….I sing.

What makes me different is that I don’t need a million dollar deal to do what I love to do. I wouldn’t care if NO ONE ever listened to a word I sing…I would still do it. It is truly a part of me. God has blessed me with a gift, and I intend to share it with the world, but I am so happy with knowing it brings genuine joy to my soul.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I get nervous! People have asked me this time and time again. No matter how many times I’ve been on a stage, I still get butterflies every time I step out on that mic. The crazy part is, big crowds don’t bother me. It’s the intimate shows that get me. Performing for people that know me is the worst lol. Because it’s my release, I feel like when I sing, I’m allowing people to really see ME and that can be hard. But I press on.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @diamondcheri
• Twitter: @diamondcheri
• Youtube: @diamondcheri
• Other: https://linktr.ee/DiamondCheri

Image Credits
Red Photos: @desmondchampionphotography
Cover Art:
@ryangeorge
Live Performance Shots:
@gurliephotography