Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy “Gymani” Rhodes.
Hi Brandy “Gymani”, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins in the church. I grew up as a preacher’s kid, where faith wasn’t just something we talked about—it was a way of life. Church was my first home, my first stage, and my first foundation. By the time I was four years old, I was already singing on the praise team, learning early that music was more than performance—it was purpose.
I come from a very musical family. I’m one of four siblings, and all of us are musically inclined. Music filled our home daily. My mother, Linnitta Rhodes, is a singer, and my father, Brian Rhodes, is a well-known organist throughout Atlanta. Watching my parents minister through music shaped me deeply and planted seeds that would later grow into my own calling.
At ten years old, I auditioned for America’s Got Talent. I didn’t make it to the next round, but that experience changed my life. Instead of stopping me, it pushed me to start writing. That moment marked the beginning of my songwriting journey—using words and melodies to express what I couldn’t always say out loud.
I’ve always loved animals and once thought that might be my future. But my mother saw more in me. She recognized my full potential—not just as an artist, but as a visionary. She believed I was meant to create, lead, and build something meaningful, even when I couldn’t see it yet.
Growing up, I was passionate about both music and sports. Throughout middle school, I stayed busy, eventually landing in band and basketball. By the time I reached high school, I joined activities like chorus, cross country, and majorette dancing. I had learned discipline, balance, and the importance of showing up fully in everything I committed to. In 2016, I graduated from Creekside High School, and I was determined to start my singing journey.
After high school, I continued singing with my former chorus teacher, Antwoin Holman, and his group, Trans4mation. In 2018, I began performing regularly at a local jam session called Groove Lounge, where I truly began to sharpen my live performance skills and grow as an artist.
That same year, my life changed forever—I became a mother to my first daughter, Bailey. Motherhood transformed me in ways I never imagined. For the next two years, I continued performing at showcases like Groove Lounge, private parties, and other events, all while learning how to balance being a new mother with pursuing my dreams.
In the beginning of 2020, I auditioned for The Voice and completed the audition process. However, I was pregnant at the time and made the decision to wait. After having my second daughter, I decided to try again—and that’s when my journey on The Voice truly began.
Being on The Voice shaped me in ways I never could have imagined. The lifestyle, the artistic development, and the constant inspiration stretched me beyond my comfort zone. One of the greatest blessings was working with Kelly Clarkson, who poured into me both creatively and personally. My four-chair blind audition reached 1 million views the very first night, and I truly believe God arranged every single note in that moment.
After The Voice, I realized that the experience wasn’t the end—it was only the beginning. Life happened. I went through hard seasons, painful breakups, and moments where I lost sight of who I truly was. But God met me right there.
Through attending Momentum City Church, now located in Decatur, Georgia, my relationship with God deepened in a new way. I found healing, restoration, and purpose, and I now serve in the youth ministry—pouring back into others what was poured into me.
Today, I’m stepping into a new chapter. I’m preparing for my first residency beginning in January 2026 called Grub & Groove with Gymani, an immersive live music and dining experience designed to blend soulful performances with curated cuisine. I’m also embracing my role as an entrepreneur. I have a heart for children and have launched a hair bow line dedicated to and named after my daughters, called Bryn& Bai Bows, combining motherhood, creativity, and purpose.
My goal has never been fame or the spotlight. My desire is to live a life where God’s glory reigns. Everything I do—music, business, ministry—is about obedience, authenticity, and trusting His plan for my life.
This is only the beginning
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There was a season in my life where everything looked nothing like the promise I believed God had spoken over me. I was a single mother carrying the weight of responsibility, survival, and fear all at once. I experienced homelessness—moments where I didn’t know where my daughters and I would lay our heads—and I stayed in situations that hurt me because I was trying to hold everything together by myself.
I walked through domestic violence, and even after I got out, the damage didn’t immediately leave. I began to self-sabotage—making choices rooted in pain, not purpose. I lost sight of who I was, what I was called to, and even what I deserved. There were times I questioned my worth, my faith, and whether the woman God created me to be still existed.
But even in the middle of my worst decisions and the hardest circumstances, God never removed His hand from my life. When I couldn’t see Him, He was still moving. When I felt disqualified, He was still ordering my steps. Every closed door, every uncomfortable transition, every hard lesson was still part of His plan to realign me, not destroy me.
What I’ve learned is that God doesn’t wait for perfection—He responds to surrender. I’m not here because I did everything right. I’m here because God is faithful, even when I wasn’t. My story is not one of failure; it’s one of survival, grace, and redemption. And it’s proof that no matter how far you feel from who you’re meant to be, God is still able to move in your life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a singer, songwriter, and performer who leads with heart and intention. Everything I create is rooted in the desire to bring healing into an already hurting world. Music has always been my way of restoring, connecting, and reminding people that joy is still available—even in hard seasons.
As an artist, I don’t just sing songs—I create experiences. I love bringing joy to my listeners and making people feel seen, uplifted, and inspired through my voice, my lyrics, and my presence on stage.
I’m also an entrepreneur. I own Bryn & Bai Bows, a hair bow business inspired by my daughters and built from love, creativity, and purpose. In addition, I’m launching Grub and Groove with Gymani in January 2026—a live music experience centered on community, great food, real vibes, and unforgettable performances.
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is my journey on The Voice. That season pushed me creatively and personally, and the numbers and response I put up affirmed that my voice and my story truly resonate with people.
Beyond business and music, service is a huge part of who I am. I work with the youth at Momentum City Church, where I have the opportunity to pour into the next generation, encourage them, and show them what it looks like to walk in purpose and authenticity.
What truly sets me apart is that I am unapologetically myself. I know who I am, and I know how to show up when I perform. People don’t just hear me—they feel me. My authenticity, energy, and connection are what make every performance real and memorable.
This isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
When you’re starting out, it’s important to build your foundation first and truly understand the revelation God has given you. That foundation is what keeps your feet planted when opportunities come fast or when life gets unpredictable. Something I wish I would’ve known earlier is how important it is to love myself more and fully trust God. When you have those two things—self-love and trust in Him—you don’t move out of fear, you move with purpose.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gymanix?igsh=MW8ycTVjYTM4NnlpYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1K8rZR3XEQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@gymanix?si=gl_brNOHgkx_h3lW
Image Credits
NBC THE VOICE
Ja’me Almonte-Paige
