Meet Canjelae T of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Canjelae T.

Hi Canjelae , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started singing at a very young age. In my community so many had beautiful voices so I didn’t realize that my voice was unique. It wasn’t until I was singing in the bathroom at school and a teacher heard me that I realized people wanted to hear my voice and my perspective. From there things blossomed. I was the lead in a broadway style play written and produced by actress Robin Givens at age 11 which opened the door for many more opportunities. Later on I was awarded scholarships to go to Berklee College of Music where I met so many amazing fellow musicians and friends. As continued my journey I was able to learn from so many amazing artists, songwriters and producers, writing for other artists in Atlanta, LA and London. Those experiences shaped me. I later found a Team in Atlanta and was managed by MC Media works’ Jonathan Sims and Jonteau Johns, where I laid the foundation for my debut E.P “Cave Covers” in 2020 with features from Jacob Latimore, Kevin Ross and TK Kravitz. I felt so blessed that it was so well received back home and in the U.S. I’ll never forget the love and support I was shown. Today after a bit of a hiatus I’m working on my Album and I’m so excited to come back with even more to give.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My path hasn’t been linear. There have been challenges along the way, but the one that feels most relevant right now was navigating my immigration process during COVID.

Before the pandemic, I was moving frequently between Bermuda, London, and the U.S. When everything shut down, I happened to be in the States, and with borders closed, I couldn’t return home. In the midst of that uncertainty, my visa situation became complicated and certain things weren’t handled the way they should have been. It was a strange time globally, and a lot of things slipped through the cracks.

I was eventually able to return home and spent some meaningful time with my family. But when I tried to come back to the U.S., I was denied entry. At that point, I had a lot of momentum and opportunities building, so it felt like everything had been paused overnight.

The process to resolve everything was long, detailed, and extremely costly. But in hindsight, that period forced me to slow down and reconnect with where I started. I was able to be present with my family and experience a different side of my journey that I might have otherwise missed. What felt like a setback at the time ended up shaping the next chapter in a way I didn’t expect.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a recording artist, songwriter, and entrepreneur. From a young age, I was known for having a distinct voice and a natural ability to emote and connect with people. As I grew into writing, both for myself and for others, that evolved into a reputation for storytelling.

I’ve always had a way of listening to people’s experiences and translating them into something that feels honest and cohesive, something that allows them to feel seen and heard. That, paired with my approach to melody, has become a defining part of my work.

As far as what I’m most proud of, it goes beyond accolades. I’m proud of the woman I’ve become, my resilience, my growth, and my ability to see every experience as a blessing and an opportunity. That perspective is rooted in my faith, and it’s what grounds me.

What sets me apart is something I’ve always found difficult to define, not because I question my own strengths, but because I believe everyone carries their own form of greatness. What I can say is that I’m deeply aligned with my purpose and the impact I want to make. I move with intention, and I’m clear about why I do what I do. When you’re in that space, you’re already positioned to grow into whatever you’re meant to become.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I think it’s really important to value mastery of your craft, while also having a strong understanding of the business side of your industry. Both matter. Put yourself in rooms where you’re the least experienced person so you can grow, and be open to learning from as many people as you can.

One thing I wish I understood earlier was how to protect my intellectual property in real time. Going into sessions without a hard drive, or being too hesitant to have conversations about splits in the moment, are things that cost me early on. I’ve heard full records that carried pieces of what I created, melodies, ideas, things that started with me with absolutely no credit. At the time, I was just excited to be in the room.

But I’ve learned that you can respect people who are more experienced than you without compromising your own value. You can be open, collaborative, and still advocate for yourself and your rights.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Canjelae.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canjelae/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@canjelae
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/canjelae/665738158