Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalonda Kay.
Hi Kalonda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started singing at an early age with the Gospel Music Workshop of America. My mother would always sign me up for various singing and dancing camps and/or programs. I performed Opera for the Famous Nutcracker play annually starting as early as age five. I guess my mother saw talent inside of me and signed me for a city vs County Talent Competition at just 10 years old. There were thousands of attendees, and I was scared out of my mind. But she saw something in me that I didn’t know I housed. I ended up winning my first competition as a singer. I won $1,000, which I spent on gummy bears and pizza. Music and dance were always my alter ego. It was my way of expressing myself, especially because I was super shy. I always felt music and dance as a part of my heartbeat.
I always mainly covered gospel and opera but around age 14 a good friend of mine brought me into the secular music world. I found a love for it and began the journey of recording which led to theatre, live bands, and more.
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?
My journey has been filled with challenges. One of the main challenges are being a beautiful black woman can sometimes be a stumbling block between people taking you serious or not. As a serial entrepreneur and entertainer, I’ve encountered business meetings that end up with the other party shooting their shot romantically, yet all I want to do is do business. Which ends up being a waste of my time and effort.
Because I was raised by strong black businesswomen and witnessed their challenges, I learned that life is never meant to be easy. Our challenges make us stronger. When you’ve experienced certain levels of pain, heartbreak, and disappointments, you learn how to bounce back even stronger. You begin to look at those challenges as a test and a trial that is meant to build you up bigger and better. You don’t run away from them; you face them head-on.
This round of my career has been eye-opening. I’m doing things differently as an independent artist doing this thing on my own. So, each obstacle that comes, I take it as an opportunity to learn. And then I just figure it out and keep moving.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a business owner of multiple businesses, a mother, an actress, a singer and an entertainer. I’m extremely passionate about everything that I do.
My artistry journey as a National Recording Artist, singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress has been a major part of my life. I am an R&B singer who covers 98% positive music from the 90’s era. What I love most about my music is the vibe and the way it makes you reflect on the 90’s era. The ’90s was filled with so many fun memories. The things that set me apart from others, as a performer, I’m normally known for my energy that I give on stage, the personable personality I have, and the way that I move people through music. To see people brought to tears through my performances is super humbling.
At this time in my life, I’m most proud of my acting. I never knew that I would be in that industry but like my music talent, someone saw my acting talent and provided me with that amazing opportunity to act alongside Carl Anthony Payne for my first film experience. I also landed a leading role on National Public Radio playing an 80-year-old woman “Effie” for an on-air play “Don’t Go There”. I never saw acting in my life in the arts but now that I’m doing it, I love it and am proud of my accomplishments thus far.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice would be to have a great publicist, mentor, and team that can encourage you, put you in the right places, and advocate for your career. The best thing I did so far was working with my publicist Desirae Benson who is heavily connected, understanding of who I am as an artist, and who provides opportunities for me to gain exposure.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kalondakay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalonda_kay/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kalondakaysinger
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqTJ4KT3RtRv94QplhsNNcA
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kalondakay
