Today we’d like to introduce you to Danni Thomas
Hi Danni , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Shanika, but musically I go by Danni. Born and raised in East Atlanta music has been the heartbeat of my life for as long as I can remember. My grandmother (Mary Parlor) and my mother (Francina Parlor-Thomas) are musically gifted in their own right. I grew up in church listening and watching these powerful women use their voices and talents not just to entertain but to uplift and inspire. From my mother moving on to become a choir director while also singing alongside my grandmother in her gospel group, I’ve been around music since the start.
My own journey began humbly. My first solo was in the children’s choir, Genesis, where I was given a song by Sister Patricia Campbell. She saw something in me I hadn’t yet seen in myself and pushed me out of my comfort zone. With her encouragement, I sang that solo, igniting a spark that would one day become a fire. From that point on, I sang around the house, with my mom guiding me to seek the right notes and find my voice.
But it wasn’t until my early adulthood that I truly began to take my gift seriously. I made a commitment to myself to grow as an artist, dedicating time to vocal lessons, studio sessions, and writing sessions. I immersed myself in the work of artists like Brandy and Kierra Sheard, studying their techniques and artistry. Singing became my daily ritual, and I started sharing song covers online, building a small but loyal audience.
In 2023, I took a leap of faith and released my first single, “I Gave You”. Written and arranged by my longtime friend, Demond Turner, this song marked the beginning of my professional journey. Demond’s belief in my potential pushed me to nurture my gift and embrace imperfection as part of the process.
A year later, in 2024, I released my second single, “Time Heals”. This song was deeply personal—a reflection of my own journey and a message of hope for anyone facing life’s challenges. Hearing how it resonated with listeners reminded me why I chose this path: to connect, inspire, and heal through music.
I don’t know where this journey in the music industry will lead me, but I am filled with excitement and hope. My dream is to make a name for myself, not for fame’s sake, but to create a life I love while inspiring others to chase their dreams.
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?
It surely hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Even up until this very moment I’m always faced with challenges and fighting to stay out of my comfort zone.
When I feel stagnant with my voice and music it becomes very discouraging. There’s time I feel as though no one will ever truly hear my music and know me as the artist I’m striving to become.
There’s day my voice just doesn’t act right, or maybe I can’t get the exact emotional touch to a song and I want to give up and consider other paths. Somehow, I can ever let go of the music in me despite the challenges.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an aspiring artist. I’m 2025, my vision is clear: I want millions to know who Danni is. I want opportunities that challenge me, refine me, and push me closer to my ultimate goal of building a lasting career in music.
I’m most proud of my willingness to push through. I’m not the BEST singer, but I recognize that I do have a gift that, with consistency and patience, I can nurture it even more to be what I really want.
What sets me apart from others? I’d say my humbleness. I hear often how soothing and nice my voice is, but I never let any get my head big. Maybe one day I should hype myself up like others do.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I’d say at this point in life, what matters most to me would be getting myself in a position to be a way out for my family and true friends. I’m not sure what that journey looks like, but somehow I feel as if I’m the one that will break generational curses, create opportunities, and get us all to a place in life where we can enjoy it and not survive it.
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