Rising Stars: Meet Kessey Monae

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kessey Monae.

Hi Kessey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, hello there. My name is Lakesia Smart but everyone calls me Kessey Monae. I’m a singer, actress, entrepreneur, and diverse entertainer. I’m a native of Jackson, Mississippi, but I reside in a small town called Goodman. I’ve always been blessed to have two moms, Larissa Latiker and Brandy Smith, and a talented father, Stacey Smith. Without them, I would not be here so I must honor them. I am the middle child of 11 siblings and aunt of a host of nieces and nephews whom I love dearly. I also happen to be the luckiest girl in the world to be blessed with the most devoted husband, recording artist Brady C. Smart.

I have been singing since I could remember. Music was always in my home because my dad was a blues singer formerly known as Soul Blaque. I vividly remember the late nights of him working in the home studio and falling asleep listening to syncopated rhythms. I was in my first talent show at the age of six. I didn’t win but the feeling and sensation I got from being on stage helped me determine what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. In the years to come, I would go on to sing for several functions at school, churches, musicals, galas, and athletic games. In school from elementary to high school, I was always in the choir. In high school, I was given the honor of singing a solo at the class of 2017 graduation commencement.

I recently graduated from Holmes Community College with a AA Arts Degree in Voice/ Performing Arts with a focus in genres of Opera and Classical. Music became a way of life for me, without it I wouldn’t be the person I am. Singing isn’t a hobby for me nor a job. My passion for singing comes from deep within my soul, mind, and heart.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I would not consider my journey easy or a smooth road so to speak. I have had many obstacles in life where I questioned my purpose and in a way tested my faith. Not to go into much detail, I’ve been abused, molested, and raped. There were times were I felt as if life would be better without me in it. The only thing that kept me sane was music. I remember when I was going through all of the childhood trauma how I use to write songs and compose beats in my head. I decided right then that I would do something with my life and I would make a mark on this world. The trauma would also lead me to become an advocate for children. I make sure I find a way to give back every year. Most times I sponsor the children’s shelter I was in as a way to thank them for making me feel safe. The year I graduated high school, I had a life-threatening car accident. I died but was able to be resuscitated back to life. The accident aftermath caused minor scratches, I could barely walk and I shattered my two front teeth. Despite losing teeth, I still had my life. That was also a big epiphany that ignited my fire to follow my dreams. I know I had angels protecting, guiding, and giving me strength to keep going every single day.

These days I cry a lot of happy tears when I think of what I thought my life would be like. I went from feeling unimportant to people paying to see me sing. The feeling overwhelms me with so much joy.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I know I was put on this earth to impact people whether it be by singing, acting, speaking and etc. I started off performing covers and to see how people reacted to me was indescribable. I recently just released my first song, Reminiscing, from a bigger project I’ve been working on for over 2 years. The love and support that has been shown to me thus far completely melted my heart in gratitude. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention TonyT The Producer, who helped bring my vision to life.

I’ve spent years perfecting my craft and I’m not done yet. I’ve been in stage plays, dance productions, and performed at mainstream events and weddings. Though all these are great nothing tops singing where my passion started, the church. I know you may be wondering where opera and r&b come into the mix but I have sincere love for all music. I love classical, pop, jazz, opera, reggae, hip-hop, gospel – you name it! I’m so excited to see how everyone reacts to the new music I’m working on, it’s a little bit of everything. I put my heart and soul into anything I do. I was set apart from others when I was born. The sonification of my DNA is filled with a melodic complex instrument that no one but me would understand.

One of my biggest achievements I will forever be proud of is defeating the odds and releasing my own song. I’ve been honored to win The Holmes Music Major Award, Literature Award, Growl Newspaper Award, and have many talent show trophies and plaques. There is nothing that makes me more proud than to be able to look up my name and see so much positivity and light about a woman people thought would be nothing. I’m eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support I have.

A quote I find myself saying every time I sing is, “People don’t have to be nice to you, so when people show themselves nice don’t take it for granted.” I’ll never take anything on this earth for granted because time is so precious.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Lol, I’m a jack of all trades. I can do graphic designs, plan your wedding/ events, choreograph dances, and write your school papers (just kidding)! I keep myself busy to stay ahead. Once I got married, I became co-regent of my husband’s company BCS Productions. BCS Productions is a 12-branch company that specializes in a host of things not limited to stage production, artist management, outreach, photography, choreography, catering, event planning and etc. Most of my days are tied up with meetings and planning the next moves. My goal in life is not to be famous. I want to be known for making an impact on this world by spreading love through anything I do.

I’m very thankful for the tribe I have in my life who helps me carry out most of my shenanigans. My husband is my rock that makes sure things seen and unseen stay afloat. My team’s JBAP management keeps me motivated. I’m thankful for Marvin Blackmon of Blackmon Graphics and Jarion Smith of Custom Trinkets who always take care of my graphic needs as an artist. Thank you to my brother who handles my sound and engineering among other essential needs, Kewane Latiker. To Jabrieka Thornton of Cosette Productions, who is my choreographer for most of my works and appearances, thank you for being my right hand. My styling team Alexandria Smith and Moriah Goss make sure my face stays beat and my head stays slayed. My aunt who owns CLR Creations sows and designs my clothes to perfection. Thank you, Sandra Rawls, Choir Director of First Presbyterian Church of Canton, for always believing in me. To Benford Edwards thank you for becoming not only a mentor but family to me. Lastly, thank you to my crew Zarina, Ayonna, Sasha, Raven, Rachel, Aaliyah, Destiny, Cece, Kaitlin, Kim, Anastasia, and Deonna who always make sure I know how valued I am. Without these people and more, who I won’t list because it would take all day, I would be nothing. I am honored VoyageATL thought of me enough to be interviewed. Thank you for letting me be unapologetically me.

Pricing:

• My song is on Apple Music for $1.29. Kessey Monae – Reminiscing

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.Kesseymonae.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kessey_mo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakesiasmithsmart
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adorable_KBoo
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kesseymonae
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/reminiscing-single/1663125115

Image Credits
Tray Shades Photography Chad Barnes Phtography