Story & Lesson Highlights with Mariama Tatum

We recently had the chance to connect with Mariama Tatum and have shared our conversation below.

Mariama, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Doing anything musical really brings me joy lately! On a daily basis, I’m submerged in my family life and managing my household.

Going to a studio session, doing a photo shoot, or attending a music event is how I get out and feel refreshed because it’s something that I get to do for myself that I really enjoy. I also love working out! I find myself in the gym at least 3-5 days a week.

I also love the creative process. I love formalizing ideas that started in my head and turning that into real music. I enjoy each step of creating my music: the production, melodies, song writing, singing etc.! It’s a very euphoric experience.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a saxophonist, singer, and songwriter. I would describe my genre as adult contemporary. It also falls into the sub categories of jazz/neo-soul/alternative R&B.

Over the past two years I have refocused on music after starting a family and becoming a mom to my 19 month old son. I am currently working on new music and redeveloping my brand as an artist after entering into my flirty 30s this year. I have a more mature sound and I use real life events in my song writing as a form of healing and relating to people and the world around me.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom clearly saw me before I saw myself. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized she was the reason I had the audacity to pursue my creative dreams. Despite being a single mom, she invested in my development from an early age. From as early as the age of five I was exposed to music lessons, dance lessons, children’s choir etc. She also helped me develop emotionally, have empathy for others, and have confidence in myself. She took me to every music rehearsal, helped invest in my music development financially and even helped to open doors to the best environments in the earlier parts of my career. I owe much of my success to her.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t ever let anyone take away your shine. There will be many people who will be envious, jealous, who will purposefully misunderstand you or try to make you feel low about yourself. Don’t listen! Protect you light and your soul. You are all you really need to validate yourself.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I think that this is an amazing question. I few years ago, I would say that the public version of me was the real me. However as time has gone on, I have purposefully not revealed deeper parts of myself. I find safety and protection in observing my surroundings and I like to be a bit more reserved. I learned that the best parts of me should be earned and not freely given. Not everyone will be happy for you or your growth and some may even go as far as to try and sabotage your success. The scary part is that you may not know who feels this way about you. The beautiful part is that the opposite is true, there are just as many people who will root for you and be proud of and support your success. A meaning part of my life’s journey is learning discernment and to trust my gut. I know that as I continue to cultivate my best self that life will attract the most amazing people to enjoy the world with!

This shift in my mindset happened after I became a mom and had my own family. My family is the most precious thing in the world to me and I like keeping that world to myself, just for me.

I will leave my music for sharing the deeper parts of my self in a poetic and metaphorical way. Even though I may be more reserved, I still remain kind and genuine in my interactions and I truly enjoy the company of positive people.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I am currently reading a book called Atomic Habits, and it speaks about something called the Plateau of Latent Potential. It describes how consistently working on your goals can be quite boring and sometimes even depressing. However overtime it really pays off in the end because if you spend time consistently working on your goals and mastering your craft you’re often bound to reach success and great opportunities.

This concept is something I deeply believe in. I have made progress over the past five years that I wouldn’t have even dreamed of 10 years ago, and I know that if I keep mastering my craft, only greater things will come.

I think what I’m working on today that will pay of 7-10 years later is mastering the habit of consistency. Consistently making new music, practicing the saxophone, singing, etc. I am consistently developing my brand and investing in myself. I think that the more I put into my artistry, the more I will get out of it in the long run.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mariamatatum.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamatatum
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariamaTatum
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariamatatumofficial

Image Credits
Javanna Grace

Deseri Rice