In this captivating interview, Nicole Thomas sits down with Queen Majeeda, a Jamaican-born poet, recording artist, and educator whose creative journey began with a flashlight and a dream of performing. From her earliest memories of climbing on furniture to her current status as a Grammy-recognized spoken word artist, Majeeda shares an intimate look into her artistic evolution, spiritual inspiration, and mission to document societal experiences through poetry.
Motto: "Documenting in time through poetry"
Powerful Quotes:
1. "I want to raise the listener or the reader's consciousness to let them know that, hey, there is a solution."
2. "Art is like being a lover. If I love you, I want to tell you the truth." (Inspired by James Baldwin)
3. "We might not have a solution now, but sometime in the future."
Key Lessons:
• Writing is a gift that requires continuous practice
• Always pray and seek guidance before creating
• Focus on reaching those who truly need your message
• See yourself as a vessel for a higher purpose
• Don't be afraid to rework and edit your creative work
Inspirational Moments:
• Queen Majeeda knew she wanted to perform from age 4, using a flashlight as her microphone
• Her album "Wedding Invitation" was created during the pandemic and was long-listed for a Grammy
• She writes to validate people and help them feel seen and important
• Her creative process involves praying before writing and trusting the divine inspiration
Unique Creative Approach:
• Sees poetry as a way to transport people through words
• Aims to reflect societal issues while offering hope
• Believes in the power of art to express what cannot be easily said in words
