We were lucky to catch up with Sunja Dannette recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sunja thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I grew up singing in church since the age of five years old. It started as something I had to do. I was extremely nervous and shy in front of others as a child. I would say that singing changed from something I had to do into something I wanted to do between the ages of 12 and 13. At the age of 12 I became the first child on the adult praise team in my church. This was on of the larger churches in the city and I started to get a lot more recognition for my gift and talent for singing.
Throughout school, marriage, and college; I continued to grow and expand as a singer and praise and worship leader. I wrote songs for a few of the churches where I sang.
It wasn’t until I moved to Atlanta in 2015 when I felt that I had reached a level in skill where I thought it actually made sense to get paid for what I do, as well as the desire to sing outside of church.
So after singing in church all of my life, I started singing in other places. I had gotten offers to by labels since I was a teenager I just didn’t know enough to follow through on those opportunities.
As an adult, I was signed to a label on two occasions. On both occasions, the labels went out of busines and could not support me as an artist.
I first realized I wanted to sing professionally when I started getting paid to sing outside of the church. It was then that I discovered that people also got paid to sing in church. Go figure.
I’ve also been a writer since a young age and wrote my first song at the age of ten. I will never forget that song. It was entitled “Looking for another lover.” I can’t tell you why I was writing that, but I knew I had a gift to write. I was a much older adult when I decided that I wanted to write and create on a different level that wasn’t just for myself or the church. I currently write my own songs and I have authored and self published two books. You can find my music and books on Amazon. My latest single out is, “Vibes.” My books are “Overcoming the odds: a story of tragedy, trauma, and triumph,” and “Better than a lullaby: Children’s book of affirmations.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m Sunja Dannette, a singer/songwriter/author from Albany GA, currently based in Augusta Ga. I perform my own music, as well as covers for events, concerts, and shows. I’ve headlined countless shows and provided entertainment for public and private events. I been the guest speaker at summits and events as it relates to being a creative and a business owner. I also host events and shows. What I believe sets me apart is the fact that I’m bilingual and I incorporate that into my creative work. I’m also professional in my dealings and I love what I do. My goal is to inspire, empower, and entertain. New music and new books are on their way! Follow my jouney and be inspired on all platforms! @SunjaDannette @Sunja_Dannette

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As an independent artist, many sacrifices have to be made. At one point, I left a nice job, moved out of my apartment and rented a room in order to solely focus on my craft and my business. I did that for about a year until I had to go back to work to support me and my family.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In order to support artists and creatives, I believe society can continue to support us and celebrate artists and creatives everywhere. Creativity and artistry is celebrated more now than ever before on such a broad level. Support and celebrate your local artists and creatives before they become super popular. Go to the shows, buy the merchandise, share on social media, give donations if you really fw the artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Sunja_Dannette
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SunjaDannette
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/SunjaDannette
• Youtube: @SunjaDannette
• Other: For books and music search Sunja Dannette

Image Credits
CuttyDre Canva