We were lucky to catch up with Anissa Stewart recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Anissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

Well, I have been singing and making up songs since I was about 8 years old. Coming from a musical family caused me to have a love for music early in life. My grandfather had a church in NY, and he allowed me to sing my first church solo at 8 years old. I made up the words as I went along… and it worked! I was singing James Cleveland’s “Christians, Where is your Faith in God”. The people loved it, and I loved the feeling that it gave me! I always sang in church choirs, led songs, did solos, and made up songs throughout my childhood, into my adult life. I dreamt of being a Gospel Recording Artist and an actress that did musicals or Gospel stage plays. I attempted to sign with Indie labels in order to make this happen. I wrote songs and had them copywritten years ago, like when I was in my early 20’s…. But, nothing panned out. I lived in NY at the time, and would sing here and there,from time to time. But, nothing…. Then when I was 41, I decided to try to take another route and become a background singer for someone else. I went to audition for them, and they asked if I had ever thought about becoming an artist…. I was shocked! I was like “YES! Are you kidding me? I have material and everything!” So, they said they wanted to “sow” into my ministry and help me create an album. And, they did… It took only 8 months to create my very first professional recording and project entitled, “Anissa’s 42nd Chapter”, which was released when I turned 42 years old. During that time, I was also able to do my first Gospel stage-play, where I was finally able to act and sing one of my original songs! Would I have liked to start doing what I am doing now, years ago? Yes! But, I feel that it was all part of the journey and my testimony that it is not over until God says it’s over, and a dream deferred is not a dream denied!

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 am an Indie Gospel Recording Artist and a School Teacher of 25 years. In fact when my students heard me sing, one said to me, “You should get a REAL job (as a singer)!” I was so surprised that they didn’t see teaching as being an important job, at least not as important as singing. But, I am thankful that I have been allowed to sing to and for my students, as well.

So, as I mentioned, things didn’t take off for me until I turned 41. Since then, I have released 2 full CD projects, shared the stage with many Gospel Artists, performed in about 8 stageplays, directed plays, performed in 2 local films, and appeared on Netflix in “Voice of Fire” by Pharrell and Ezekial Williams. My music is available on Itunes, Amazon, Spotify etc. I also have several videos on Youtube. Many internet radio stations play or have played my music on their stations. Even though I am now 53, I feel that I still have a lot to accomplish. I give God thanks and praise for opening the doors that He has for me, thus far. I love to sing, teach, and act. And, I am grateful for every opportunity that I am afforded to do these things!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My whole life required me to show resilience. I have had many situations that require me to bounce back, or to be persistent and consistent. The fact that I had Indie labels that just didn’t work out for me, shows that I don’t give up that easily…. I had hoped that they would, but there were 3 failed attempts. So, that is when I became solely independent. I am my own team… GOD is my Manager… I don’t want to sign with anyone that cannot do more for me than I can do for myself. The jobs and opportunities that I have had, usually help me to network, which turns into more opportunities for me. The fact that I listen out for things on social media, or referrals from others, have been a great help to me. The story of how I was able to join the “Voice of Fire” Choir is one of resilience all by itself. A friend of mine told me about the auditions Pharrell was having, at the last minute. I sent in my video submission, and a week later I heard from them. I had been selected out of over 3,000 video submissions to come to Virginia to audition for the choir/show. My family and I drove 4 hours for the audition. I was so excited to get the call to do the documentary. The difficult part was that for 3-4 weeks, I had to come to a rehearsal 2 times a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays). So, my family and I would drive there for 4 hours, so that I could rehearse, and then drive right back home to Maryland, the same night. It was very difficult and costly, but it was an amazing opportunity and experience.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My desire to please God, use my gift of voice and song, bring joy and comfort to the people, are driving my goal and mission. They are the driving force behind me doing what I do. I love to sing, I love to create… And, I love to hear the response of the people. It gives me strength and lets me know that I am fulfilling my purpose. My goal is to keep making and singing music, on a larger scale. I want to reach more people and broaden my audience of supporters. I would love for my 2 projects “Anissa’s 42nd Chapter” (2011) and “Restoration” (2020) to be heard around the world!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: anissastewartmusic
• Facebook: Anissa Stewart Music
• Twitter: anissa_stewart
• Youtube: Anissa Stewart

Image Credits
Anissa Stewart