We were lucky to catch up with Chimi Peculiar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chimi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Choosing to live a life that not only is filled with art, but also emulates art is a risk that a lot of people don’t feel is worth taking. For me, being an artist on the weekends alone is not enough. It never fed my innermost desires of a life full of art and. freedom of expression, Changing my mindset about what kind of artist I want to be was the biggest risk I took. I landed what some would. see as a big time job working in higher education. As soon as I relocated and started working, everything felt off, I knew I needed to take a chance on myself. I knew that corporate America wouldn’t miss me, and if I was wrong about taking a chance on myself, I could always go back. So I pulled the plug on my plan A, and stopped downplaying my talent. as a plan B.

Chimi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Born in Nigeria, to two Pastors, I had always known I would do great things. I started singing in the church choir per my parents requests from the age of 5 or 6. While in Nigeria I learned about leading vocalists, creating harmonies, being part of a band, and how to use my voice. So when we migrated to the US when I was. 8, it was no surprise that as soon as we became part of a church here, I would join the choir. Fast forward to highschool, in the name of self discovery, I was trying out different mediums of art, all while still singing in the church choir during. the week and on the weekends. Pottery was my favorite but I. equally loved digital media. In 2018 I received a DSLR camera in hopes of telling stories and creating cool images with friends. That created a hunger in me to go further into film. The people around me deserve to have their stories told. I deserve to have my story told. I am Chimamaka (CHIMI) Peculiar, and I am a singer, songwriter, photographer, and a creative director. I make art to prove to myself that life can be as freeing as I want it to be.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Growing up in Nigeria, you see hardships being faced everyday by some of the worlds most resilient human beings. I always wanted to be able to relieve some of that burden on my people. I will be an artist that continuously gives back to her hometown. I want to give the people of Warri, and Anambra a better quality of life, with more hospitals, community centers, free education with a rich and diverse curriculum consistent of the arts, tech, financial literacy, african history, and psychology.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to say yes or no about how and what you work on. As an artist being able to work out of love instead of obligation is a very freeing experience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justchimi_/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/TQRlLGWTZHQ

Image Credits
Jenn Kidd Vivica Satterhwhite