We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Empress J. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Empress J below.

Empress J, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I feel much happier as an artist. In fact, I see things from the opposite perspective when it comes to having a regular job. Right now, I’m balancing a traditional job with my entrepreneurial and artistic pursuits. But lately, as I sit at work, I feel an overwhelming urge to focus solely on my creative passions. Not being able to fully express my talents feels stifling and even adds to my stress.
Balancing the stability of a steady income with the fulfillment of creative freedom often brings a certain level of anxiety. This deep longing has made me reconsider how I invest my time. Spending hours at a regular job instead of using that energy to elevate my artistic and entrepreneurial dreams feels counterproductive. Every day, I find myself moving closer to taking the leap back into full-time entrepreneurship—fully committed to my passion.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At my core, I am a bonafide Soca artist, though I have been on the American music scene for years, performing various genres, including Afro Punk. My 2021 EP, B.O.S., showcased my versatility and debuted the hit Breathe featuring dancehall superstar Sean Paul. I also made my songwriting debut on Ginuwine’s The Life album with the sensual track Role Play.

In 2022, I broke barriers by spearheading and co-founding an international festival in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. My raspy yet sensual vocals, combined with a unique blend of Caribbean and American music scene for years, performing various genres, including Afro Punk. My 2021 EP, B.O.S., showcased my versatility and debuted the hit Breathe featuring dancehall superstar Sean Paul. I also made my songwriting debut on Ginuwine’s The Life album with the sensual track Role Play.

In 2022, I broke barriers by spearheading and co-founding an international festival in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. My raspy yet sensual vocals, combined with a unique blend of Caribbean and American vibes, make my gritty, unapologetically raw lyrics unforgettable. I have released several hit songs while collaborating with some of the best producers and artists in the Caribbean market and, more recently, South African producer Otee Beatz. Twice nominated for the Caribbean Music Awards, I am a cultural trailblazer and a rising force in the international music market.

Today, I proudly represent my Bajan heritage as a Caribbean American Soca artist, paying tribute to my Caribbean and African roots through my music. My song Show Meh marked my Soca debut and became a hit in Trinidad Carnival 2017, receiving airplay and being featured at Carnivals, Festivals, and Fetes (parties) both nationally and internationally. I have had the opportunity to perform alongside Barbados’ own Alison Hinds, Fadda Fox, Peter Ram, and Lil Rick, as well as Trinidadian artists like Destra, Patrice Roberts, and many others.

Beyond music, I am a pioneer and advocate for educating the world about Caribbean culture. As the CEO and co-founder of Africaribbean Festival, I bring a Caribbean carnival experience to Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. More recently, I launched my nonprofit organization, Chemichemi Foundation Inc., with the mission of being a community wellspring. The foundation will have a physical space dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, culture, performing arts, and wellness.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that I am making an impact on people’s lives. It is rewarding when someone who saw my performance, or heard one of my songs, shares how my music has impacted their life.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was at a crossroads where passion and practicality had to meet. While pursuing my music career and business ventures, I realized I needed more financial resources to truly fund my vision. That’s when I made the decision to pivot back into the 9-5 government sector. It wasn’t just about taking a job—it was a strategic move to secure the capital I needed to invest in myself. Now, I’m leveraging my position to build the foundation for my creative pursuits while maintaining financial stability. It’s proof that sometimes, stepping back is actually a way to move forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ejellc.com
• Instagram: empressjmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmpressJMusic