We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hakeem Henderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hakeem, 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.

I began to wonder about my career and the life ahead of me after graduating from college.

After my time in England, I reflected on how many people commented on the length of my journey, my skills, and the impact I might have on opera or music I was pursuing in an evolving culture.

I started searching for opportunities and was willing to take anything to build my resume, all while aiming higher. Even while successful in my growth in my artistry and professionalism.

Eventually, I accepted an invitation to become a Young Artist at Opera Theatre St. Louis.

I didn’t know what lay ahead, as I was beginning to settle for less than I desired in the time while home with the expectation of a few opportunities.

Yet, I was eager to move forward, just as I had intended when I left for England.

Here, I would be a Study Cover for Count Almaviva in *The Barber of Seville* and have opportunities to sing for leading companies. It is a blessing to have people encouraging me.

For a while, I was told how to be a man and sing my truth. However, I wanted to succeed based on someone else’s idea of what it meant to sing, even though I had studied the art extensively.

I was blessed to sing in a masterclass with Paul Groves.

Though I was advised not to give everything in my singing, his suggestions didn’t offend me because, in the end, it was my choice to sing with my heart.

This was my time to be Hakeem, not to conform to someone else’s idea of who I should be. My truth was warmly received by those I sang with, balancing what was taught with what I had learned myself.

I’ve learned to take one day at a time, and my faith and community have grounded me and held me accountable.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a freelance singer, I specialize in classical repertoire while showcasing my versatility through performances in popular music and musical theatre.

During my time as a Young Artist at Opera Theatre St. Louis, I have also been writing and producing my own popular music on Apple Music and SoundCloud.

One song I am particularly proud of is “IChooseMe,” which I produced with Luis Sullivan and wrote with my brother, Nazeeh Henderson. This song, available on SoundCloud, reflects my personal growth.

I embrace and celebrate my life as Hakeem, a journey of self-discovery and self-worth spanning 25 and a half years.

This authenticity enhances my artistry and fosters a deeper connection with audiences.

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

The most rewarding impact is being able to share my own story and seeing how what I learned can inspire someone else, primarily the audience.

It is a blessing to have a gift that I can share.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn how to be a student of the art and instead find balance as a singer, singing with my truth.

In addition to Paul Groves, friends, conversations with my parents, and my faith to guide me, My many discussions with Beth Clayton gave me an a-ha moment.

Beth encouraged me to trust what it means to sing with my truth. Blessed I am at the right place and time, with enough maturity and the right environment, to understand and succeed at this.

Hope, even in the midst of difficulty, had matured me to take risks and sing with my heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://HakeemHenderson.com
• Instagram: @the1hakeem
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The1HakeemHenderson/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iAmHakeemHenderson
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/hakeem-henderson-1

Image Credits

Andrew Morstein