We recently connected with Kai Emani and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kai, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I actually didn’t realize I wanted to be an artist until I was about 11 years old, but looking back, I can see that music and creativity have always been in my heart. Growing up, I dreamed of doing so many things. I wanted to a an actress, a teacher, and a model. In many ways, I’ve already accomplished these dreams (and even surpassed some!). That’s a blessing I’ll never take for granted.

My first performance outside of my bedroom or my mom’s car was at my afterschool program in Bed-Stuy. I sang Asia Cruise’s hit single “Selfish,” a song that still holds a special place in my heart. I remember hearing it from a friend back in elementary school, and I was hooked. I studied every word, every note, and when it was time for the talent show auditions, I took the stage. The energy, love, and affirmations from my afterschool teachers validated something I’d always known deep down—I had something special. From that moment on, I never looked back.

Songwriting came naturally to me, as I had always loved writing stories and poems. As I continued to train my vocals, the songs just started to flow. A decade of hard work later, and here I am—grateful for the songs I’ve written and recorded, the experiences I’ve had, and the opportunities still to come.

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.

Hey y’all! I’m Kai Emani, a singer-songwriter, actress, model, host, and educator from Brooklyn, NY. My sound is rooted in R&B, with heavy influences from Gospel, Hip-Hop/Rap, and melodic rap that weave throughout my music. What I love most is connecting with others—music has been a healer for me, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to share my thoughts, rants, and vulnerability through song. For me, it’s all about building a legacy. I want to leave a mark on this world that’s irreplaceable and timeless. I’m proud of myself for choosing this journey each and every time. Being an artist can be challenging, but growth can be uncomfortable sometimes. I’m proud of myself for fighting through these challenges and containing to pursue what I’m passionate about the most. I wouldn’t be me without my contribution to music and my legacy.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As creatives, we’re great at shielding and protecting our processes. There are always certain elements we keep to ourselves—like secret ingredients in a sauce. But what many people don’t realize is just how costly the journey of being an artist truly is. I’m lucky to be able to self-fund my art as an independent artist, but the expenses add up fast.

When you’re a one-woman team, you wear so many hats: stylist, accountant, doctor, creative director, choreographer, HR, PR/social media manager (across multiple platforms), A&R, performance coach, hair stylist, MUA… and the list goes on. On top of that, you’re the boss and the executive creative director.

Hiring out for these services can be just as expensive, and for me, it’s important to match the quality and expertise of the work with fair pay. It’s all part of the hustle, but it’s not always as glamorous as it may seem.
As a creative and performer, I’ve learned that 80% of success in this industry comes down to how you show up. Are you giving your best every time? Are you on time? How do you treat the people around you? And what’s the quality of your event, brand, or production? These aren’t just details—they’re vital to your journey as an artist.

It’s one of those “IYKYK” (If You Know, You Know) things, but that’s exactly why so many artists face challenges when these aspects aren’t prioritized. It’s easy to overlook, but in the long run, consistency and professionalism are what set you apart.

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

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the connection I create with others. Music is incredibly powerful—it allows me to share pieces of myself and my journey. When people connect with that, it’s an amazing feeling. Knowing that my music, my vulnerability, and my stories resonate with someone, help them heal, or simply make them feel understood—that’s everything.

When someone tells me a song of mine helped them through a tough time or made them feel seen, it hits differently. It’s like having a conversation without words, and it makes me feel like we’re all in this together. Those moments remind me why I do this every day and why it’s all worth it.

Music has this magical ability to heal, uplift, and bring people together in ways we can’t always explain. When I see my art affecting others like that, it brings me back to why I started in the first place. Every song, every performance is a chance to leave a piece of myself out there for the world, and the way people respond—whether through a smile, a tear, or a simple thank you—makes it all worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kaiemani.onuniverse.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kai.emani/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaiemani/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kaiemani
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kaiemani

Image Credits

@whereschichi
@opevisuals
@finalfocusfilms