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

Keisha , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue this professionally was when I performed at Amateur Night at the Apollo. The moment I walked on stage, I couldn’t see the crowd through the lights, but I heard their reaction—a gasp based on my appearance, not knowing what to expect. I was nervous, especially after hearing amazing singers get booed, but I pushed through and gave it my all. The applause was real, and when it came time to choose the winners, the crowd started chanting my name. I didn’t bring a busload of supporters, but that moment wasn’t about winning—it was about proving to myself that I belonged on that stage. That night changed everything.

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

My name is Keisha Martin, and I’m a singer, songwriter, voiceover artist, and creative visionary with over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry. My journey has been anything but easy, but every hardship has shaped the depth, heart, and purpose behind the work I do today.

I grew up in a tough environment. At one point, I was homeless, sleeping in unstable conditions while still showing up to stages and studios like everything was fine. I toured 13 cities while homeless—and no one knew. My gift always made room for me, even when life didn’t. I held onto my voice, my calling, and my purpose. I’m grateful because even in the darkest moments, music gave me light—and it continues to open doors not just for me, but now for others.

Throughout my career, I’ve shared stages with legendary artists like Melissa Morgan, Monty Alexander, Ken Boothe, and toured alongside Mystic Bowie, former member of the Tom Tom Club. I’ve released original songs like Rocksteady, This Love, Best Part, and more—music that blends reggae, soul, and truth. It’s a sound rooted in culture and experience—crafted to move both spirit and soul.

But I don’t just sing—I build. I create platforms that reflect the journey I’ve walked and the gaps I’ve had to cross.

I launched the R.I.S.E. HER Summit—a growing movement designed to Rally, Inspire, Support, and Empower women in music, entertainment, and tech. Our first summit took place on March 22, 2025, and received recognition from the Mayor of NYC and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. We are working o. launching the “I See You” grant, which provides support to independent creative women—because I remember what it felt like to be invisible and unsupported.

I’m also the creator of 13 Spice N Everyting Nice, a dining and storytelling experience inspired by my Jamaican heritage and named in memory of my late brother. What started as a way to bring people together through food and music has grown into curated pop-up dinners like Dine @ The Chef’s Table, cooking classes, a digital cookbook, and more. It’s about family, flavor, and creating connection, one plate at a time.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just create for applause—I create from truth. I’ve lived the struggle. I’ve felt the weight of trying to survive while chasing a dream. And now, everything I do—from the songs I sing to the platforms I build—is about making sure no one else has to go it alone.

I’m most proud that I never gave up. I turned my pain into a platform and my story into strategy. My gift made room for me—and now I use it to make space for others.

To anyone just learning about me: know that I am here to inspire, uplift, and help others rise. Whether I’m on stage, behind a stove, or in a summit space—I’m committed to turning creative dreams into reality and reminding people that your story has power, your voice has value, and your gift will always make room for you.

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

A moment in my journey that truly illustrates resilience was when I became homeless. I had just lost my job, I was emotionally and spiritually drained, and honestly—I was on the verge of giving up. Everything I had worked for felt like it was slipping away. But right when I started questioning it all, an opportunity came for me to tour with a band, and that moment shifted the entire trajectory of my life.

I said yes, even though I didn’t have the answers—where I’d sleep, how I’d make it work—but I went anyway. I ended up touring 13 cities, performing night after night, pouring my heart into every show, and then returning to the shelter when it was over. Nobody in the audience knew what I was carrying. I showed up like a professional—because that’s who I am.

I’ve never treated my creativity like a hobby. Even in the shelter, I told them: “I’m an artist. This is my work.” Because of that, I was granted flexibility with curfew and was able to continue showing up for opportunities. I advocated for myself and honored my gift, even in the middle of uncertainty.

But I wasn’t just doing it for me—I was a single mother, and my children were watching. Watching how I responded to hardship. Watching whether I’d give up on myself or keep going. I’ve always taught them that the thing you love the most—your talent—isn’t something you keep to yourself. You nurture it, protect it, and it can become the very thing that helps you build a beautiful life. And I’m living proof of that.

That season taught me how to fight for my purpose, how to move through systems not built for creatives like me, and how to stand firm in who I am. It reminded me that my gift isn’t just something I have—it’s who I am. And no matter how hard life gets, it always makes room for me.

It was one of the darkest moments of my life, where I truly felt like giving up—but God had a bigger plan for me. I had to lean on faith without knowing the outcome, and that decision to trust—when nothing made sense—became the turning point of my journey.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my opinion, if society truly wants to support artists and creatives, it starts with respecting our work as real, valuable, and necessary. We’re not just entertainers—we’re educators, healers, storytellers, and culture shifters. But too often, we’re expected to create from empty cups, with little support and even less understanding.

First, we need access—to funding, safe spaces, opportunities, and mental health resources that are tailored to the creative lifestyle. Too many artists are out here making magic from nothing, while struggling silently behind the scenes. I know that struggle personally—I’ve been there. That’s why I move the way I do now. We can’t just survive off passion alone—we need systems that pour into us, too.

Second, we need to stop treating creativity like it’s just a hobby. Schools should be investing in the arts, not cutting them. Communities should be uplifting their local talent, not waiting until we “make it” to show love. The support has to start at the roots.

We also need people to understand that “exposure” doesn’t pay the bills. Pay artists. Respect our time, our process, our value. Show up. Buy the ticket. Stream the music. Share the work. That energy goes a long way.

That’s why I created the R.I.S.E. HER Summit—because I didn’t have a blueprint coming into this. I had to figure it out while navigating real-life challenges, including homelessness. Now, I’m building what I wish I had—a community and platform where creatives, especially women, don’t have to go it alone.

So how can society support us? Invest in us. Believe in us. Create space for us. And when you see us rising—rise with us.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialkeishamartin/profilecard/?igsh=MWZ3MG51NGtuZ3BlYg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AXB7Ke7pv/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keishamartin?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@officialkeishamartin?si=HwZ7xyOenlM5-AFb

Image Credits

DRACINC | DONN THOMPSON – NEW YORK PHOTOGRAPHER

Marlon “Ajamu” Myrie