We recently connected with Ken Sings and have shared our conversation below.

Ken, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Since I began embracing my true self, I’ve been dedicated to pursuing my creative passions. There are moments when I wish I had overcome my fear sooner and shared my gifts with the world. After high school, I came out to my mother and close friends, who seemed to have been waiting for me to speak about my sexuality. Coming out allowed me to shed some of the shame and fear that had burdened me. In 2013, I was chosen to participate in an Andrew Christian Swimwear show during CIAA in Charlotte, marking a significant turning point. For the first time, my beauty and physique were appreciated without my sexuality being a concern. Recognizing that the modeling industry embraced men like me, I pursued more modeling opportunities and found joy in it. Collaborating with a photographer introduced me to the world of pageantry, where I became Mr. North Carolina United States 2017. Although I did not win Mister United States 2018, I discovered a passion for community work and became a role model for young men. I shifted back to modeling after feeling disheartened by the politics of pageantry and ventured into acting, starring in the YouTube series “Breathe” in 2017. In 2018, I transitioned to fashion, initially as a stylist for York County Fashion Week and later as its Fashion Director. Amid preparations for the event, I was invited to compete in another pageant, which I won, becoming Mister Ultra Continental USA 2019. However, the onset of COVID-19 halted many of my plans, including competing internationally representing the USA and the continuation of “Breathe” and York County Fashion Week. Now, in 2024, efforts are underway to revive “Breathe” for its third season and resume York County Fashion Week.

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?

I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, where I grew up. My given name is Doraza Sings, a name that has often been mispronounced since elementary school. It’s pronounced Door-Azz. While I appreciate the uniqueness of my name, it also became a source of insecurity for me. I began my modeling journey in 2013, four years after graduating from high school and a year before earning my BA in Criminal Justice. As I got a glimpse of what modeling could offer me in the future, my passion for it grew. At that time, I was young and eager to be recognized for more than just my sexuality. People started noticing my beauty and physique, which led to the creation of my alter ego, Ken Sings. I was frequently compared to the Ken doll, prompting me to drop my first name and go by Ken Sings. Aside from the pronunciation of my name, my last name also drew attention. Many would ask if I could sing, which was my first love, music. Music served as an escape and a form of expression for me, but I struggled with shyness, particularly in the spotlight, due to my shame around my sexuality. Modeling took off after I was selected for an Andrew Christian Swimwear Show for CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association). Opportunities started pouring in, motivating me to continue my journey and explore what the future held for me. This overflow of opportunities eventually led me into the fashion industry, where I became the Fashion Director for York County Fashion Week in South Carolina. Concurrently, I ventured into pageantry, winning titles like Mister Ultra Continental USA 2019. I also showcased my acting skills in a YouTube series called Breathe. Networking across the realms of acting, modeling, and fashion simultaneously bolstered my personal brand and brought forth more opportunities. What distinguishes me from others is my passion for helping others, a value that remains at the core of my principles. I firmly believe in the power of positive energy and manifestation through words and affirmations. I approach everything I do with humility and encouragement, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and aspirations. I’ve never been one to dim someone else’s light to make mine shine brighter. I know that if I succeed, others coming up behind me will too, as I am willing to mentor and encourage those who lack guidance. Growing up, I lacked representation of a successful gay black man in the professional world, so I became the mentor I needed as a child. Now that I’ve achieved many of my dreams, I’m still on a mission to help others do the same. I’m most proud of being a beacon of light for myself and those who have encountered me personally. I proudly proclaim that I am continuously changing the world and refusing to let the world change me. Embracing and loving oneself in a world filled with hate for those striving to be authentic and happy is challenging. Therefore, graduating with my BA in Criminal Justice, becoming an Adult Probation Officer, while actively pursuing acting, modeling, singing, and now my pending Master of Social Work degree in May 2024, serves as a testament to others that it’s possible to utilize all your gifts without compromising your principles and values.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Establishing an audience is one challenge, but maintaining it is another. I recall creating my Instagram account in 2012, during the era of “shout out for shout outs” and “follow for follow.” Initially, I garnered attention for my outfit pictures and selfies, gradually gaining traction as I began landing modeling gigs and sharing the content on my page. By consistently posting professional photoshoots, my follower count steadily increased. As I diversified my content to include videos showcasing my personality, my fanbase doubled, allowing them to connect with the person behind the photos and IG account. My followers have witnessed my evolution over the years, fostering a genuine sense of connection and authenticity. Engaging with strangers over social media adds another layer of authenticity and connectedness. Over time, I expanded to other platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) to showcase my talents, though I’ve remained most active on IG and TikTok. My IG account boasts 13.3k followers, while TikTok has amassed 54.9k followers, all of whom are genuine individuals rather than bots or purchased followers. For those embarking on their social media journey, my advice is to prioritize consistency, stay true to your values, engage with your audience, and create content tailored to your target demographic.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most fulfilling aspect of being an artist/creative is genuinely enjoying everything I do while inspiring others. It may sound cliché, but I continue to pursue acting, modeling, singing, and fashion because they bring me joy and fulfillment. Through fashion, I relish expressing my personality and challenging societal norms about masculinity and attire. Crafting fashion looks that defy gender roles and identities fills me with pride. Acting allows me to inhabit characters I never thought possible, granting me a glimpse into different perspectives and experiences. It’s an opportunity for my inner child to explore a world of creativity. Modeling helps me build confidence in myself and my appearance. In essence, being an artist/creative grants me the freedom to express myself while encouraging others to do the same. Realizing the multitude of opportunities available by embracing all aspects of myself made me realize I was holding myself back. When I encounter individuals, both young and old, who share how I’ve inspired them to embrace their true selves despite societal pressures, it fills me with joy. Witnessing someone reclaim their identity and proudly declare “this is me” is truly heartwarming.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @dblackken
• Facebook: D Black Ken
• Youtube: @dblackken
• Other: TikTok- @dblackken

Image Credits
1. Airplane – Scott Hart IG @hawkk01 2. White BMW- Paris Love IG @paris_lovephotography 3. Front Profile- Tevin Baskerville IG @thetevinb 4. White Fedora Hat- Paris Love IG @paris_lovephotography 5. Bench Chair – Izzy IG@the.izzyy 6. Pageant- IG @lennyandmelissa 7. Purple- IG @geophotonyc 8. White Cape- Paris Love IG @paris_lovephotography