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

Kessey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

Honestly, I think I am right where i’m supposed to be. I use to get discouraged when I felt I wasn’t doing enough or starting my career fast enough but God’s timing is always right. Over the years, I’ve watched people I knew elevate and continue to rise. I realized how much work truly went into being in the music business. I’ve been asked was I ever jealous or spiteful of my peers but I feel when my people win, I win. I’m at a great place within my career right now. I’ve released 2 songs this year and I’ve bless to win 2 awards this far. The transformation of my music and sound is really shocking me. I’ve listened to my voice transition into this “grown woman”-lol! Long story short I’m in a season of new and I’m embracing the journey.

Kessey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello All! My name is Lakesia Smart but everyone calls me Kessey Monae. I’m a singer, actress, entrepreneur, and diverse entertainer. I’m a native of Jackson, Mississippi, but I reside in a small town called Goodman. I’ve always been blessed to have two moms, Larissa Latiker and Brandy Smith, and a talented father, Stacey Smith. Without them, I would not be here so I must honor them. I am the middle child of 11 siblings and aunt of a host of nieces and nephews whom I love dearly. I also happen to be the luckiest girl in the world to be blessed with the most devoted husband, recording artist Brady C. Smart. have been singing since I could remember. Music was always in my home because my dad was a blues singer formerly known as Soul Blaque.
Growing up, I would go on to sing for several functions at school, churches, musicals, galas, and athletic games.
I know I was put on this earth to impact people whether it be by singing, acting, speaking and etc. I started off performing covers and to see how people reacted to me was indescribable.
I’ve been in stage plays, dance productions, and performed at mainstream events and weddings. Though all these are great nothing tops singing where my passion started, the church. I know you may be wondering where opera and r&b come into the mix but I have sincere love for all music. I love classical, pop, jazz, opera, reggae, hip-hop, gospel – you name it! I’m so excited to see how everyone reacts to the new music I’m working on, it’s a little bit of everything. I put my heart and soul into anything I do. I was set apart from others when I was born. The sonification of my DNA is filled with a melodic complex instrument that no one but me would understand

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

Wow! I’m getting emotional just thinking about it. I’ll never forget my senior year in high school. You see this life-changing event is what started my musical journey even more. I was traveling by myself to sing background vocals for an artist when my vehicle collided with another causing my truck to flip. I was told I died and had to be resuscitated back to life. After being resuscitated, I was then transferred by helicopter to a hospital. I woke the next day and found my front teeth were knocked out from the impact and I was too weak to walk for weeks. Keep in mind this was two months from my graduation. When I finally was able to go back to school, younger kids picked on me because I was toothless. One day, my school counselor passed me and saw how bad the accident did me and she said I had to have a smile at my graduation. She was thinking about my smile but I was thinking about the fact that I would have to sing a solo to a packed coliseum in just a few weeks. Long story short she and my school, Provine High School, got my mouth fixed so that I could smile on my graduation day. I realized nothing could stop me if God was on my side!

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

To me, the most rewarding feeling is seeing people love my music and what I do. I almost cry and jump in excitement when I hear someone singing the lyrics I wrote. Without people, I don’t think anybody in the entertainment business would be as fortunate as we are. I’m very thankful I can wake up each day and do what I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kesseymonae.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kessey_mo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakesiasmithsmart
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adorable_KBoo
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGSCyOY3nBnV8sQFdtwaYyQ

Image Credits
Chad Barnes Photography Tray Shades Photography