We caught up with the brilliant and insightful ManiqKen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, ManiqKen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
One of the first times that I remember generating revenue from my creative work was in 2005/6 when I did work as an extra for the Baltimore based show “The Wire”. Prior to this ive done many plays & productions locally, in school & at church but never where I received a payment for my creativity. If I can remember correctly my childhood friend and current working actress Shakira mentioned to me that I should look into doing some extra work on sets. Long story short I mentioned the interest to my mother then called to set up a meet next thing I know they were telling me what clothes I should wear for the part as the get away driver during a street transaction. I remember the crew being really nice. They also had endless subway subs for everyone during our break. As the 2nd day of filming wrapped I recall a staff member shouting “Its important we have all your correct contact information so we can forward the checks to the proper addresses. Fast forward almost 2 weeks later I totally forgot about the check ,until the mail came with my name on it! It was my own money that I made doing something I loved to do. Now to be clear the revenue I generated wasn’t a huge lump sum of money at all however I smiled with a sence of fulfillment knowing I earned it doing something I loved.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m ManiqKen, music & design creative from Baltimore Maryland. Ive always loved the arts since a child. Productions and fashion shows were my outlet since elementary school. I remember being 10 years old and we were given a class project to express & share about ourselves but we had to put it into a song. We were divided into groups and the best of each group got to perform their music peice in front of the entire school. Needless to say I was picked and thats where it started for me. Growing up church was our norm at least 2 times a week. I would go onto joining the choir and cowritting some of the original songs we performed. I was also in the dance & theatre ministries.
I feel I provide the reassurance to my listeners to love themselves & to be their best. I was told that my music and occasionally bold fashion choices initiates higher self esteem and a willingness for them to dare to be different.
What sets me apart from others is my fearless approach to art. I’m not consumed by media. I rarely watch television and im very much a home body. This allows me to feed off of my own creativity while remaining fresh as I’m never influenced by trends and what’s current.
Im proud of alot of what I do because of the effort it takes to create. However what stands out to me is the fact that im a writer first. I love to put words together & help create the pictures of the true to life stories so that the listeners can grasp the feeling & emotional connection.
What I would like my ManiqFam (Family/followers) to know about me is that they can search; ManiqKen anywhere they listen to music lol. Seriously, fun fact is that I’m in total control of all aspects of my artistry from visual music content, treatments, hair, wardrobe, song ideas etc. Not saying im not open to outside ideas however when I create im alone most times it allows me to be free & share the most vulnerable yet genuine sides of myself..
Generally I want the best for all those around me and those who support my movement. Self love is inbeded into my music so that it rubs off on the listeners as they soak in whats being presented. I urge my ManiqFam (family/followers) to NEVER GIVE UP & BE YOUR BEST SELF NO MATTER WHAT. No one can do you like you SO DO IT!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Yes, I definitely remember a time when I had to pivot regroup and recharge.
Over the pandemic I released a visual for a single titled ” Kush & Reflect”
Prior to its release the visual was intended to be a animation video. I hired an illustrator and sent my vision and ideas for the illustrations. Long story short I was scammed out of a few hundred dollars & never received the final illustrated product and was unable to get in communication with the assisting artist.
I had to think fast bcuz a live video was not in my plan and I already spent a good amount of the budget already.
The video was shot 4th of July weekend 2020 I had only 2 hours to shoot (thats all I could afford at the moment) the live video with 5 looks & 5 hairstyles different instruments and I remember 2 of my cousins accompanied me on set to help me change in between looks we worked to the very last second. Turned out to actually became one of my favorite visuals to date. All things happen for a reason.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As an artist the most rewarding aspect is being able to touch peoples lives through the art. It feels surreal when my personal experiences dont seem so personal because I get emails & messages from people thanking me for being honest in my music saying wow I went through that too. Definitely builds a connection on a deeper level. For me its therapeutic when I write & record. Im freeing my mind its also good on my mental health just to get ideas out its a release.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ManiqKen
- Facebook: ManiqKen
- Youtube: ManiqKen
Image Credits
Anthran Gray Rich Rocket Danielle House J. Perk Productions Tydell Powell