We were lucky to catch up with Nathan Duguid recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nathan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

This summer, I had my first paid performance. But it was much more than a paid gig to me. It was the amalgamation of the two sides of my passion: Music/Art, and Activism/Advocacy. I’ve been creating music and poetry for almost 6 years now, and I’ve always done so to express my experiences and my wisdom in a provocative way with a foundation in my faith. I believe that art is the most pure form of humanity. I also have been an activist, advocate and leader in my school and in the city of Newark for quite some time. Though music came first, I developed a passion for leadership, amplifying my voice and the voices of those that trust me to lead them. I’ve worked with organizations like Project Ready and the Gem Project on voter registration initiatives and Vote16 legislation (lowering the voting age to 16 for school board elections). During my Senior year in high school, I was a part of the 2023-24 cohort of the Rising Leaders Initiative, a fellowship with the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. This program further educated me on how to be an effective advocate and leader, whilst granting invaluable network oppurtuinities and facilitaing the amplification of my voice. At the same time, in December of last year, I was applying for the Fidelity Scholars Program, a mentoring program with a last-dollar scholarship. As a part of the application process, applicants were asked to create a short video, (60 seconds) answering the question: “What does finnancial freedom mean to you?” As a creative, naturally, ideas started flowing. I ended up writing a short verse, recording the song, engineering the audio, recording a music video, editing the video adding captions, and more to make an entire fully produced music video for this scholarship application. Now, I couldn’t let that video just live there, so I posted it to my socials alongside my music and other content. Coincedentally, the program manager of the Rising Leaders Initiative came across that video, enjoyed it enough to share it with her colleagues at the National Alliance, and they all loved it enough that they then invited me to perform an original song at the 2024 National Charter Schools Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. A 4-day event in which thousands of charter school teachers, school leaders, policy workers, business owners, and more converge. I accepted, and started writing, as they wanted me to create a song specifically for the conference that would inspire and uplift the educators present. I ended up creating and performing my song “Teaching My Soul” at the conference in front of a crowd of almost 5,000 people at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, a grand stage for my first paid performance. The experince was beyond amazing. Even before my performance, I was able to speak with various leaders from around the country about education, policy, and progress, employing my passion for advocacy, and when I hit the stage, I didn’t switch passions, I channeled both. They both built upon each other, even in my art, the song I created, the lyrics reflected my views on education that I share whilst being an activist and advocate for equitable educaiton, and the artisty that surrounded my message amplified my voice to a point I’d never reached before. It taught me that I didn’t have choose. That there’s no “either-0r” when it comes to music for me. Everything I do can be amplified by artistry. I learned so much at that conference, and I was able to confirm to myself that I will always be an artist in everything that I do and in every space that I am in. The Alliance paid me a fee, or honorarium for performing, covered my travel, and paid all my expenses, but the value I recieved was far beyond financial. It’s a memory that will stick with me forever, and will fuel my artistry even longer.

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.

My name is Nathan A. Duguid, also donning the stage name “Miztyk”, I’m an activist, poet, rapper, singer, songwriter, and educator from Newark, New Jersey. I wear many hats as a leader in his school, church, and city communities. Ultimately, at my core, I am an artist, and the purpose of my art is to provide a deep, provocative, and authentic perspective about his life as a black teen in America, and as a man of God. Some may categorize me as a Christian Rapper, or Gospel Rapper; labels are no fun, and they restrict creativity; I’m just using my God-given talent to light up the world. I started making music after my 6th grade math teacher helped me write and perform a song at my school talent show, and since then, I’ve been writing songs, rapping, singing, producing, engineering and more.

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

As an 18-year-old Christian Hip-Hop artist from Newark, I see the potential for a thriving creative community, but it requires support. First, we need financial stability—grants, fellowships, and affordable spaces for creatives to work and live would make a huge difference. Too many artists are forced to choose between their passion and paying the bills.

We also need access to resources. Creative hubs with studios, equipment, and tools could be a game changer, especially for young artists who can’t afford expensive gear. Education matters too, not just in schools but beyond—workshops and mentorship programs would help us grow and learn from those who’ve been there.

Culturally, we need to value creativity more. Art isn’t just a hobby; it’s a real contribution to the economy and society. If we shift the mindset that art isn’t a “real job,” more people will see it as a path worth taking. And we can’t forget to celebrate diversity in the arts. Different voices and perspectives make the creative world richer.

Public engagement is key—festivals, shows, and community events help artists connect with their audience. And it’s important to support global opportunities too, like residencies and collaborations, so we can grow and share our art beyond borders.

Finally, we need fair pay and protection for our work. Whether it’s digital platforms or performances, artists deserve to be compensated for their time and talent. When we build these supports, we create a culture where creativity can thrive.

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 impact my music can have on others. It’s about being able to inspire people, provoke deep thought, and spark conversations that wouldn’t happen otherwise. Music, especially Christian Hip-Hop, allows me to speak from the heart and reach people who might be going through something similar or need that message of hope.

It’s also about community. When I connect with other creatives who share my passion and vision, it’s powerful. We’re able to uplift each other, exchange ideas, and grow together. Being part of a community where people support and understand each other makes the creative journey even more meaningful. That sense of unity, knowing we’re all on a mission to make a difference through our art, is what keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/miztyk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themiztyk/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanduguid/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2pOQoVB5tg_h5VE-iJV_yQ
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/miztyk

Image Credits

Keisha Richie, Mclendon Photography, Lamar Washington