We caught up with the brilliant and insightful SHAMIKA White a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
SHAMIKA, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My Parents Ila Hodge/ Melvin Sanders and Clarence White, taught me the importance of growing up being responsible and pushing for what I WANT IN LIFE. My Parents has always worked hard putting blood sweat and tears in all they do. My Mom ensured that I HAD ALL I NEEDED GROWING UP. My Brothers and I were part of a dance group operated by Sonny Metcalfe… We were blessed to be apart of an amazing team that went around performing at some of the most prestigious places in St. Louis. My Grandma Mary Hodge would make our uniforms for our shows. My Parents were such good role models, watching my Mother raise us, she did the best she could do and in return I would say she did an AWESOME JOB. I got my work ethics from my parents. My Parents has shown compassion and love throughout my life. TStill to this day my Parents are still my MENTORS and my ROCK!!! WATCHING THEM MADE ME REALIZE WHO I AM. I just want to say thanks to them for EVERYTHING AND ALL THEY DO!!!
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?
As an Artist Singer/ Rapper I started out singing and rapping on sessions and gigs as a freelancer. I would do hooks and bars with my Brothers when they performed. A few years back I decided I wanted to do my own music as well. I began working with other Songwriters and Producers, working towards launching my artist career, and collaborating with other Songwriters in writing their own songs. I teamed up with Kevvy Traxx, Derrick Howard from Stl Mo and, Konte Bsyo which is from Paris.France. Working overseas has opened a lot of doors and opportunities for me. In apart of Ginee Talent which is huge overseas. I’ve met and performed for the President of Africa. I’ve received several awards for my Music. I now have my music played on several stations, and has been scouted for several Spotify play list. I have my song Everyday in Roku Channel. I won 2nd place in The Coast to Coast live in Miami which I will be performing for the grand prize in November 2022….I currently have a Publishers Deal with ON The Move Productions which is based in Switzerland!!. I’m working on many projects as well. I’ve received several notifications for SagAftra which I’m currently in the process of becoming a member with them as well!!! When I’m not doing my Music I’m working on Corporate Business Accounts for US Bank which I’ve been doing for 15yrs.. I recently started my Food Business “It’s The Taste For Me”… I believe you can do all things through Christ, which gives me the strength to DO IT ALL. ON TUESDAYS I DO TACO TUESDAYS WHICH IS GOING GREAT!! I’M in the process of starting my Own PODCAST SHOW which will elaborate on everyday life issues, Single Parents Depression Stress Gun laws Single Fathers you name it. I just want to tap into as many subjects as possible in hopes of helping someone on a more Spiritual level. My main goal is to give hope let others know what I’ve been through and how I got where I AM. There has been many obstacles throughout my career.. I’ve been through the ups and downs, but still manages to get up and keep going. 💯 I just want my fans followers to know that they can be and do whatever they put their minds to! The sky is the limit. Mz.Boss is my name and I ensure that I operate as a Boss at all times
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
For those that may not know Resilience is the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from difficult life events. Being resilient does not mean a person doesn’t experience stress, emotional upheaval, and suffering. Resilience involves the ability to work through emotional pain and suffering. With that being said I’ve endured a lot throughout my few years in the Music Industry. When Covid hit it also hit my Family very hard. I lost 6 relatives to Covid alone. Just on May 21st, 2020 my Brother and Sister Clarence and Kelly White were both found murdered in their home on Maffit. They were both unconscious and not responsive and pronounced deceased at the scene.. This of course hit my Family hard as hell. The pain unbearable 💔 and unbelievable that someone would do this. My Brother Clarence White had a great influence on my Music and my Life. He was also my greatest fan. Having them in my life for all my life now having to live without them forced me to make changes. I didn’t see me doing my music I was just so hurt but he kept coming to me in my dreams waking me from my sleep with loud screams. My Brother was able to assist me with finding the person responsible for this senseless act. Within 24 hrs the detectives questioned a Michelle and was able to arrest Demoriol Byrd of the College Hill neighborhood which he was charged with the murderers. Byrd is currently waiting trial which is set to take place on 12.5.22 in St.Louis Mo.
My brother Clarence came to me and said I’VE DONE MY PART NOW GET BACK TO WHAT WE WERE DOING AND DON’T GIVE UP. I’ve been blessed to keep pushing although them not being here has made it harder for me, but God insist I MOVE ON. I’M NOW back to writing in the studio recording and doing shows. I understand that in life we’re only here temporarily and this is how I cope with it all. I know I’m a strong loving dedicated person especially when it comes to FAMILY. I will continue to move forward in my career, and be the best that I can be at all times NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS IN MY LIFE!
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
I feel the most helpful for succeeding in my music career is to first:
Stay in the Loop. The music industry is constantly changing. …
Meet Others in the Industry. …
Invest in Your Future with Internships and Working on Campus. …
Know Your Competitive Advantage. …
Stay Agile.
Passion for the job. “The passion for it is where it starts. ..
.Resilience:
It helps if you are able to handle setbacks.
Digital skills. …
Organisational skills. …
Teamwork….
I believe this sums it up along with being loyal to yourself and others. Along with keping the faith that you will make it!!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: M.z._boss
- Facebook: Mz.boss shamika
- Linkedin: Mz.boss
- Twitter: Mz.boss
- Youtube: Mz.Boss
- Other: Roku Channel, Talent Ginee
Image Credits
I would love to credit Clarence White Anthony White. Ila Hodge Clarence White Sr Mary Hodge Kevvy Traxx Derrick Howard Konte Bsyo Djidja Switch Beats King Leo Jason Mitchell Hot 104.1 Miami Coast to Coast Live Talent Ginee Wendy Diallo Phat Budda Broadcast Music On The Move Productions Clyde Anthony A host of family friends and fans!!!