Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shekina Foster. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Shekina , thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I wish I had started it sooner. I was my own biggest hurdle and setback for a number of years although my father gave me the courage needed to do it. I lacked the confidence at a younger age to start this journey. Although I am Grateful that I started when I did, knowing the things I have experienced and lessons that I know now I would have chosen differently. I would have gained understanding and experience with life lessons that would have played huge impact in where my path is now. It would have helped my style and develop my sound more. So ultimately just go for it.

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.

I started singing in my home church choir at 13 years old where my late father Bishop James L. Whitehead was the Pastor. It was my 1st time singing in front of people. I loved singing but I could never do it in front of people due to stage freight. Since then, I have grown a love of worshiping in song in front of people as I have gotten older. When I finally accepted Jesus in my life it became my form of worship between me and him. The older I got, the more I realized this was a gift that God has given me, and I wanted to share it with others. I think what makes me different is I aim to live what I sing about, and I don’t claim to be perfect. I am very soft spoken yet loud and silly at times. I have an old soul due to my parents having me at a later age, so I inherited the old teachings and disciplines which have shaped who I am today along with the people who have shaped my vocal abilities. I really want people to know that I overcame fear and didn’t allow it to overtake me. I believe I came out victorious. The fear that I overcame was myself and all the talk of not being enough and thinking I couldn’t do this well. The negative thoughts in my head, and comparison to others. I know I am a child of the king, and I am royalty. This helps me remember I am unique and can never be someone else with my gift.

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

Be supportive by spreading the word when we are making endeavors to accomplish something. Simple things like sharing post on social media or just word of mouth. Being mindful of things said that are opinions about what they are doing. Be the person who is sewing something positive into them and not try to rain on their parade. Creating positive atmospheres where they believe they can thrive. In the music world just taking a moment to listen to the artist and share feedback or tag them is huge in itself. This is a great encouragement.

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

I would say having someone come to me and say that song blessed me or hearing them say I was going through a lot and the song you made put a smile on my face. Knowing that the songs that are produced made differences in the lives of others is what I strive for. Even if it is only 1 person blessed, I have done my job. I don’t look for compliments on how skillful I may sound to them but if it helps inhabit change in their life I am satisfied. The music is bigger than me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/shekinafoster
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shekina_mary
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShekinaFoster
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shekinafoster
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shekinafoster

Image Credits

Benjamin Singleton
Sonya Miller
Q11 Photography