We were lucky to catch up with Tawanda Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tawanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Coming from a choir background and being a pianist, rapping definitely turned heads. But what people don’t know about me is that I used to rap in my early twenties. I just decided to give it another shot.
Knowing what I know now, I would have prepared more for recording as to not use as much time laying down songs. One of the biggest things would have been knowing my own lyrics.
I think my most essential skill is having an understanding of harmony and arrangement of songs. Knowing that I’m not writing for the world, I’m writing for me; the world just gets to enjoy it.
Putting myself in a box kept me from learning more because I was so adamant about not working with secular artist. But there’s much to learn from so many people and genres.
Tawanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Just Me Wan is a Christian Hip Hop artist who proudly represents the LGBTQA+ community and uses her music to inspire others. With over 30 years of experience as a pianist, drummer, and brass player, she found her calling in songwriting and ministry. Wan’s dedication to spreading positivity led to the formation of “Perfecting Praise Ministries” and her role as a Pastor with Victory Nation Church Global Ministry. As a solo artist, she continues to share her talents through music, hoping to impact others with her encouraging message. For Wan, success is measured by the positive impact and reception her music has on others.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My sexuality is a big part of my resilience. As a member of the “church”, being same gender loving was frowned upon. But I decided in 2023 to push pass all the gossip about me being outwardly gay and married to a woman, and started to put all that anger into melodic tunes. I am proud of who I am and I refuse to hide my truth in order to work with certain individuals in Christian music. I know a lot of Christian artist, personally and there’s only one reason they don’t deal with me anymore and that is unquestionable.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
The simplest and easiest way to put it is this;
Stop being judgmental and Just listen to the music.
I don’t believe anyone got pregnant to “fix it Jesus”! There was some Luther, D’Angelo, R Kelly, Teddy P and many more. People are hiding from their own truth but are jealous of me because I’m bold enough to live my truth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moodmuzikmgmt.com/category/collide
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjustmewan/profilecard/?igsh=bjFyN25nZjJsZm42
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KHRLV5ZyWUtkQj6/?mibextid=dGKdO6
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@justmewan?si=C2ZkE0jI0ntEoEep
- Other: Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@officialjustmewan?_t=ZP-8siQaQ1yz55&_r=1
Image Credits
Rockyylikeeent
Vizual media