Meet Jakeelah | Singer/Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jakeelah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jakeelah, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I got the initial push to pursue music professionally from a group of friends. They believed in me when I didn’t necessarily believe in myself and I stepped out on faith and made the jump. I have always loved music… everything from the production to the lyrics and the story a song tells. No matter what you’re going through, there’s a song for it. It’s my lifeline and to be on the actual creative side of it versus the consumer side these days is incredible to me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I touched on this in my initial response but music has always been in me. I don’t think I fully recognized it until I began singing professionally and creating my own sound but I do think God gave me the voice and the talent, the rest was up to me.

I’m still developing my sound, playing around with melodies and vibes but if I could describe it, I think I’d say it’s reminiscent of true R&B. Background vocal and harmonies. Strings and melodies…music that takes you places when you hear it. That’s what I like to create. I’m not hung up on making music that sounds “current” I like to create freely, whatever feels right at the moment for me. It won’t always make it to the final round but it allows you to put out a final project that is true to you as an artist and a person.

I won’t say the process has been hard but it has definitely had its challenges. I’ve learned a lot just through trial and error. But that’s the best way to learn. Experience is the best teacher there is. Overall, it’s been rewarding. I’m learning so much about the business of music and about myself as a creative.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ok, so Harrisburg, PA is small. I moved here about 8 years ago from an even smaller Trenton, NJ. But there are some gems in the city that I like. I love to eat so food is always #1 on my list. The food at Crawdaddy’s is great and I love local staples like Dukes and Flinchy’s for a lowkey time. I don’t go out too much but if I do, I’ll head to Springate Vineyard for a relaxed, daytime vibe or the rooftop at Millworks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out my mom, Paulette White. She’s probably one of my biggest supporters and never misses an opportunity to tell me she’s proud of me. She in my corner right or wrong and I’m sure she’d have the biggest smile on her face reading this. I love you woman!

Website: jakeelah.com

Instagram: _jakeelah_

Facebook: JakeelahTheArtist

Youtube: _jakeelah_

Image Credits
No Love Lost album cover: Image: Justin Carter Design: Diona Nicole Pink background portait: Justin Carter Do It Like Me album cover: Image: Aubrea Thompson Design: Tajuanna Franklin Love Is Thru album cover: Image: Anthony Thomas Design: Samii Designs Airbrush shirt picture: Anthony Thomas