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

Hi Tanqueray, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued it because I was not happy working a full-time job. Ever since I was five years old I wanted to be Whitney Houston. I wanted to at least try. If it does not work at least I would feel good knowing that I tried.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others I believe is the fact that I can sing multiple genres. Blues, jazz, gospel, rock, R&B, Hip Hop to name a few. My wonderful fans definitely helped propel me to where I am now. It was not easy. My first professional event was September 2014. I found out I was expecting my one and only daughter June 2015. I have been a single mother since her conception. It is because of the love of my village that I have been able to continue to perform. My daughter us six now.
The most important lesson I have learned through this journey is to never give up no matter what. It took me a little longer to get things moving with the music because I was raising my daughter. Patience being a virtue is definitely an understatement. My faith has definitely been tested.
World, I want you to know that my music is coming from a place of happiness, hurt, and determination. I am very proud of what I was able to create.

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.
Being from the city of Brotherly Love Philadelphia, we would go to South Street, check out some of the small businesses up and down the 13 blocks South of Broad Street. We would go to Penns Landing….again great food, music…sometimes you may catch a wedding outside or folks just dancing and enjoying life.
She cannot leave Philadelphia not having an authentic Philly cheesesteak. I would take her to a neighborhood restaurant. (nothing against the places that get TV or social media hype) I think the restaurants in the neighborhoods make the best cheese steaks.
We have a wonderful museums. And also if she would be up to it go to our historic district. Constitution Center, Independence Mall, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House. We have a lot of history being as though Philadelphia is the birthplace of the Constitution!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shout out to my good friend Mister Mann Frisby. He was the one who introduced me to the Philadelphia music scene. He had a birthday party with a live band. He invited a band. I performed. The networking began. Not long after that birthday party I started performing all throughout Philadelphia.

I also want to say thank you to my music producer T.L. Shider. He is the gentleman I met on Facebook, produced and co-wrote my debut album which put me on the map.

Website: www.mstqmusic.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mstqmusic

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mstqmusic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mstqmusic

Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/mstq1978

Image Credits
All phots courtesy of Steve Willis for mArEaZi Photos City Winery photo courtesy of Jamie Blackshear

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.