Today we’d like to introduce you to Tinika Wyatt.
Tinika, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At age four, I sang my first solo in front of a crowd of about 75 people, and I’ve been singing ever since. Throughout my childhood I was blessed to have a platform in the church where I could grow as a singer, be pushed and challenged in my vocal abilities, but also be encouraged and loved unconditionally as a person. Singing in various groups, choirs, in theater, and as a soloist has literally taken me all over the world.
Today, I am a singer, songwriter, recording artist and worship leader, not to mention a wife and mother of four beautiful children. My debut solo project, “Believe,” was released in the summer of 2013, and since then, I have collaborated with friends on various projects, including mutli-ethnic, multi-lingual CDs for The Ethnos Project, Volumes 2 and 3. I am also gearing up to lead worship at one of the largest conferences for Christian campus ministry among college students, Urbana, which averages attendance of more than 15,000 students.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There has been nothing easy about my journey, but I have been graced with God’s presence, and the knowledge that I am where he wants me to be, doing what he has called me to do.
Professionally, the life of an artist is often full of uncertainty. Income and popularity fluctuate. Since you are in the eye of people, there’s always the question of whether you are good enough. I have wrestled with that as I see others’ success and deal with my own insecurities. On the other hand, I have said “no” to financially lucrative opportunities because of conflicts with my personal convictions. Those are tough decisions to make.
Personally, I have suffered many losses (the deaths of close family members and friends), career changes, difficult times, and have realized time and time again what is most important in my life.
Tinika Wyatt – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am known for my very soulful alto voice with a bit of rasp. I passionately sing every song as if I wrote it, and it is my personal story. I have also sang in many different languages including Italian, Korean, Spanish, Japanese and Zulu.
For several years, I traveled Japan singing with a band that played a funky jazz-gospel fusion. I sing a variety of genres in venues ranging from churches to private events, to major conferences, to night clubs. The location and people don’t matter to me as long as I can sing the life-giving messages God has given me.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
If I could start all over, I would take more risks. I would be comfortable in my own skin, and in my own abilities regardless of how different I am or what audiences do not celebrate me. As a Christian artist, I would take my music everywhere and understand that everyone needs good news. My music should not be reserved for churches or Christian events. I would also exercise my gift of writing sooner and more often. The more you create, the more creative you become.
Contact Info:
- Website: tinikawyattmusic.com
- Phone: 619-316-1738
- Email: tinikawyatt@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @tinidubb
- Facebook: @TinikaWyattMusic
- Twitter: @TinikaMusic
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