When it comes to pursuing her dreams, Sakelya is fully immersed. She not only delivers fiery bars with hard hitting delivery, she’s a talented engineer and beat maker as well. Get to know her.
When did you start performing?
I started performing at the very young age of nine. I performed everywhere that allowed me in the building…from local community talent shows, to libraries, and in front of large groups in the hood. I then continued on in middle and high school at all of the school talent competitions and private parties until I was old enough to start performing in the local clubs.
Name some of the artists who have inspired or influenced you?
There are quite a few artists that has inspired and influenced me. At a very young age I fell in love with the creativity of Eminem. As I got older and started to learn more about literary devices in middle and high school, I found myself listening to Lil Wayne more and more. His lyrics are extremely dope and out of this world! The female artists that influenced me was the iconic Missy Elliott and songwriter queen Ester Dean. Missy Elliott is a timeless badass still killing it in the game today and Ester Dean is a beast with the pen!
How would you describe your style?
Many people say my style is different from other female rappers. They say I bring the energy with my strong delivery, confidence, attitude, and great cadence! My style was influenced by the way I grew up. I dealt with many struggles as a young girl raised in the worse parts of the hood.
What separates you from other artists?
There are many things that separate me from other artists. From my delivery to the way I handle my music business. I take the time to study to become better each day and I work very hard to make the money needed to invest in my career. I have a very strong drive and work ethic and I am very passionate about music.
Name some of the major artists you have performed with?
I have never performed with a major artist but if I ever get the opportunity…I would love to perform with Missy, Lizzo and Cardi B.
Do you have any major offers on the table?
February 24th – 26th of 2020 right before covid took over the world, I was having a meeting in LA at Clear Lake Recording Studios with top music industry executives, producers, and more. They loved my music and enlightened me to many different avenues that could help my career as a musician. Right now I am currently riding out the independent artist route but I am open to other options if the deal makes sense.
What advice would you offer other aspiring artists?
“Don’t Sleep on your Dreams”. This is a quote I created years ago and the best advice I could give any aspiring artist. Go with your gut and do what you believe in. Don’t let anyone hold you back from becoming great! Stop making excuses and pay what you have to pay to get you to go where you need to go. If you need to move out of your city and go where the opportunities are..do it! I did it as a single mom of 3. Packed up everything and drove to ATL to pursue my career in music. If there is an opportunity, no matter how big your schedule is, take it. Even though I was in college taking 20+ credit hours at the same time and raising 3 kids…I still made a way to ATL to work with major and independent artists in publishing administration with the amazing Tami LaTrell at the Mezzo Agency. If it has been done, you can do it. If no one has done, you go be the first to do it!
Be’n Original
