I WANTED THAT "WHITNEY- SMILE" -SETORIA

- I WANTED THAT "WHITNEY- SMILE
- I LOVE YEMI ALADE

Setoria

      CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF

My name is Setoria, I am R&B Soul's SASSIEST Sensation out of Maryland in the US. I am a singer, songwriter, model, radio host and author.

YOU STARTED MUSIC AT THE AGE OF 6 RIGHT FROM THE CHURCH, IT SEEMS ALMOST ALL THE TOP SINGERS IN THE WORLD STARTED FROM THE CHURCH CHOIR

Yes, I started singing in the church choir. I think most churches are very accepting when it comes to sharing your talents through ministry, they encourage it! It's the easiest way to get your feet wet in anything. You can join the ministry of song by singing, directing, or playing an interment; you can practice hospitality by becoming an usher or greeter; you can practice public speaking by making announcements; you can even cook (that may take a 

little practice though) (laughing). You can do anything in the house of the Lord, all talents are welcome. Besides, he gave it to you to serve Him.

WHY DID YOU LEAVE THE CHURCH

SETTINGS

I never really "left" the church settings. I merely

broadened my talents outside of the church. As I got

older, I began to sing in other places such as in school

choirs, talent showcases, family reunions, etc. I just

wanted to sing. Also, when people discover that you

have a talent, they tend to introduce you to other

outlets so that you can showcase it in various places.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND OF MUSIC

My music is really a unification of my musical background:

R&B/Soul, jazz, Blues, Gospel, Hip-Hop and Go-Go. 

When placed in (1) genre, it would be R&B.

WHO WHERE YOU LOOKING UP TO AS A

YOUNG LADY COMING INTO THE

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

Setoria

Wow! So many greats! I love old-school legends such as Chaka Khan, Mahalia Jackson, Millie Jackson, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Chuck Brown and Michael Jackson to name a few. Also some of the new schoolers such as Lauren Hill, Akon, Jill Scott, Amy Winehouse and Ledisi. A mixture of sounds and styles.

DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR

 Absolutely, I have several. It is very important to be able to reach out to those who are not only knowledgeable in your craft, but also trustworthy that they will lend you the correct information so that you will be able to reach your goals. Having good direction and support is most important in this "dog-eat-dog-industry".

TELL US ABOUT THAT NAME SETORIA

 Well, my mother gave me my name. It's a very interesting story actually. She told me that she knew a girl in elementary school with the name "Setoria". She thought it was a beautiful name so she gave every dollbaby that same name while growing up until she gave birth to her first "live" dollbaby. I'm not sure what the actual meaning of my name is, and people ask me that question very often, so I created the meaning, "Singing Dollbaby". Isn't that a beautiful story? I love my mom. She is the GREATEST!

      WHEN DID YOU START SINGING PROFESSIONALLY AND AWARD WON.

I've been singing professionally for over 10 years now. I started out in Baltimore, Maryland with my own band. The name of the band was called TIHT. It was a small 4 piece unit but we ROCKED!

I was a recipient of the 2016 Philadelphia Independent Film Award for Best Original Score (my first single "Shorty" was in a movie called "Love Him or Leave Him") in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. I won Best R&B Soul Artist of the Year at the Josie Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, US and I received Best R&B Female Artist of the Year at the MAMA (Music and Movie Awards) in Maryland, US. 

WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR LATEST SINGLE AND DO YOU HAVE PLANS FOR AN ALBUM

Setoria

 My latest single is actually a song called SAY MY NAME. I just released it on December 9th. SPELL ON ME was my previous single that I released earlier this year. The song is actually in an international independent film called MUDA- When time is all that matters. The song was written for the movie. It is a love song. The Director, Prinze Whyee contacted me and asked if I would like to be apart of the film. They were looking for more music. He also mentioned that I could also play a part in the production as myself - a nightclub singer. I EXCITEDLY accepted the offer. The song would reflect a beautiful and complicated romance where 

the woman feels so strongly about her lover that she thinks he may have some sort of spell on her. He can do no wrong! The song is created to place you in the mood of a smokey, sexy nightclub where you have a beautiful singer singing to her lover. In the movie, I am doing just that. The scene is a nightclub scene where I am singing along with my band playing behind me. It's a wonderful film! It was nominated for 13 awards at this year's African NAFCA also known as Nollywood & African Film Critics' Awards in Los Angeles, CA, US. The movie has been premiered in St. Lucia but will also premier in Philadelphia, US, Atlanta, US, Canada, London and in Africa so stay tuned! My latest single SAY MY NAME is another sultry piece that not only displays my soft sexy tones but also has a little hip-hop surprise to it. My EP is scheduled for release next year spring. Make sure you look out for it!

WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO ASIDE FROM SINGING

Besides being a full time mother (my favorite job), a loving daughter and sister, I am also a model, radio host and author.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS AN AFRICAN AMERICAN

 Besides being an African IN America? (laughing) There are many challenges, but I think my greatest challenge is for others to accept the dark complexion of my skin. I personally love the skin I'm in, but some others may have a slight issue with the amount of melanin I posses. Getting people to look past the outer appearance and ethnic background and to focus more on the craft is tough in such a shallow society, not to mention, I am a thick woman and not a Barbie doll size 2.

WHAT'S YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

My days vary. Currently I have a regular job, so I go there Monday through Friday during the day.

I have a radio show that I host on Tuesday nights and I may have band rehearsals throughout the

week. 

Normally I perform on Fridays or Saturdays and sometimes pick up modeling on the weekend. If

I have a studio recording session, I will schedule that within the week along with my marketing

and management duties (website maintenance, social media, making business phone calls to set

up interviews, shows, appearances, etc). I also fit in time to do research on the music business and

find time to write new music. I travel a lot as well. I always seek to network outside of my state

and to build global relationships. Soon I will be going back to my vocal coach for more lessons to

continue to perfect my craft.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE AFRICAN CULTURE

Although I am actually Black American, my godfather is from Awka, the capital of Anambria

State in Nigeria. He basically raised me and I call him "Father". I grew up eating the food and

attending events. I am blessed to have been bathed in the culture. It is a part of me.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AFRICAN ARTIST 

My favorite African artist, Right now I love

Yemi Alade. She is so sassy like me!

YOUR LAST WORDS TO YOUR FANS

Pray, put God first and no matter what happens KEEP IT MOVING!

HOPE YOU WILL ATTEND TO US ANYTIME WE HAVE NEED TO CALL ON YOU

AGAIN

Absolutely! Thank you for the wonderful interview.

Thanks again and have a blessed day!