SPEAKING OUT MY MIND
I am a Black Female Artist and I am Proud of it
My professional music journey has been challenged by several obstacles such discrimination for being a Black female Afro Latin Artist and for having a voice of rebellion against the maltreatment towards women in the arts.
On the other hand, I have also encountered myself in the mist of bad attitudes and negative behaviors towards my own standards and perseverance in what they all called it the music industry. I found this resistance within my own music environment but also in other aspects of my life such school, regular work and Church.
I ' ve been in this business for many years now and despite of all struggles I won't back down yet until I accomplish my mission. I wanted to set a new, and high standards for women like me in this industry to show that it is possible to create art, and self expression and build your artistic dream in your OWN terms, despite adversities and I am proud of it.
When we are called to do the job to motivate, inspire, resonate and understand the other one's story, it should not be any obstacle to make you abort your mission until you bring that fire within to accomplish it.
Therefore, despite of what others think about your projects you must arise high over the others's perceptions, which sometimes is motivated by ignorance and lack of good cultural education. You must be yourself as authentic and original as you can without the expectation of the others approval.
For me, no color, race, gender, religion or social status can make me desists in my mission to enlighten the world with my own light
And for this, I celebrate myself and motivate my counterparts to do the same.
CHAÉ
What the music industry has taught me for not to take my clothes off as a female Artist
When talking about women in the show business is very complex to me to understand the level of disadvantage we all experience. Regardless of race or color, women will always be submitted to the scrutinizing eye of the males counterparts who believe that they do it better in regards to Arts performance and artistic expression.
In my personal experience, I have encountered different situations where my inner values have been tested. Men have come to me with strange ways of behavior to make me succumb to their ideas and desires in exchange for fame, or popularity, social status or money to "improve" my life and my artistic career according to them.
Many times I hold myself not to come their level of hypocrisy to let them understand I am not from this world of false personal ambition, money hungry and power. It is amazing how these sharks get surprised when they have to go away after failed trails with me.
Believe or not their aptitude makes me feel very proud of myself. Specially when I refused their indecent proposals, and their idea to think that I will fall into their power.
I remember when I started singing professionally back in my country that men in my band were surprised of the musicianship and professionalism I had when being one of lead singers in the band. Unfortunately, that brought jealousy and hatred when I had to perform. I don't know how I was able to endure the mockery and lack of respect of these individuals towards me and my sister. They could not stand the level of attraction ad favoritisms the audience had to us the female front lead. Sometimes, the microphones were "accidentally' disconnected in the middle of my performance, others the piano player did not follow what we had already previously rehearse and cut the song in the middle of the performance leaving me in shock and embarrassment
I can also recount the many times I was object of sexual harassment, inappropriate touching, derogative names, or the laconic expression of "Move your ass that's why you get paid for" But they did not know that with that behavior they were creating a Woman warrior who would do anything in her capability to remain strong, proud and independent to express art in whatever way I could without the approval of anyone, and I'm still standing with the grace of God in my heart and in my soul.
Regardless of how disappointing and frustrating this entertainment world is, I won't stop expressing my art and the mission I have to say yes to life, love, and activism through my art, life and self expression.
My mission is to motivate, inspire and soothe the soul of the ones who think they cannot do Art without selling their soul and bodies to the master of this world though evil men, and also women, who are at his diabolic service.
I give thanks to my Almighty Lord JesusChrist who strengthens me and has protected me by remaining faithful and strong in his holy Grace during these dark days
To Him be the Glory, and the Power Forever,
Amen
CHAÉ
CHAÉ back stage before her performance at the People's Songwriter Circle
Proudly Representing my country
THEY DID NOT LIKE MY COLOR
As an Afro Colombian Artist I feel I have the responsibility to bring awareness and knowledge of the existence of my people to the land of opportunities and cultural expression.
However, I must be aware that not everyone from my own land would like to see me arising in this artistic way. and speaking out my truth through my own self expression.
In 2018 I was invited by the NYC Multicultural Festival to participate by bringing arts and the culture of Colombia. I thought this was a perfect time for me to talk about the reality of social disparity and discrimination towards the Afrocolombians, which is rampant everywhere.
My participation was a success and I was proud of bringing light to the attendees about Colombia, its music, dancing, fashion and customs through my art and own persona. After this event the Colombian embassy in NYC invited me to participate in their own festival to celebrate Colombia's independence. I was very excited to attend and I accepted the invitation to find out later on that my presence was not that welcomed. Most of the attendees were white Colombians, I felt so out of base because the only dark skin people we saw there were couple of my musicians, my husband and daughters and myself.
The people were surprised to see me, their faces looked in shock, they did not talked to me or gave me a least a smile or a simple greeting, I just did not feel welcomed there.
Although they seemed to enjoy my music by clapping or dancing what I had put together for the show, still I could feel their coldness towards me. I understood, and I came to the conclusion that they were not accustomed to see an Afro Colombian Female Artist in New York City singing, dancing, playing a guitar, talking in English and Spanish and bringing cultural awareness to an international audience.
The Host interviewed me after my performance and said, "You are very unique, and I see you present your music in a very eclectic way without losing your essence," it sn't that true she looks like Grace Jones?"-he asked the audience, and they did not knew what to respond
But I was proud by standing right there on the stage and telling my own truth through my own story, music and self. Despite that coldness experience, I continued demonstrating my pride of my culture and the existence of my people through what I can bring to the cultural music arena, because still many people do not believe I am from Colombia, South America
CHAÉ
