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

Hi Brooke, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ever since I was a little girl around the age of 4 I knew that I was created for something different. I would always prefer to sit at home and practice, watch movies over going to parties or hanging out with friends. My father is a world renowned preacher. He’s traveled all over the country, the world and ministered to people. I remember being a young girl and getting the opportunity to go on revival with him and perform city to city. I was always in awe and inspired by how he could encourage people, and how they would just flock to who he was & what he said. Once I branched out on my own and started doing musicals, my own CD, singing backup I knew that this was the life I was meant to live. The excitement of the lights. The rush when somebody comes up after a show crying just to tell you how much you touched them…..That’s why I perform. Everyone needs a place they can go to escape themselves and be free; I’ve always enjoyed having the privilege to create that experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe that my ability to connect my personal life to my art,and have it be real/genuine/relatable is what sets me apart. I never sing/write/ or perform about things that I have not gone through or experienced. The truth of the matter is there is not a lot on this earth I have not experienced or been through. Throughout it all I thank GOD for keeping me alive to tell my story. It has not been easy the road and the path that was given to me.They always say God gives his greatest warriors the hardest battles. I got to where I am in my career and my life by putting God first, working hard, and learning everything I could about what I wanted to do. I’ve learned that this life and your career is a marathon not a race. There is no right or wrong way to achieve your goals or get to the top. You just have to be willing to go through the ups and downs no matter how much it might hurt. I am extremely proud of the opportunities that I’ve been able to have. Getting to tour the world at 16, making history singing in the Vatican during Sunday Morning Mass, and winning the world choir olympics in 2010 w/ the Voices of Unity Youth Choir (Just to name a few)! My first official project called “The Blu-PRYNT” will be released on August 2, 2024! Its about all my experiences in love, and growing into the woman I am today. I want the world to know that the Brooke Jai brand is all about strength, courage, tenacity, & determination. You will make it through whatever you are going through. It may seem like it will never get better but trust there is always a rainbow at the end of the storm!

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.
Well my bestfriends’ and I are always down for an adventure! We actually met in college living in the dorms at The Strat on 70th street in Manhattan. We’d get together and for sure we are going to see a Beyonce concert, movie or event. We really love getting drunk and watching “Dreamgirls”. LOL It’s like watching the movie live in your living room with us. WE would go to a steakhouse but if we didn’t all of us can throw down so somebody would be cooking up a feast! Spontaneous is apart of our vocabulary. A walk around in nature, feeling the sun, and maybe having a picnic, singing on the street corner (a concert must be had child LOL)! Anywhere we can dance; a club or finding and having a random dance battle with a man on the street the excitement never stops. To finish the week off we’d head down to the great white way and see a whole bunch of musicals. We’d kick back back and enjoy our peers because one entertainer does make the entertainment business… we are all in this together!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
MY WHOLE VILLAGE! I want to shout out my family but especially my parents & grandparents. My mom & dad have ALWAYS sacrificed for me. They saw my gift early on and went above & beyond to get me the best training. Nothing was too expensive or out of reach. My grand parents helped as well and supported in every way they could.(Rest In Peace Grandma “My Angel”) My brother to this day would give up his career if it meant my star would rise faster. My sister always makes sure I have the food I need LOL and the hair/makeup on point. My auntie Lavelle Smith Hall who has rooted me from the time she met me at 4. My auntie Marilyn, and my cousin Jana Stone always supportive and ready for the turn up. My friends who listen to my cry when I’m feeling down, thank you! I could go on and on about my village, and there are so many more people that I can add to the list. These are the main ones who lift me up when I’m feeling down. They support me even when I’m feeling lost or when I feel as though its not enough. I look in their eyes and I’m reminded who and what I do it for. I LOVE Y’ALL!

Instagram: brooke_jai

Twitter: Brooke_Jai

Facebook: Brooke Jai

Other: Brooke_Jai on Tik Tok

Image Credits
Dale Dong Photography

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