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

Hi Gbeke, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
The ability to get back up no matter what has aided in my success. My favorite bible verse is Proverbs 16:9, which states “For though the righteous fall seven times, they will rise again.” It’s so easy to get discouraged or disappointed if a mistake is made or things aren’t going my way, but this verse has kept me grounded and is one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned. In addition to being resilient despite obstacles, I’m able to focus on my future and keep striving toward my goals.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Phoenix-born and bred Nigerian R&B artist. My music puts a new twist on an old sound. I enjoy talking about tough topics in my music such as bullying, sexual assault, heartbreak, and mental health issues. Music is my diary, and I share my story to encourage and comfort others. I am most proud of my ability to turn my negative experiences into beautiful music with healing power.

It’s been a long and tough journey that is still going, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I have loved music ever since I was a little girl, and I would do anything to continue pursuing my passion.

The most valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way are to a) be myself, b) love myself, and c) believe in myself! That’s definitely my secret sauce.

I want the world to know that I’m just getting started, and that I plan on healing millions of people with my music and my story.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, we would definitely take a road trip to the Grand Canyon for the scenery and the weather. I’d take them to my favorite spots to eat, which include Taco Boys, AZ Wilderness, and China Chili. We’d have to hike it all off either at South or Estrella Mountain. If they were visiting in the summer, we’d go Salt River Tubing and to Tempe Town Lake. Retail therapy really resonates with me, so I’d make sure to take them to Tanger Outlets or Fashion Square. Lastly, we’d end with a nightcap either at Westgate or in Old Town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family deserves a lot of credit in my story. When I was five, we watched a music program on TV, titled “The Disco Ball,” where celebrities were doing tribute performances to funk artists. This was the true inception of my deep passion and reverence for music.

My dad was who exposed me to oldies music including Madonna, Sade, and Michael Jackson, and when I began writing poetry in 3rd grade, he always scolded me to keep every poem (I’d get frustrated and try to throw them out).

I eventually joined my church choir when singing was 12, and my older sister sang alongside me and helped me gain confidence in my craft. When I released my first afrobeat single, ‘Hold U Tight,’ she sent me flowers and made me feel as if I’d just won a Grammy.

As I progressed in my music career, my baby sister became my biggest fan, coming to my music video and photo shoots, studio sessions, and shows to support me. She always cheered me on and made me feel like the best artist in the world, especially when I’d feel lost or discouraged.

My older brother is my second biggest fan; he lives in Nigeria and is always sending my music to his friends, dancing to my songs on his story, and sharing encouraging messages with me.

My mom always knew I was destined to sing, but after I graduated college she became a very big support system, connecting me with my first manager, attending every single one of my shows, and sharing my music with her friends around the world.

It is a great feeling to have someone other than yourself believe in you. Without my family’s blessings and support, I wouldn’t be the artist that I am today.

Website: https://gb3ke.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gb3ke

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gb3ke

Facebook: https://facebook.com/gb3ke

Youtube: https://youtube.com/gbeke

Other: https://linktree.com/gb3ke

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