Meet Gracie Phoenix | African Music Promoter

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

Hi Gracie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
In 2010, I decided to showcase Afrobeat, which was an underrepresented music genre that I supported through various media outlets, including my own platforms. To put it simply, I was determined to expose these artists and their talents on a mainstream scale in the U.S.

In 2011, I produced and hosted an online radio show called Afro-Deeziak Radio to start creating a buzz because this particular style of music was not yet widespread in America. I wanted to pursue African Music promotion because I felt that these Artists were too talented to be ignored in the U.S.

Through trial and error, I noticed that the Caribbean-American communities were more receptive to Afrobeat than other American communities were. They found it easier to embrace and integrate this new music into their programming, which helped the spread of Afrobeat in the U.S.

Years of consistent promotion was worth the effort because Afrobeat finally began to gain traction in America around 2017-2018. Unfortunately, I was left out of this victory because in 2016, I made a conscious decision to remove myself from the African music scene. My focus completely shifted from music promotion to healing after divorcing my mentally abusive ex-husband.

My persistence for closure from my marriage had become more of a priority than music promotion. I was so determined to understand what happened in my marriage that I had no energy for anything else. Eventually, I learned that I was married to a Narcissist, which made so much sense because I was never entirely comfortable while I was married. I always felt like I was walking on eggshells.

I then took time out to study Narcissistic Personality Disorder and found a whole new community. I was so shocked and angry about what I was learning that I started writing. My writing turned into a movie script that I produced, directed, and starred in. I called my film Rise From the Ashes. Rise From the Ashes is about Narcissistic Abuse, which is a form of abuse that is mostly verbal & psychological, but still leads to emotional trauma in victims.

Trailer: Rise From the Ashes – A Film About Narcissistic Abuse [Official Trailer]

Ironically, during my six-year hiatus from African Music promotion, America was taking notice and finally catching on to the hype. While I was always confident in the future of African Music, I felt that all my efforts had been forgotten. I want to be remembered as someone who was there from the beginning, promoting these artists.

So that I may be recognized for my work in African Music promotion, I’m currently compiling material for my 2nd film, a documentary about how determined I was to spotlight Afrobeat in the U.S., despite the skepticism along the way.

Just because I took a pause promoting African Music doesn’t mean that I wasn’t there. My new film will highlight my journey in African Music promotion and everything I did to contribute to the movement. I’m excited to get this project completed, and I can’t wait to share it with the world!

What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want people to remember about you? 

In 2010, I was one of the only Americans promoting African Music. It was a struggle, and I faced skepticism from people who didn’t believe in the vision. Most people thought Afrobeat was too eccentric for Americans to catch onto. I wasn’t bothered by the criticism. My passion was too intense. I want to be remembered as the one who helped start the Afrobeat movement in America! Afrobeat might not have received the acknowledgment it has today if my team and I didn’t step in all those years ago. Our commitment to showcasing these artists lead to their acceptance in the States.

I’ve learned never to give up. If you believe in something, keep going!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite spots to visit in Denver is Shara Hookah Bar. I like it because of the music and the ambiance.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

TradioV (Formerly) WKRP Radio – Denver
Pure Vybz Radio – KPFT FM Houston
Boukhan with The Specialists TV – Atlanta, GA
DJ Stero Lion
DJ Supa Neil
DJ Al D
DJ Chris Milly
Mike Zinna
Jamaal Hinton
Khysin Bless
Lady Auset

Website: https://www.graciephoenix.com/

Instagram: @GracelPhoenix

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealGraciePhoenix/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/amazingrace81

Image Credits
Photo Credit: *Eagle Eye Studios *Robert May III *Akio James