Yaya Diamond

The latest viral video is by Yahaloma, an up and coming RnB/Neo-soul recording artist. With over 500 plays in only 14 days, and little to no ads, she has shown her dedication to her art. We here at Brunokim love this song, and we know you will too. Enjoy! - Social Pynk

Yahaloma, Founder and Host of Dream Chasers Radio, and Yvonne Elmasri, Founder of PynkCelebrity.com and SocialPynk.com, will be interviewing Mr. Ron Spaulding on Dream Chasers Radio. December 20 at 7:30pm.
Indie artists you don't want to miss this!
Mr Spaulding Oversees and manages the day to day operations of the independent music arm of Universal Music Group. Budgeting, strategy, publishing, merchandising, international distribution, licensing, media synchronization, cost savings, signing talent, marketing, promotion, brand building, and e-commerce. Liaise between Universal Music Group, Universal Music Group Distribution, and Universal Music Group wholly owned and associated labels. The company provides expertise and resources as the "best in class" operator for independent labels/artists crossing all musical genres. - Social Pynk

There seems to be no stopping Yahaloma as she makes her way to the top. Check out her name right below Flo Rida and I Square, coming in 5th on Headliner out of thousands of artists on Headliner.Fm. We will be looking for more from this talented woman in 2011. Congrats!
Headliner Tip of The Week:
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Headliners of the Week

1) JaFeezie Reached Over 847K Fans
2) Atomic Skunk Reached Over 610K Fans
3) Flo Rida Reached Over 439K Fans
4) I Square Reached Over 353K Fans
5) Yahaloma Reached Over 336K Fans

Join her on Headliner.fm right here: http://headliner.fm/exchange/ref/20038

Check out her music on Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/yahaloma - Social Pynk

Rodney Perry’s high-energy comedy performances are the reason why he is a veteran in the game and one of the busiest brothers in the business. Perry currently serves as side-man on BET’s “The Mo’Nique Show” where he provides laughs alongside comedienne Mo’Nique five nights a week. For four seasons, Perry has served as co-host and Man On The Street for TV One’s comedy competition, Bill Bellamy’s “Who’s Got Jokes.” He’s also appeared on HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” BET’s “Comic View,” Showtime’s “Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza,” Starz network’s “Martin Lawrence Presents First Amendment Comedy,” E! Network’s “Chelsea Lately” and Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed.” On the big screen, Perry has starred alongside Matt Damon in the film, “The Informant,” as well as appeared in “Bushwacked,” “Chicago Pulaski Jones” with Cedric The Entertainer, “Johnson Family Vacation” and DVD releases “Legacy,” “Redrum” and “Showstoppers.” Perry toured with the Budweiser Starting Lineup of Comedy. In 2002, he joked his way to a Bay Area Black Comedy competition championship. He has opened for legendary hip-hop artists Run DMC and the late music icon Ray Charles. Born in Chicago and raised in Monroe, Louisiana, Perry found his way to comedy by way of the U.S. Navy, where he performed to some of his toughest audiences. He eventually moved to the Bay Area where he honed his comedic craft and perfected his stage show, which includes hilarious observations on everything from the workplace to the joys – and occasional pains – of raising a big family. Perry and his wife of 13 years are the parents of five children.

Check out his interview below with Dream Chasers Radio! - www.pynkcelebrity.com

Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 what-a-fool-believes-demo-onlyWhat A Fool Believes Lyrics Artist(Band):Doobie BrotherMichael McDonald/Kenny Loggins. FAN: I like your interpretation of that McDonald song, kind of an island soca merengue feel to it, let's dance! :} - The female-musicians Daily

Rodney Perry’s high-energy comedy performances are the reason why he is a veteran in the game and one of the busiest brothers in the business. Perry currently serves as side-man on BET’s “The Mo’Nique Show” where he provides laughs alongside comedienne Mo’Nique five nights a week. For four seasons, Perry has served as co-host and Man On The Street for TV One’s comedy competition, Bill Bellamy’s “Who’s Got Jokes.” He’s also appeared on HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” BET’s “Comic View,” Showtime’s “Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza,” Starz network’s “Martin Lawrence Presents First Amendment Comedy,” E! Network’s “Chelsea Lately” and Byron Allen’s “Comics Unleashed.” On the big screen, Perry has starred alongside Matt Damon in the film, “The Informant,” as well as appeared in “Bushwacked,” “Chicago Pulaski Jones” with Cedric The Entertainer, “Johnson Family Vacation” and DVD releases “Legacy,” “Redrum” and “Showstoppers.” Perry toured with the Budweiser Starting Lineup of Comedy. In 2002, he joked his way to a Bay Area Black Comedy competition championship. He has opened for legendary hip-hop artists Run DMC and the late music icon Ray Charles. Born in Chicago and raised in Monroe, Louisiana, Perry found his way to comedy by way of the U.S. Navy, where he performed to some of his toughest audiences. He eventually moved to the Bay Area where he honed his comedic craft and perfected his stage show, which includes hilarious observations on everything from the workplace to the joys – and occasional pains – of raising a big family. Perry and his wife of 13 years are the parents of five children.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yahaloma/2010/12/13/dream-chasers-radio - http://paper.li/WomensRadio/female-musicians

"Since 1990 Yahaloma has played with bands such as Natures Vibe, and opened up for George Clinton and P-Funk, Shabba Ranks, Mary Mary, and doing many, highly requested, local shows in South Florida and Atlanta Georgia, & Co-wrote an album with The Commodores “Brick House” Walter Orange and Craig Deanto (Child Activist. She has also recently performed at The Queens of the Community in Atlanta Georgia honoring the mothers of celebrity artists T-Pain, Neo, and Little Wayne, for their contributions to the community..."


1). Do you have a phobia? If yes - what?
Yes. LOL I have a fear of falling. It's my mothers fault for dropping me so much, lol. She would fall asleep and I would fall off her lap. Go figure, now I don't even liked to be carried.

2). If you wouldn't have become an artist, what would you be?
An entertainment lawyer, actress, or something else in the entertainment field. Entertainment is where it's at for me, and I couldn't see myself doing anything else. I currently have an internet radio show, which is going very well, and it is also very rewarding.

3). What is your "formula for success"?
Wow, is there a formula? LOL I believe in returning phone calls, being grateful, persistent, wise, collaborations, and common sense. If something is too good to be true, it usually is, 99.9 % of the time.

4). If you had a chance to perform a live concert in any of these 3 countries: India, Congo, Iraq - what would it be and why?
I am really not sure, but I can say I am too nervous to go to Iraq. India is good, and Congo would be interesting. It all depends on the area, and conditions being war, or famine, even beliefs. As an artist I must be careful where I place myself, since not every country welcomes outsiders with open arms, especially these days and times.

5). If you started a social networking project/website, what would you call it?
I have already done so, and it is called "Dream Chasers". I have purposed to follow and catch my dream, and I hope others will do the same. It doesn't always end the way you dreamed it would, but it gets pretty close. Shoot for the stars, and if you miss the one you wanted to end up on, don't worry, the one you landed on is good enough and shines just as bright.



- Arenacast

Pynk Celebrity Exclusive Interview With Yahaloma

Pynk: You have been on the scene since 1990, what are you up to these days?

Yahaloma: I just released a new single with Calton Coffie, Lord Metatron, and Keturah Ariel, which can be found on itunes. I am actively working on my next project, and that is going really well. I have also just received an honorable recognition from Billboard World Song for one of my songs off the “Fire” Cd, my last project, entitled “Can’t wait”.

Pynk: We love your new song “Everything Will Be Alright” tell us what inspired you to write this song?

Yahaloma: As we all know, there is much heart ache, loss of loved ones, property, financial instability, and just a terrible struggle to survive in this day, and this is what inspired me to write this song. We have been through so much, as a nation, and I am sure every family has their ups and downs, but have made it through them all. “Everything Will Be Alright” is a song of survival, victory, and was written to remind us of all those times when we thought we would not make it through, but here we are on the other side of it. We made it through that, and we will make it through this as well. :)

Pynk: You have such a positive and loving vibe about you. Can you share with us what motivates you?

Yahaloma: Motivation, wow, it is all around, in every eye, in every struggle, and in every victory. Being motivated is a choice that I make, because being unmotivated is not an option. It is hard to explain, but motivation is something that I personally look for in everyday life, and I refuse to quit on something I have put so much in to, my turn could be right there. I have heard of many people quitting on their dream right before they reached their goal, I mean, so close, and I don’t want that to be me. That is my motivation, besides my family, fans, and friends keep me in prayer and uplifted in spirit on a daily basis, that is an awesome thing.

Pynk: Your voice is very soothing. What artists have inspired you along the way?

Yahaloma: So many people, but if I don’t say this person first, I may get in trouble, besides it’s true anyway, my Mommy, LOL, Evelyn Thomas. Ok, I am safe now, in addition to her, Mahalia Jackson, Sade, Eartha Kitt, Kim Burrell, Chante Moore, and so many more.

Pynk: What does the future hold for Yahaloma fans?

Yahaloma: The fans are wonderful, and I want to thank each and everyone of them for their support and love for me and the music. They can be on the lookout for the next project which will be self titled “Yahaloma”, they can request me in their city at http://eventful.com/performers/yahaloma-/P0-001-000032717-3, also they can follow me on twitter.com/yahaloma, listen to the radio show at blogtalkradio.com/yahaloma, purchase any of my songs or albums on cdbaby.com/yahaloma, request my music on their local clear channel owned radio station, and become a fan on facebook.com/yahaloma. Touring dates are in the works, and they will be up as soon as we get them. Things are moving quite fast for me, and I am looking forward to seeing them all soon. Peace, love, and Joy! :) - www.pynkcelebrity.com

FotoFlexer_PhotoFeaturing: Reverbnation #1 RnB/Soul Recording Artist Yahaloma,
from the theme song “BAD BOYS” of the TV show COPS and the
movie “BAD BOYS” , staring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith, re known
International recording artist Carlton Coffie. And SECTA 7’s own
Rappers deluxe artists Lord Metatron (Yechezkel) and Keturah
Ariel. - Pynkcelebrity.com

******"WHO HEARS THE CRIES" CD ON 46TH ANNUAL GRAMMYS NOMINATING BALLOT EIGHT TIMES AND CROSSES OVER THREE GENRES - POP, RAP, AND COUNTRY!******

*Best Male Pop Vocal Performance*
Song: TO THE ROLL OF THE DICE
Artist: Craig Deanto

*Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals*
Song: RIBBONS OF HOPE
Artist: Craig Deanto & Kim Thomas

Song: THEY ARE THE CHILDREN
Artist: Craig Deanto Featuring Kim Thomas

Song: TIL THEY COME BACK HOME
Artist: Craig Deanto Featuring Kim Thomas

*Best Pop Instrumental Performance*
Song: TO THE ROLL OF THE DICE (INSTR.)
Artist: Ronald G. Smith, Frank Cornelius & Michael Manley

Song: THEY ARE THE CHILDREN (INSTR.)
Artist: Ronald G. Smith & Michael Manley

*Best Rap/Sung Collaboration*
Song: WHO HEARS THE CRIES
Artist: Craig Deanto Featuring Kim Thomas & Andre Williams

*Best Country Song*
Song: WHO HEARS THE CRIES
Artist: Craig Deanto & Andre Williams, songwriters (Craig Deanto, Kim Thomas, Andre Williams, Armando Ramos, Mikael Manley, Frank Cornelius, Thomas Dawson & Walter "Clyde" Orange).

REVIEWS!
Click here to write a review about this CD!



Reviewer: Kim Thomas
Of Course we had a great time recording this CD. I pray all who purchase this piece knows the heart of Craig. He is all for the children and he has dedicated most of his life towards the recovery of missing children. Don't hesitate to purchase it, it will bless you and your family. Sincerely, Kim Thomas Vocalist and Writer on Who Hears the Cries


ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING!
Reviewer: Richard J. Smithlin
As a long time professional musician and conductor I am extremely impressed with the compositions, vocals, lyrics and production of this CD which will surely become a classic!


This CD is incredible!
Reviewer: Meredith
What an amazing piece of work this CD is. Heard it at my boyfriend's place, and immediately knew this was something special! The lyrics, voices, instruments and emotions all blend together in a way no music ever has. Thank you Mr. Deanto for renewing my faith in the music world! Can we play this at the local club?


This CD is unique. It is the best collections of songs about children I have ev
Reviewer: Robert Samuelson
Everyone one of these songs is a hit. They are beautiful and they are powerful.


CD BABY - independent music distribution | HOSTBABY - web hosting for musicians | FILMBABY - for - CD Baby / Tower records

Yahaloma Interviewed - Pop Sound & a Heavenly Message

By David Niall Wilson • February 23, 2009

firelogo

I met Yahaloma on Twitter and this is one of a series of interviews with musicians who participate on that site that I hope to write. Her new CD FIRE is due out soon, and my review of that will be live soon on http://www.tweepleblog.com …

DNW: You have been writing music and performing since you were a little girl. A lot has changed over those years, both in the music business, and in the way artists present themselves to the world. It requires more personal initiative now, but appears to be on the verge of opening the floodgates and letting a lot of new artists into the bigger pond… How have you dealt with those changes?

YAHALOMA: Yes, you are right. Many things have changed. When I begun to sing with my mom, Evelyn Thomas, record labels owned the industry. No one could get in or out without them approving. Since, I have seen many bands sign and disappear, as if they never existed. The one thing that scared me the most was being shelved by the very label I trusted to help me advance, but that is no longer an issue. Now the only one that can shelf you is you, and that is a major change. The industry has become vaster, more like an ocean full of talented musicians who are not procrastinating, and working hard to achieve their dreams with or without a label. That is wonderful and also scary at the same time. The artist is now responsible for their own success or failure while the labels sit back and wait to see if the artist is worth their time and investment. However, when the artist gets the taste of being in charge of their own career, finances, and music, they opt not to sign, and that is where the labels are losing. In dealing with these changes, I am able to learn more about the music industry as an indie artist. I am in charge of my destiny, there is no one to blame nor is there anyone holding me back, and I don’t have to wait for anyone to fulfill their promise to me. Because of the World Wide Web, WWW, I can now advertise, promote, release, and book all over the world, and all without a label. The changes are major, but the principles remain the same, and as an indie artist, I have the wheel. This does not mean that I will not sign, if the deal is right it would be an advantage, but I have a choice now and that feels good.blackwhitesexy

DNW: Do you see it as an improvement over the old label-controlled model?

YAHALOMA: I do see it as an improvement in the aspect that music lovers can now choose who they like and dislike and not having a record label trying to persuade them with their ads of influence. As a music lover I can now decide for myself who I want to listen to, and they don’t necessarily have to be a famous artist, signed, or on an fm radio station. The internet has many different options available for the listener to take advantage of their favorite hometown band, singer, or group. They now have more say so in the industry, and that is a wonderful change as well.

DNW: I know (since I met you on Twitter) that you are using the power of the Internet to spread the word about your work…can you just tell us the changes you’ve seen that are the most important, and how you plan to move forward with your work and career?

YAHALOMA: The internet has become 90 percent of my advertising and getting my music out to the listeners. I manage many sites, and they are all very important in reaching listeners who might like my music. I plan on continuing to use this resource as much as possible. Using sites like Twitter is important to the indie artist, and will help them connect to a listener who will in turn tell others about their art. I have to say that it is not easy, but consistency is key to making any business successful, and being consistent is what I plan to do. Putting up videos, blogging, communicating, and planning will be on my to do list for the future. I know that by keeping myself accessible I will reach more listeners and industry professionals.

DNW: You have done a lot of different types of music over the years. I smiled widest, I’ll admit, when I learned you’d performed in rock bands for bikers! Your work on Fire is very polished with a mixed style of R&B and more popular sounds - and that blend of Spirituality you’ve incorporated… Do you see yourself continuing to perform in other genres?

YAHALOMA: LOL. Yes I play where ever I am asked. I do not limit myself, or the music I have chosen to sing. I incorporate spirituality in my music because without it I am not being true to the course of life I want to lead. By singing this way, not only do I keep myself straight, but I help others in their goals of improving their own lives. We have so many issues these days; we need music that gives us hope, and a positive message for our lives. I love gospel music, but I am also a lover of love songs. Artists like Stevie Wonder, Babyface, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross have contributed wonderful clean love songs that will last. As for the gospel we cannot forget about Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Mary Mary, and Yolanda Adams have taken us higher. It would be hypocritical of me to say I only listen to gospel or vice versa, I listen to both. That is why I do both types of music. Love is a big aspect of every life, and spirituality is something we all seek after, so incorporating both styles is in fact one huge aspect of life that always goes hand and hand. Loving your spirituality and loving your family is one aspect of being human, so I consider myself an artist of one genre, love.

DNW: How has the diversity of your career to date led you to the sound and the choices you are now making?

YAHALOMA: As a music lover, my favorite type of music is Jazz, but growing up I was surrounded by dance, so putting the two together was very easy for me musically. The sound is consistent with both styles, fast and jazzy. The last CD consisted of 3 different writers. T. L. Robinson is a jazz instrumental artist from Texas, and is a very talented all around musician, artist, engineer, and producer. Manny Gotdem is a hip-hop dance musician from Miami who also sings, produces, and is an engineer. Alex Matin-Blanken is a Jamaican producer based in Jamaica who composed the reggae track. These music styles are totally different, but when you hear them on the CD they all fit together perfectly, and each one has the Yahaloma flavor I have come to develop over the years.

DNW: You’ve worked with one of the Commodores and been involved in some very impressive musical events and “happenings”. Can you share some memories of those times, moments that stick with you - lessons you’ve learned from the big name talents you’ve met and worked with? Drop names! Tell us something fun and inspiring.

YAHALOMA: Working with Walter “Clyde” Orange from the Commodores, who to this day is a good friend of mine, was great. It was a life changing event, an event that changed my point of view on my own career in the industry. I began to believe that I was good enough, something that was not so definite in my mind before. When we found out that the project came up on the Grammy Ballot 8 times, I freaked out. I was up against Mariah Carey, and names that I had only seen in books and none of these names were ever associated with my name before this. Not only working with Clyde, but working with Child activist Craig Deanto, who had his children kidnapped by his wife and taken to Africa, was eye opening. I have also toured internationally since a very young age, opened up for George Clinton and P-Funk, Shabba Ranks, Black Panther, Mary Mary, been on the Bobby Jones show, The Word Network, and BET. Even though I have done all of this, it is still the beginning for me, and I know that much work lies ahead.

DNW: You have included Hebrew Spirituality in your bio, and that spirituality permeates your lyrics…but in all the biographies and information I can find, there is no personal note about your own spirituality - what influenced you to your particular beliefs, what they are and what message you hope to convey. Can you give us a background of the makeup of your “creative mind,” how it blends with your spiritual side - paint us a picture, in other words, of the woman behind the words and music…a more personal biography.

YAHALOMA: I left that out for a reason. Trying to explain my own spirituality is not easy, and some have a hard time understanding that side of me. I have left it off because I want others to get to know me first, and then by knowing me they will understand where I am spiritually. I am a Hebrew. I am also an ordained pastor. I began in the church on the praise team, soprano, for 7 years. During that time I was ordained as a minister, then evangelist, and then a pastor. What changed my direction? The movie “The Passion” changed my entire outlook of the names that I had used for so many years, even from my youth. Yahshua was the name they used, and the language was Aramaic. This was all new to me, I had never heard of this before. I began to believe that if my name stayed the same wherever I went in the world, then the name of my savior should be the same as well. This opened up so many doors of understanding for me. Learning the interpretations of the language He spoke made me study even more. So ultimately I ended up where I am today, a Hebrew. Being Hebrew is not at all like being Jewish, as we believe in the savior Yahshua (whose interpreted name is Jesus), and we believe in following Him in all He did. For example, keeping the commandments, Sabbath, and the feasts (Ex: Passover). It is really difficult for some to understand me, that’s why I don’t disclose this too soon. I hope, now that others know, they will not think of me as strange, but just interesting.

DNW: This final question I ask everyone. You have 24 hours to create a new song. You can either have that time in a library with all the books of the world at your fingertips, a studio with all the world’s music to work with - or you can be transported anywhere for 24 hours. Which do you choose, and why? If you choose the place - WHERE and why.

YAHALOMA: I would choose the studio. I have always worked my best in the studio, and with the music at my disposal, I would be just like a child in a candy store, or in a toy store. LOL. Since a child, being on tour most of my youth with people like my mom, Evelyn Thomas, Eartha Kitt, Barbara Pennington, Sylvester, Nice and wild, Grace Jones, and more. We would travel vastly, and in between hit the studio for a writing session, where I would crash on the couch. It became such a routine for me that now my own children have become accustomed to it as well. The studio is my comfort zone when it comes to writing. I have, on many occasions, fallen asleep on the keyboard in my studio during a long writing session. I write a big percentage of the lyrics for my projects, so most of the time I am in the studio writing, by myself, until the crack of dawn. It is hard work, but the results are wonderful, and I look forward to sharing them with the listeners.

I am really seeing the hard work, and hours of labor pay off. I am blessed when others want to know more about me, and take interest in what I do. David, I want to thank you for being a friend on Twitter, and for this interview. I am honored that you took interest in me, and my music. I am looking forward to sharing more with you in the future.

Blessings and love,

Yahaloma

- David Niall Wilson

Dear Kimberly,

We are pleased to inform you that the song "Purge Me," entered into the Gospel/Christian category, has advanced to the next round of judging for the 2006 International Songwriting Competition. Please read all of the information below thoroughly.

Congratulations on this achievement. With over 14,000 songs entered into ISC 2006, making it this far along in the competition is a great accomplishment and a testament to your songwriting talent.

This is the only round of judging before the semi-finals. Receiving this email does not mean that you are a semi-finalist or a finalist. The 2006 finalists will officially be announced on February 1, 2007, and winners will be announced in March, 2007. All entrants will be informed of the results via email; finalists will also be posted on our website.

If you entered multiple songs, you will receive a separate email for each song that has advanced to the second round of judging. Please note that if you do not receive an email about a specific song that you entered, it means that the song did not advance to the second round of judging.

Please do not call or email our office to inquire about the status of the above mentioned song or any other songs that you may have entered, as we are extremely busy with the ongoing judging process. Due to time constraints, ISC does not release the number of entries that have made it to the next round of judging.

Feel free to tell others the good news about your song! When publicizing your achievement, you may mention that your song has "advanced to the next round of judging in the 2006 International Songwriting Competition." Please do not indicate yourself as a semi-finalist or finalist at the present time.

Best wishes for a healthy and successful New Year.
Regards,
ISC
--
International Songwriting Competition
- ISC

Social Pynk is a network for up and coming artist that would like to showcase their work for millions to view.
Mel at July 11th, 2009

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She has a great voice! I remember her mom, I was a fan. Thanks for posting!

Mary at July 13th, 2009

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I saw Yahaloma live, an amazing soul! - PynkCelebrity.com

We all know that the music business is a tough one. Staying in the business for a long period of time is even tougher. Learning as much as you can early will help an artist avoid the pitfalls that come up. Our friend Yaya Diamond has been doing it for quite a while and had a great role model to learn from.

We caught up with the talented singer to see what is happening now. Enjoy the interview:

First off, what is the story of the name Yaya Diamond?

When I began singing I used my given name Kim Thomas, but back in those days Little Kim was very popular so I sought a different name. I then began using the name Nichele, but I didn’t think it would be memorable. After a while being in many bands I decided to use the direct translation of my given name, Kimberly, in Hebrew which is Yahaloma. Many of my fans could not pronounce it so they began calling me Yaya Diamond, which in english Yahaloma means Diamond as well as Kimberly. It has been a long and wonderful journey to become what my fans have named me and not by my own doing. I love the name and I thank my fans for giving me this loving title.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound has been spun from a family lineage of musical greats. I don’t think my sound is unique, or any different from the great voices that grace the airwaves of today or yesterday. I believe my voice carries their memory, tone, grace, and love for the music I decide to perform. My sound comes from hours of studying great voices like Evelyn Thomas my mother, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, and many more.

Which artists have had the biggest influence on your career?

My mother Evelyn Thomas is my hero! She went for her dreams at a very young age. She was a young single mother who kept going for her dreams and succeeded. Watching her perform at stadiums full of people, clubs at 2am, traveling all over the world, and yet still being the best mom was amazing. She taught me that even though you may have a successful career being humble and knowing you are no better than any other person who loves what they do is key to having a happy and successful life.

She showed me what a true mother should look like in the midst of being a star. She is the best mom, biggest influence, and most amazing superstar celebrity I could have ever asked for.


What was it like growing up in a family of music legends?

At first I had no idea my mom was a legend. I just knew she sang and people loved her. As I got older I knew my life was different from my schoolmates. I was teased a lot, told I thought I was better than everyone else, that I would never match my mom, never be anything in my life, but that was not and could never be furthest from the truth.

I grew up understanding that life can be quite different for everyone no matter what family you are born in. Some make it big and become famous, some become great business people, mothers, fathers, employees, and employers, and that is an amazing thing. To be whom you want to be in life is better than becoming whom others expect you to be.

I learned the most important thing from my family and that is to be me. I have experienced and have been witness to the journey of my family, but that was their lives and I have my life to live. I was taught not to ride the coattails of my family, but to learn how to sew my own and that is what I am doing.


Yaya Diamond covers ‘Come Together’

Tell us about your nomination to the Florida Music Hall of Fame.

Wow! This came out of nowhere really. I received a message on Facebook that I had been nominated for the Florida music hall of fame and I told them no way they must have the wrong person, hahaha, but a few moments later they sent me the link and said check it out for yourself. I could not believe it, my name was there among so many other amazing bands and solo artists like The Commodores, Tim McGraw, Ray Charles, Betty Wright and so many more. I was stunned and still am, but I feel as if I have already won really. To think someone thought of me to place me on such a prestigious list is something I never thought about really, I couldn’t be more grateful.

What other exploits do you have going on aside from your music?

Thank you for asking. I have a podcast, Yaya Diamonds Dream Chasers Radio, in which I have begun to turn into a radio and TV show. I have interviewed Tommy Chung, Anthony Hamilton, Tito Jackson, Leela James, and many other recording artists, authors, entrepreneurs, and the list goes on. I also do reviews and shout-outs which I also equally love. I love giving others a platform to show off their hard work and progress. I celebrate with them!

I have a few journals and books I have written and composed as well and am looking forward to doing more of this in the near future as well.

Share some advice for other artists trying to make a difference?

It is so hard to not listen to the ones who call you crazy, say you will never be anything, but I know now why they say these things. It is not you but themselves they see. It is a reflection of what they know is true of themselves.

I remember reading about the psychology of the opinion of others and it is known that one can only reflect on their own life experiences. If you ask someone’s opinion of how something looks on you, a shirt, for instance, they must first see themselves in the shirt, and then they will give you the answer, but the answer is not based on how you actually look but how they perceive themselves to look in the shirt, only you can decide how you look.

If you want to do something in life and know of yourself, you are good at it, then go for it and ask no one, but learn your way through. You can do it, you are enough, and learn as you go, you totally got this.


What does 2022 hold for Yaya Diamond?

2022 is already being planned. I am working on new music, collaborations, red carpet interviews, media, radio, tv, etc. I am expanding my horizons and living my life to its fullest. I don’t want to live a life of regret. I am living life as if I have everything I need to succeed.

I am going to smile more and cherish life. 2022 will be the year I live up to the quote “What if you had everything you needed to be successful, what would you do?”

I am so excited about life and I hope I am an example to others. Thank you for this amazing interview IndieBandGuru. You guys ROCK! Love you all.

Love you too Yaya Diamond. - Indie Band Guru