Daily Inspiration: Meet Kemi Adegoroye

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kemi Adegoroye.

Hi Kemi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got started in the arts at a very young age. I was always known for making up songs on the playground, writing poems as birthday gifts for family, producing music videos with friends, and performing in countless musicals and plays. My parents encouraged my interest in the arts, with formal education in piano and voice starting at the ages of 5 and 15, respectively. These passions continued throughout high school and college, where I minored in theatre and toured internationally as a soloist in the university choir.

After college, I continued to perform within and outside of the United States while launching my own production company, 13 Roses Productions®️ LLC, to produce my own projects. My first independently produced album, Coming Home for Christmas, came out in 2013, featuring original jazz arrangements of classic Christmas songs. On Valentine’s Day 2020, I released my first original single, The Man Who Stole the Moon, inspired by the 2010 movie Despicable Me. And a year later, I released my debut EP of original music, For the Record, the culmination of 7 years of songwriting and recording.

In addition to performing as a solo artist, three years ago I started a band with three friends–Terra Firma the Band, a soul, jazz, and R&B band. In January 2020, we played our first gig as an opening act in front of over 400 people in Washington, DC. Since then, our band has played at major venues across the DC Metro Area, sharing inventive takes on classic songs and genre-bending original music. Our debut album, Live with Terra Firma, came out in December 2022, produced by 13 Roses Productions®️ and recorded live in August 2022 at the iconic Virginia venue Jammin Java.

In the midst of all these major projects, I continue to look for new ways to connect with audiences and tell stories inspired by the classic albums, books, musicals, and movies I grew up.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In retrospect, I would say that this journey hasn’t been easy and it hasn’t always been smooth. One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced as an independent artist has been the knowledge gap I have to bridge each time I start something new. Recording and producing an album, developing live shows, establishing myself in the local music scene, and running a production company are just some of the complex ventures I’ve embarked upon in the last five years. I’ve used research, mentorship from fellow artists and professionals, and much trial and error to find my way amidst the confusing music landscape.

Despite all the hurdles, delays, and disappointments, it’s all been worth it. I’ve learned so much about myself as an artist and professional. Feeling a sense of purpose in my passions has empowered me to forge ahead when faced with difficulties. And I delight in finding ways to close the knowledge gap for others by providing advice and information whenever I can. No matter how many times I think about giving up, I always remember that I am privileged to develop my passions as a profession. As author Vi Keeland once wrote, “If you want to know where your heart is, look where your mind goes when it wanders.” And my mind always wanders to the same places: creativity, imagination, and music.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a jazz-inspired soul singer and songwriter based in the DC Metro Area. I perform regularly as a solo artist and as the frontwoman of DC-based soul, jazz, and R&B band Terra Firma the Band. My work is grounded in authenticity, storytelling, and connection; in finding new ways to speak to listeners heart-to-heart to build understanding.

I am most proud of producing and releasing my own original music in the last three years. I always dreamed of sharing my original lyrics and melodies with the world. Seeing that dream come true has been a true blessing. In August 2022, I had the honor of seeing my first original song, The Man Who Stole the Moon, re-arranged by a renowned DC a capella group, The Capital Hearings. As an artist, writing and releasing an original song is a singular accomplishment, but having that song resonate with others who are inspired to create their own version is a significant milestone. This milestone was made even sweeter upon hearing the incredible arrangement they created, a moment I will carry with me for a long time to come.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
From the beginning, my family members have been my first and biggest cheerleaders. They have always nurtured my love of the arts, exposed me to countless art disciplines from all over the world, and encouraged me to pursue my passions. None of my career or my accomplishments would be possible without them. My faith has also always played a crucial role in my life, professionally and personally. The well from which I draw my inspiration and creativity is rooted in my faith and belief in God. And I am eternally grateful for it.

I’ve been blessed with wonderful collaborators in the industry over the last few years. Of particular note, my friend and producer, Kyle Guffey, is an incredible songwriter and composer who helped produce my first single and my first EP. We use each other as sounding boards for both the creative and administrative sides of music production. I’m thankful for the collaboration, support, and advice I’ve received from her and countless other musicians in the DC Metro Area. The community is so supportive and receptive of independent musicians; it’s a wonderful place to call home.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kemiadegoroye.com
• Instagram: @mskemiadegoroye
• Facebook: @mskemiadegoroye
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/13rosesproductions

Image Credits

Cover Photo: Laurel Creative
Additional Additional Photos: Chris Cherrie; Frédéric Völker; Kate Andreya; Yemie Alade; Mike Stone; Caroline Marney