Sanniyah Antoinette shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Sanniyah, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions about independent artists is the idea that we’re all just looking for a quick path to fame or fortune… like we’re in it for a “get rich quick” scheme. But for many of us, Including myself specifically, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Personally, my passion for music comes from a much deeper place. I create because it’s how I express what’s in my heart. The struggles, the growth, the moments that words alone can’t capture. Making something real, something that resonates with others on a human level, means more to me than any amount of money or recognition ever could. Of course, success is great, and we all want to grow and be heard — but if the art isn’t honest, what’s the point? At the end of the day, authenticity lasts longer than any viral moment
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sanniyah Antoinette, and I’m from Southwest Philadelphia with a deep love and passion for everything related to music and entertainment. Growing up, I always found ways to keep music at the center of my life. Whether it was attending a performing arts high school, enrolling in School of Rock Philadelphia, graduating from The University of the Arts with a degree in Music Business, Technology, and Entrepreneurship, or moving across the country to Los Angeles to begin a new chapter—music has always been my foundation.
To me, life is about taking risks and believing in yourself. Right now, I’m in a phase of my career where I truly understand my trajectory. I know who I want to work with, who I don’t, and exactly how I want my sound and message to be represented.
I have so many exciting things coming up—commercials, award show appearances, music videos, and more. I can’t wait to share everything with you all!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom, Marie, saw me clearly before I could ever see myself. From the time I was young, she believed in my talent, my drive, and my passion for music—even when I was still figuring it all out. She never missed a performance and always reminded me that I was born to shine. Alongside her, my sister Angela was just as supportive. After watching me perform all over Philadelphia and thrive in my performing arts schools, they both used to tell me, “You’re going to be a rockstar one day.” At the time, I thought they were just being encouraging, but looking back, they saw something in me early on that I’m only now beginning to fully understand and embrace. Their belief laid the foundation for the confidence I carry today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Honestly, I almost gave up on music just last week. This journey isn’t easy—especially when it feels like you’re constantly running into walls. Lately, it’s been tough finding the right people to work with…people who truly believe in me and respect my vision. I’ve come across a lot of individuals who tell me my sound isn’t “mainstream” enough, like that’s a bad thing. Instead of uplifting my uniqueness, they try to put me in a box or water down what I bring to the table.
It’s draining to keep pushing when your talent is overlooked or underestimated. I started questioning myself “Am I doing too much? Am I not doing enough?” But deep down, I know why I started. I know the gift I have and the purpose behind it. So even when I feel like giving up, something inside me refuses to let go.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yeah, I would say the public version of me is definitely the real me. I’ve always tried to stay true to myself on social media, because there’s already so much fake stuff out there. So many people post what they think others want to see, or they create this version of themselves that just isn’t real. I never wanted to be that. What you see from me, whether it’s the wins, the hard days, the behind-the-scenes stuff—it’s all real. I’m not interested in putting on a show. I’d rather be honest, even if it’s not always perfect. I think people connect more with the truth anyway.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Honestly, yeah! I’ve been feeling that “tap dancing to work” energy lately.
I’m really excited about this new chapter of my life. After attending the BET Awards two years in a row and being just inches away from some of the artists I grew up idolizing, it really lit something in me. Those moments made me realize that I’m not just dreaming. I’m actually getting closer to everything I’ve worked for. It reminded me that I’m exactly where I need to be.
On top of that, I genuinely love my day job as a luxury stylist. Fashion has always been a big part of who I am, and I’ve learned how to coordinate that side of my creativity with my music career. Whether I’m styling clients or curating looks for my own performances and appearances, it all connects. The styling world teaches me about presence, confidence, and storytelling without words…just like music does.
So yes, these days I wake up feeling motivated and aligned. It’s not always easy, but I finally feel like all the pieces of who I am are starting to come together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/SanniyahAntoinette
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanniyahantoinette/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanniyah-antoinette-446867214/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanniyahAntoinette/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrYLKXsHkHFVBqTeDXARc1w
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sanniyah-bey
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2HAbrA3zlF29jwH3VyCEji
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sanniyah-antoinette/1351822017
Image Credits
@Nikhampshire, @Skyfilmstudios
