Today we’d like to introduce you to Ms. Amarachi.
Ms. Amarachi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a first-generation Nigerian, born in Prince George’s County, Maryland, which is extremely important to my identity. Growing up, my family was like a typical Nigerian family in that we had very structured activities and our parents were very involved in our upbringing. For the first eight years of my life, it was just me and my older brother, so I was pretty active in creative things such as dancing, ballet and tap, basketball, swimming, etc. I found the most joy, though when I sang in the church choir because I love to sing and it was something that came natural to me. After an incident where I was no longer allowed to sing in the church choir for reasons that were not my doing, it became challenging to show my creative side to the world, and thus I started hiding my abilities and talents. It wasn’t until high school that I picked up the pencil again and began writing poetry, which turned into me rapping and making actual music with the help of my brother, who made and still currently makes all of my beats. I was always a creative and always have been, and being in front of the camera is something that I’ve always been drawn to. I was a bit of a shy kid when it came to voicing my love of the arts because I didn’t see anybody in my immediate or extended family that were in creative fields, so I didn’t vocalize this as much to others, but I knew I wanted to be in front of the camera from the day that I saw Raven Symone on That’s So Raven, and subsequently saw Keke Palmer on Akeelah and the Bee. Since high school, I have worked more and more towards attaining my goals of being on screen, and I’m so happy that the situation that occurred did not completely alter my belief in myself and my abilities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road in the slightest bit, but I feel like that is the testament of most creators. There have been many days where I doubted if this field and this industry was for me, especially because of all the politics and tomfoolery that happened behind and in front of the scenes. Also, as a woman, specifically a dark-skinned black woman, there are always challenges that I face because people either put me in a box or they place stereotypes and stigmas on me before they even hear what I have to say or see what I can bring to the table. Also, there are always the naysayers and the people who want to remind you that being a creative is a one in 1 million job, and getting on screen is a one in 1 million chance. However, I always remind them that if there is a one in 1 million chance that I can be on screen, I will be that one. Also, when it comes to opportunities, again, as a woman, there are certain things that are expected of me in order for me to reach certain heights, and a lot of those things go against my morals and beliefs. That is not to slight anybody in the industry who decides to go down certain paths, but there are certain things that I refuse to abide by or except, but I also recognize that that might mean my journey takes a little longer, and I’m OK with that.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I would consider myself a multi-hyphenated creative. I make music that can be found on all streaming platforms (Ms. Amarachi), I also act, dance, sing, crochet, and the list goes on. I would say the two things I specialize in are rapping and acting, as those are the two creative fields that come the most naturally to me and that I have spent the most time developing, going to school for, and practicing. For me, the thing that I’m the most proud of is chasing my dreams because I know there are a lot of people who have goals that are similar to mine, but for various reasons, they either don’t feel comfortable or confident chasing those dreams, or they don’t see themselves actually being able to achieve those dreams. The mere fact that I wake up every morning and no matter what my 9-to-5 is, I always make sure to make time for my dreams makes me incredibly proud of myself because I know that one day I will achieve those dreams, and the work that I put into getting to those goals, will make it so much better.
What sets me apart from others is that I am definitely a breath of fresh air when it comes to the creative industry specifically because I decided before entering into the creative realm I was going to understand the business. After I received my Bachelor’s degree, I decided to get my Master’s in Entertainment Industry Management because I recognize that most times talent doesn’t understand how the business or behind the scenes operates. So they are often taken advantage of or they don’t understand anything, and that can be crippling to them in the end. Now that I have both a degree in the literal sense and since I’ve been doing the hands-on work, I feel like I have put myself in the best position to not only win but do exceptionally well in this industry.
Any big plans?
I’m definitely going after that EGOT, lol! In addition to winning accolades though, honestly, I just wanna make an impact on the world and I want little girls and boys that look like me and are from similar backgrounds to see me and know that they can not only get to where I am but that they can surpass it. Oftentimes, especially in international households, creative fields are not championed because our parents don’t see them as viable revenue streams. While I understand that STEM might present more of a financially free and safe lifestyle, I worry that kids who are not interested in STEM, will not be able to find ways to express their creativity and the dreams that they actually do have out of fear of disappointing their family. Thankfully, I don’t have that issue, but again, the more that kids and young adults, and even adults in general, see that others are chasing after their dreams and being successful in them, and sharing the ups and downs with the world, I believe that will put more of a battery in their back that they, too, can do it. Again, I still look forward to starring in big roles and movies, having internationally known songs and anthems on the radio, and just putting out positivity into the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.msamarachi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmsamarachi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsmsamarachi
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amarachi-ekekwe/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsmsamarachi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ7QkStAcbA0zCzaI9zk5XQ
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5G7MM1HqxOOQZz2XaOC4VI?si=h0wcp8gTRuGF1p750vCq3w
Image Credits
Main Image (Yellow Background): Zachariah Shoots Long Hair (Black Turtleneck): Cameron Radice Braid (Black Jean Jacket): Zachariah Shoots Black Leotard: Jonathan Adjahoe Braids (White Shirt): Jonathan Adjahoe Standing On Chair: Suede Williams
