Life & Work with Kijafa Martin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kijafa Martin.

Hi Kijafa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well, I grew up in church and come from a musical family. Music has ALWAYS been a part of my life. From Elementary school choirs to being a major part of the Performing Arts program at Long Beach Jordan High School. After high school, I became a mother rather quickly and got married at 24.

Three children and a husband who turned out to be abusive. I was with this man for 11 years and music basically was a thing of my past. Although he knew I could sing and loved telling people that I could, it was always a problem, to the point where things got physical. So, in order to keep home “happy”, I ignored that part of me that was hurting because I couldn’t do what I loved. Enough was finally enough, I packed my kids up, divorced that man, and relocated back to Compton. My children and I started attending my parent’s church and that’s where I met my bestfriend and now husband AND my drummer! He had a band and played for many people in many places, and because of that, I was also introduced to a whole musical circle. It was like my life started over but in the right direction this time. I’m singing, I’m recording, performing, gigging and making a name for myself! I started singing in Hollywood at Tha Juice Joint in 2015 (that’s where I met Titus) and became a House Singer. So many wonderful opportunities and relationships being built. I’m all over the place and feeling better than ever!

In 2017, I was singing for a live recording and began having these weird stomach pains. By the next morning, I was admitted into the hospital and had to have an emergency surgery. I was down for two months. I was miserable! I’m watching everyone on Instagram singing and everything and I’m getting depressed. Even after being released from the hospital, I had to slow down a bit. I’m getting even more depressed. I talked to a friend from high school who owns and runs three successful businesses and she encouraged me to start creating with my hands. It was therapeutic and kept me busy. Then she said, whatever you create, post it on IG. So I did. Next thing you know, I’m getting inquiries. And that’s where KreationzByKijafa began. I started my business and I’m not so depressed about not being on stage. Now I’m fully recovered, back on stage, releasing original music and running my business! Came back even stronger than I was before! But instead of just using my platform to sing, I promised God I would share my testimony of survival and overcoming. And that’s exactly why I feel God keeps blessing me. My truth is a major part of my success. I love helping people and being an example. I feel like that’s what I was created for. And I love it!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not. I dealt with abuse, insecurities, feeling defeated and overlooked, depression… I’ve wanted to throw in the towel on many occasions. I was my own worst enemy at times.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a singer and songwriter. I’m known for my soulful sultry voice and then I flip it and might hit you with some bars! I’m not a rapper, but I absolutely adore Hip Hop. I’m a lady with a few rough edges. When asked how I describe myself… Sexy Gangsta… I’m also a businesswoman. I have a handmade gift shop. I can customize pretty much anything… T-shirts, tumblers, handmade dominoes, stickers, and more! What sets me apart is my transparency. I am never afraid to tell the truth even if it means losing “friends”.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I have music available on all platforms. My latest single just hit over 150,000 streams! And my business is KreationzByKijafa on Etsy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kreationzbykijafa.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/imkijafa
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/imkijafa
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KijafaKreationz?s=09
• Other: https://linktr.ee/KreationzByKijafa

Image Credits
Sheldon Butler (last photo)