Rising Stars: Meet Kadijah Janneh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kadijah Janneh

Hi Kadijah, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
Since childhood, I’ve always had admiration for the arts in its various forms. It first started with the viola, Which I played for about 13 years. Before I knew it, I was also in improv troupes, I joined choir, I was doing theater, and then I started performing and publishing spoken word pieces. My brother, Sam, was the one who saw how my many art mediums could be condensed into two main avenues. Acting and rapping. At the time, I had no clue what he was talking about as I had never rapped before, nor thought myself capable. Regardless, Sam urged me to at least try. He recognized that my love for performing, my love for music, and my love for writing could all complement each other in the form of rapping. Long story short, Sam was right. Rapping is a craft I love and have so much respect for, and I see myself forever growing in. That hunger to want to outdo the last performance, or the last verse I wrote, or the last recording session gives me life. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but I’m grateful for the lessons it’s brought. With every hurdle, I’m taught just how tenacious I truly am. Many artists will tell you of their financial struggles at the beginning of their journey, and mine is no different. I had days where I was so stressed out that it made me physically ill. A sane person would quit and find a path with less resistance. However, artists aren’t sane people. We would rather suffer in our pursuit than wave the white flag. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a rapper and an actress. In this current season of my life, I find myself resonating with my music more than anything else. 

What sets me apart from others is my refusal to be contained within a box. What I’m feeling in this present moment may not be what I’m feeling in the next. What is important to me today might not be so paramount to me tomorrow. I allow myself to explore and express a wide range of feelings, emotions, and stories. Monday, I may be rapping about being the baddest, and Tuesday, I might be flowing about misogynoir. 

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve come to the realization that no matter where I end up in this world, I will always have an army of the most incredible people by my side. There are too many people I need to give thanks to, but here’s a start. 

I want to give a super big shout-out to my big brother Sam for his continued support. 

My sisters Haja, Isha, and Kabbay have been the best cheerleaders a girl could ask for.  

I want to thank my support system back home in Virginia, which is primarily comprised of my friends Kali, Hakim, and Makayla.  

I would be nothing without the community I’ve built here in LA. I’ve learned so much about life from my amazing friends, including Nurse Amanda, Monica, and Cesar.  

Last but not least – As artists, we need other artists to collaborate with, to bounce ideas off of, and to just struggle with. Lexie, Flor, Amanda, Arienne, Alex – thank you for letting me struggle and figure it out with you guys. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Thekadijah?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabjYgtKB5hjPjGAJIDR3d2GwowHiHK46EcSNpXOuu-h_Gl1F6a9K0uzp3k_aem_AQWRD6IXDGMyWncru-TmfBuNS3bFxlR6jYecsNxOXWtpliefZScaUCDlvvL_RYmnz3Cjh_EFEiP6tr391YaXuR8B
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekadijah?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/rXh6liozDCc
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OJNUqkyjVnegjZPO39pLQ?si=4xq1kpwIRYyeCdN_jNKwAg

Image Credits
Tanairy Robles