Jeniqua grew up expressing herself through poetry, writing songs and filling the home with singing… her own tunes and those of her favorite’s, Whitney, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Ce Ce and Be Be Winans etc.

She is equally comfortable with R&B, soul, jazz fusion, Gospel & dance and appeals to a wide demographic. Her voice has been often referred to as angelic. Her music oozes soul, heartfelt lyrics and an exceptional delivery of infectious melodies, backing vocals and vocal arrangements, all created and mastered by Jeniqua herself.

Some of her credits include: semi-finalist for R&B / Hip Hop category in the ISC (International Songwriting competition), semi-finalist in the Christian and Vocal Performance categories of the Unsigned Only Music Competition, nomination for a Shorty Award, NY for ‘Best Singer’ on social media and ‘Best Female Vocalist’ nomination at the 32nd Chicago Music Awards. Jeniqua has also had songs on the top of various music and radio charts in Australia and abroad.
“Jeniqua’s voice is an unmistakably unique and divine gift. Her voice, stage presence, raw talent and work ethic will have a huge impact on the industry.” – Ron Simmons, former Artist Manager, Chicago USA.

“Love this lady and her music! A highly talented songwriter, Jeniqua’s music touches life in the most personal ways, but always is positive, encouraging and very entertaining!” – Hank David, Aussie Home Grown Radio Host.

GO BANG! Magazine: Where are you from and where do you presently call home?

Jeniqua: I’m from Sydney, Australia, and presently residing in Sydney.

GO BANG! Magazine: Please explain to our readers how you became interested in R&B/Soul and Gospel/Christian contemporary artists and music?

Jeniqua: Growing up I just naturally gravitated towards R&B / Soul music and inspiring soulful voices in pop, such as Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan. I bought all their music, back in the tape days and some vinyl. Our house would be filled daily with their music and me dancing around the lounge room. Whitney used to get the most play. She was and still is my FAV. Nearly wore a whole in the vinyl playing her constantly on repeat. My mum also used to give Barbara Streisand a good go too. I loved her tone.

I also grew up listening to and singing hymns in the church we attended since my birth… and from my teenage years, moved on to other churches along the way, volunteering in their creative / worship teams. Mostly in roles such as worship leader, vocal director and choir director and assisting others in the team with their vocals, songs, vocal arrangements and also song writing for the church. I am still involved to this day with the Creative team at church.

I’d write praise & worship songs for the church congregation and outside of that I was writing my R&B Soul Gospel songs, they were different to the songs we sang at church as a congregation, though were added as bonus tracks to the church albums. So I write both types.

There are other genres/artists I listened to at various stages in my late teens, though I definitely loved soulful music, R&B and my favourite, Gospel. It resonates with my soul. Some of my favourite Gospel artists are, Ce Ce and Be Be Winans, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Smokie Norful and many more.


GO BANG! Magazine: Your vocal rhythm, timbre, tones and energy are infectious. Your voice has been described as angelic. Where does your soulful energy originate?
Jeniqua: Aaah thank you!

The soulful energy comes from my soul. It just seems to be what comes out without trying. It’s the gift that God placed in me and I’m so glad He gave me a gift that allows me to create and express myself with all that’s in me. It’s just what I flow in when expressing myself through song.

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe yourself and your musical styles to someone that may not be familiar with Jeniqua?

Jeniqua: Describing myself:
I’m passionate, creative, love God, love writing songs, performing, recording, love a good laugh and having fun, love seeing people win and have breakthrough in their lives. I also use my experience and love for what I do to help other singers and artists with their vocal development, in my vocal teaching business VoxConnect (www.voxconnect.co). I offer lessons in person or over the internet.

Two of my spiritual gifts are Exhortation (encouraging others) and teaching.

At the core of my songs is a message that is usually birthed in my quiet time with God. I write my songs from that place. Life’s experiences and revelations, relationships, love, lessons learnt etc… whatever it may be. Whether it is an R&B/Soul song for the mainstream market, a praise or worship song for church or an R&B/Soul style Gospel song that I release into the Gospel market….. they all carry truth and an uplifting message. They cross over boundaries and genres and appeal to a wide demographic and I am so grateful. My goal / mission is to inspire and empower others through my music.

Musical Styles:
My writing style is quite versatile. My songs have been played on playlists and in charts for genres such:
R&B / Soul
Urban / Hip Hop
Adult contemporary
Dance
CCM (Contemporary Christian Music)
Praise and Worship
R&B / Gospel
Inspirational

GO BANG! Magazine: Dance/EDM/House music is very popular here in the U.S. and abroad. Some may even argue that is even more popular in the UK than it is here in Chicago, where it was born. I recently interviewed Australian DJ/Producer Xander James who specializes in dance music. He described the Dance/House scene in Australia as vibrant. How would you describe the scene and do you plan to make a bigger splash here in the U.S.?

Jeniqua: Yes, more than R&B/Soul, the Dance scene here is more vibrant and popular. There are a lot of cover bands that cover R&B, though DJ’s that play and create dance songs get more play in clubs and in venues that require just a DJ.
I didn’t focus on the Australian market. I felt to spread my wings elsewhere, knowing Australia will eventually come across one of their own.

The songs I wrote for church were sung here in Australia, and we toured Canada, NZ and the USA back in 2003 and 2004.
I’ve just stayed in my own lane, doing me and focusing on what God has given me to use through song form & the industry and it just so happened the market for my music has been and still is in the UK, USA and various other countries, more so than Australia. The industry is smaller here, so I have more support in other countries.

There is more access to the type of style I do through internet radio and other connections throughout the internet. That has helped greatly in people far and wide coming across my music and what I do. They make up my supportive audience.
GO BANG! Magazine: You are also an award winning Gospel/Christian contemporary artist. Many might say that being involved with both Dance music and Christian music is a conflict of interests and beliefs. What would you say to those individuals?

Jeniqua: I write from the heart and as mentioned above, most of my songs come from the time I spend with God or through growth in Him and my everyday journey with God. I have strong faith and it has gotten me through a multitude of things and it will continue to.

At the end of the day I can express myself through any style of music, drum beat or genre I choose. If it is uplifting and spreading a message of hope and empowerment to others, it shouldn’t matter if it is 130bpm or 60bpm. I don’t get caught up in all that nonsense.

If my songs have resonated with another human beings, made them smile, made them dance, changed their day for the better, or helped them through trauma or a battle with mental illness, pointed them to Jesus, encouraged them in their walk…. then I have done my job and that is part of my God given purpose here on this earth.

GO BANG! Magazine: You have a Chicago connection being once managed by Chicago’s own Ron Simmons of Celestial Productions. You also were nominated as “Best Female Vocalist” at the 32nd Chicago Music Awards. What would you like to say to Mr. Ron Simmons, to the Chicago Music Awards, and more importantly to our Chicago readers?
Jeniqua: Yes, it was many years ago, around 2011, for a short time, as Ron was in the midst of writing a movie and that required all his attention.

I’d like to say, Hey Ron…. thank you for your advice etc during that time and the connections made. A few I will mention… 1. His mum Miss Edie… I love her. She is just delightful. 2. To be included in the 32nd Chicago Music Awards as a nominee, I am so grateful…. 3. Getting to meet and work with world class Photographer and great friend of Ron’s… the late Ernest Collins… what a man! Gifted, and so lovely. His smile lit up the room.

I’m grateful for all that Ron helped with and I wish him nothing but the best for his movie and all other projects he has in the pipeline. I so look forward to seeing his movie ‘Cabrini Green’… so much heritage and greatness came out of that place, so many stories and testimonies that Ron has to share.

And to Chicago listeners and Chicago itself… I love you. I love your city, it’s so beautiful, the buildings and the people I have met… I’ll be back! Oh and of course a fav….. SOUL FOOD (Yeeeeeeaaaah baby!!). OH MY GOODNESS…. (even now typing this, I’m getting a hunger pain and a craving for some beloved soul food). We don’t have it over here in Australia.


My first trip to Chicago some years back, I think around 2011… was my first time trying soul food. A whole group of us went out for a feast. The portion size was so massive, at the time I couldn’t fit it all in… To this day, I have flashbacks of it and wished I had finished all that goodness on my plate, especially the rib tips. Yum

GO BANG! Magazine: Are there any artists or producers, American or non-American that you would love to work with, that you haven’t so far?

Jeniqua: I would have loved to work with Leon Ware. There was talk of it, though Leon has since passed away. He worked with Maxwell, Donny Hathaway, Minnie Ripperton, The Jackson Five and Michael Jackson etc.+ I’d also love to work with Charlie Singleton (aka. The Phantom). A former member (vocals, writer and guitarist) from super group, Cameo. He is an incredible vocalist, performer, writer, guitarist and multi instrumentalist and producer. He has produced, written for, recorded and performed with some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as; Chaka Khan, Mariah, Charlie Wilson, Shanice Williams, Sheila E, amongst many others.


In general, I’d just love to work with those that are authentic, have great work ethic and have integrity. Those artists or producers that are respectful, genuinely love what I do, and are there for the right reasons.

GO BANG! Magazine: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it personally?

Jeniqua: Yes, it’s a shocking thing for the whole world to experience… and I continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones to Covid and also thankful to all those on the front line… the Health workers, risking their lives to help others.

For me personally, I have remained in peace and getting on with whatever I can carry on with in this season, where obviously work has ceased somewhat for many. I don’t let that effect me. My faith is strong and gets me through anything.

The Pandemic has not been able to stop me from continuing to write or prepare. I am using this time wisely and also investing in myself as I do on a daily basis… in my faith and prayer, spending time with loved ones, laughing lots, study, building my vocal teaching work back up and modelling work and being grateful for life, my loved ones and all the blessings along the way.

GO BANG! Magazine: What are you working on now that our readers should be on the lookout for? Do you have any projects lined up for later in the future after the COVID-19 pandemic that you can tell our readers about?

Jeniqua: I have many songs already written and recorded and at various stages in the process of releasing music. Many of them are at mixing stage.

For some time now I have not had access to the things that would usually be more available to me eg: studio for mixing etc… I have had to wait for various reasons and for numerous things to get back up and running… so I will not be releasing anything anytime soon. Though I plan to release more singles and an album for both R&B/Soul mainstream and another Gospel Album.

I will keep you updated on my website, social pages and via my mailing list, for all releases. Look forward to sharing them all with you.

God bless you all!

Thank you for this interview Pierre. God bless.
Jeniqua J

YOU CAN FOLLOW JENIQUA BY VISITING WEBSITE: www.jeniqua.com


Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram

WATCH THE ENTIRE EVENT courtesy of C-SPAN.org VIDEO:
Click here: https://www.c-span.org/video/?475069-1/national-action-networks-get-knee-necks-rally-march&live=&vod=&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=e7e463ea-0c4e-428f-b62c-b4504254a42e&fbclid=IwAR1fNs64SGk1o_KASgWIBPxfdSWUW-THOI-FJDmRqM1KQuyhUXmmeqtw1bg

 



The National Action Network (NAN) held a “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks” rally at the Lincoln Memorial on the 57th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Among the speakers were Vice Presidential Candidate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King, III. Also delivering remarks were family members of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake, Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner and Ahmaud Arbery. Following the conclusion of the rally, participants marched to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

I, Pierre A. Evans, had the desire to attend this historic event from the time that I first became aware of it.  In early June, 2020, at  the funeral of George Floyd, Reverend Al Sharpton announced that it would be a MARCH ON WASHINGTON set for Friday, August 28, 2020.  At that moment I knew that I was going! I immediately hit up my homie, Donald Burns, and asked him if he was interested in attending the march with me. He said “HELL YEA!”  We booked our flight and hotel immediately and just waited on the date to arrive.

Once we started our journey on Thursday, August 27, 2020, the first thing that I noticed was that Midway Airport was empty and the plane will filled half capacity.  I didn’t mind either of those changes and welcomed the space and room.  Bear in kind, we are traveling in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We we’re literally putting ourselves in the midst of it by traveling. But the urge and need for me to go was overwhelming.  The last time that I went to DC was to attend the “Million Man March” in the 90’s.  Over the years, I’ve come to realize that I am a human rights activist.

We get to DC Thursday afternoon and begin to kick it!  Basically, we just traveled around the area our hotel (The Homewood Hilton) was in, which was Navy Yard/Washington Nationals Stadium.  There was a lot to see and do.  We did it ALL!

The next day, Friday, August 28, 2020, is March day! The event started gathering at 5:30 am and the speakers started at 9am and continued until about 2pm.  Many of the people and families that have been affected by the unjustice and murders committed against Black/Brown people spoke.  The mood of everyone attending was PRIDE!

Being a journalist, I always document and share my travels with my Facebook family, so I went LIVE several times throughout the trip and took numerous photos at historic locations.  You can see the footage on my Facebook page @https://www.facebook.com/pierre.a.evans

The ceremony went overtime and the march didn’t start until about 2ish, an hour late (CPT) lol. Unfortunately, my phone died before the march started so I was unable to record it but it was DOPE!  You already know it was.  I was afraid that it would get violent, especially with ORANGE MAN being in town for the Republican National Convention (RNC).  I was prepared though.  I’m always ready!  Thank GOD all went well and there was no violence on the day of the March.  Unfortunately, I found out that there was violence a few days later at a nighttime march there.

Saturday, August 29, 2020 was my chill day.  After traveling, waking up early Friday, spending all day on my feet and marching, my 53 year old butt needed to chill and recouperate. #Realtalk So that’s all I did. Chill, drink, sleep and eat….ALL DAY!

Sunday, August 30, 2020 started at 4am with a man beating on my door, turning the door handle, trying to push his way into my room, and say over and over “RICHARD!”  Instinctively, I was ready to kick ass!  I rushed to the door, looked though the peep hole and saw a man, who looked intoxicated.  I said “Wassup? What you want?” He said, “Richard!” I said, “Ain’t no Richard here, you got the wrong room, keep it moving bro!” Again he shouted “Richard” and was trying to turn the knob to get in.  I told him, “I’m bout to call security.” He ain’t give a f*ck, he kept on.

So I called the front desk and told them what happened. To my AMAZEMENT, they told me that they do not have ANY Security at 4am.  I was like DAMN! So, I called the Police.  Long story short, they came in about 20 minutes.  The man was gone, but when the Police arrived they said that he was stuck in the stairway, was drunk and was trying to find him room, which was in the same location of the building as mine, just on a different floor.

Later that day, I went to the Martin Luther King Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial and other historic sites. It’s all on Facebook too and was quite a great experience.  I am part of a Facebook group called March on Washington 2020.  This group kept all of the members informed of everything we needed to know and a place to communicate with each other.  Through that group, I got the chance to bond with a cool brutha that lived in Arlington, VA.  Once arriving to DC, we linked up and he was my second kick it partna! His name is Antonio Pearse.  I told him come to Chicago and I’ll show him around CHItown. A cool brotha and woke!

So, overrall, it was a well-needed trip for me to take.  Many people ask, what did you accomplish?  My response is that it’s not like I came back form the march saying NOW I’M FREE!  No, not at all!  I come back to URGE PEOPLE TO VOTE TRUMP OUT AND FOR ALL OF US TO VOTE, WHETHER MY MAIL OR IN PERSON.  

Youth, YOU ARE THE LEADERS OF THIS TIME NOW AND ALL OF YOU need to turn out and VOTE on November 3rd!

I feel that the march was a way to channel my anger, frustration and rage in a way that allows me to remain a FREE man, not locked up in JAIL!

PEACE & POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.comNDigo.comChicagoDefender.comEmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions.  Follow him on FacebookTwitter, and on Instagram

 

 

Reprinted email received from Obama.org

Dear Pierre,

In the last several weeks—and the last several months before that—we have seen the kinds of epic changes that are as profound as anything that I’ve seen in my lifetime.

Although all of us have been feeling pain, uncertainty, and disruption, some have felt it more than others. Most of all, the families of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery and Tony McDade and Sean Reed and too many others to mention.

Michelle and I—and the nation—grieve with those families. We hold them in our prayers. And we are committed to the fight of creating a more just nation in memory of their sons and daughters.

This evening, I joined our My Brother’s Keeper Alliance in a conversation with local and national leaders to discuss the tragic events of recent weeks, the history of police violence in America, and specific actions we can take to encourage reform of our law enforcement system.

Part of what’s made me hopeful in these days, despite it all, is the fact that so many young people have been galvanized and motivated and mobilized. So much of the progress that we’ve made in our society has been because of young people. Dr. King was a young man when he first got involved. Malcolm X was a young man. Dolores Huerta was a young woman. The leaders of the feminist movement were young people. Leaders of union movements were young people. The movement to make sure that members of the LGBTQ community finally had a voice and were represented were young people. And the leaders of the gun violence and environmental movements in this country are young people.

Today, when I see young people all across the country stepping up and speaking out in such meaningful ways—when I see their talent and sophistication and passion—it makes me feel optimistic. It makes me feel as if this country is going to get better. But real change starts with a focus on results, and everyone committed to doing their part.

We’re calling on everyone—from mayors to city council officials to everyday citizens—to recognize and root out the tragic, painful, maddening effects of systemic racism and to take concrete steps to address police use of force policies in their communities.

It will take all of us working together to ensure we can reimagine policing so it recognizes the humanity of every person—so it honors the dignity of every person.

“My daddy changed the world,” Gianna Floyd, George’s six-year-old daughter, said yesterday.

Yes he did.

Yes we can.

—Barack

REPRINTED FROM: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp.html


5/31/20

Dear Chicagoan,

Please be advised that access to the Central Business District and Loop area will be temporarily reduced following multiple public safety incidents and property damage.

Until further notice, access in the Central Business District and Loop area will only be given to employees whose businesses are located within the designated boundaries, individuals who reside in the surrounding area and residents engaged in essential activities as defined in the Municipal Code, Order 2020-3 (listed here under Section 2.5). The boundaries of the restricted zone are as follows:

Division Street from Lake Shore Drive to Halsted Street
Halsted Street from Division Street to Milwaukee/Grand Avenue
Milwaukee Avenue from Grand Avenue to Kinzie Street
Canal Street from Kinzie Street to Cermak Road
26th Street from State Street to Lake Shore Drive
Cermak Road from Canal Street to State Street
State Street from Cermak Road to 26th Street

Every street into the perimeter is being manned by officers with the Chicago Police Department along with the help of the Department of Water Management, Department of Streets and Sanitation and the Chicago Department of Transportation.

Before entering the perimeter set up by the City, residents and essential workers must show identification or proof that they live in the area and/or work in the area. Now and until the perimeter is lifted, we encourage employers to allow workers to work from home and to limit the number of employees that are coming into the Central Business District. Workers should contact their employer for questions regarding whether their businesses are operating in the designated area and for questions regarding teleworking.This includes contractor that may be coming into the Restricted zone mush show proof of work or be able to share contact information for which business(es) they have been retained by. Additionally, hospitality businesses such as hotels that may have guests traveling into the city should provide proof of reservation or direct contact to the hotel, or location where their accommodations are scheduled.

In coordination with public safety officials, the CTA temporarily suspended all bus and rail service, effective at 6:30 p.m. today. For public safety reasons, the suspension of services will remain in effect until further notice. CTA will post updates at transitchicago.com by 5 a.m. on Monday, June 1st, to detail when normal service will resume.

BACP is working closely with neighborhood chambers and business service organizations to provide critical support to businesses in impacted commercial corridors, including requests for clean-up and board ups and identification of hot spots. Please reach out to your local chamber and visit chicago.gov/nbdc for a list of organizations. Requests for board up support can also be submitted via 3-1-1.

This latest effort’s follow Mayor Lightfoot and Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Arwady’s joint-issued citywide curfew for all residents and visitors, effective from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. until further notice. Mayor Lightfoot, Dr. Arwady and Chicago Police Superintendent David O. Brown continue to reiterate that their number one priority is the safety and health of all residents, including protestors, police officers and all essential workers.

Reprint from: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp.html

The City of Chicago under Mayor Lightfoot and Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Allison Arwady have issued a joint curfew for all residents and visitors, effective from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily beginning Saturday, May 30, until further notice.

The curfew is enforceable by law and restricts people from remaining in any public place – including but not limited to streets and highways, and common areas of schools, hospitals, office buildings and shops; or on the premises of any establishment – defined as any privately owned business operated for a profit to which the public is invited, within the City of Chicago during curfew hours. The curfew excludes persons engaged in essential activities as defined in the Municipal Code, Order 2020-3 (listed here under Section 2.5).

The Chicago Police Department will enforce the curfew through measures including warnings, fines and/or arrests.

Those who need to return home from the Loop tonight can exit by foot or vehicle via the South Loop or the LaSalle Street Bridge, and can access the CTA outside of the loop.

Mayor Lightfoot, Dr. Arwady and Chicago Police Superintendent David O. Brown continue to reiterate that their number one priority is the safety and health of all residents, including protestors and police officers.

City of Chicago
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
121 N. LaSalle St., Room 805
Chicago, IL 60602
312-74-GOBIZ
www.chicago.gov/bacp