Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D is unapologetic and we are here for it!

She is unapologetically black, educated, fierce, an artist, a business woman, and a gem. But this doesn’t mean you can put her in a box because Theresa  Tha SONGBIRD” is something different. 

There are some people who live their lives to the fullest, and do exactly what they want. That’s who Theresa is, so you either get with it or get lost because she doesn’t have time for games or to be like everyone else. 

I had the pleasure to speak to the woman whose recent speech at the Triumphant awards gave us all chills down our spin. As she spoke, you could feel the joy of our ancestors come through each word! She took us to a place where we could feel every bit of our blackness. 

Now let’s get to know this exceptional “SONGBIRD”.

She is a reflection of the love that was poured into her, the sacrifices that were poured into her, and the expectations of the loved ones around her. 

“I am genuinely a reflection of how I was raised.”

She can’t recall a time when she was not creative or stood out from the crowd. “When I was in kindergarten, I told my teacher I was going to be a singer,” said Theresa. She recalls this moment vividly because it was the start when she would always be specific on the path she wanted to take. This path was also influenced by those around her who saw more of what she could become and do with her talents. Theresa said, “I wouldn’t be the spoken word artist I am today if it wasn’t for the teachers who saw something else in me.” They saw a different side of her that she never knew existed. It did and still does become a driving force in terms of her exploring more of what she can do.

“The blessings only came by being of service in the right place, at the right time.”

Theresa has put in the long hours, sacrifices and time to get to where she is. From greyhound rides to sleeping on the floor at friends’ apartments, she has given her all to what she loves and will continue to. “You have to always consistently show up,” said Theresa. She attributes her success by preserving and finding a way to always shine and sparkle even when she had the bare minimum. She doesn’t wait for opportunities to show up, she makes them!

“Everything is as vital as you allow it.”

Her work, her art, and her job is to encourage people. “When you see something special in someone, it’s your job to encourage them to develop it more,()”“ said Theresa. It’s because the ordinary is praised over originality most times, and she wants people to understand that you stand out and shine brighter when you are yourself. Theresa said that when people clamor to be like the majority, they put themselves at a disadvantage, professionally and personally. 

“It’s about your desire to try.”

One thing is for sure, she isn’t afraid of trying whatever comes to her mind, be it a novel idea or something extremely outside of the box. “It’s not your skills that sets you apart at all,” said Theresa. Too early on, artists are focused on what they have been accustomed to doing because of the initial following, but she wants them to go for more and not be comfortable. You have to allow yourself to dream so big that it scares you. Theresa said if it doesn’t scare her then it’s not worth it. 

“As creatives, we have to create in such a way that they don’t have to change too much of our work.”

When it comes to business as a creative, Theresa is always genuine in her craft but understands that she must be fluid for her different audience base. Theresa said, “They’re going to edit your work as much as they can to fit their framework.” It’s the creative’s job to create work that is so substantial that when they must edit down your work, the heart of it remains.