Kierra “Kiki” Sheard comes from a long line of musical giants. Her grandmother was the late, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, who formed the music department for the Church Of God In Christ as well as created the ever so popular “call and response
Kierra “Kiki” Sheard comes from a long line of musical giants. Her grandmother was the late, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, who formed the music department for the Church Of God In Christ as well as created the ever so popular “call and response” congregational songs heard in hundreds of churches worldwide.
The list continues with Bill Moss, J Moss, the famed Clark Sisters that includes her aunts, Twinkie, Jackie, Dorinda and mother, Karen, all of whom are considered household names within the gospel music industry. Kiki’s powerful vocal chords and looks make her undeniably a member of this royal family.
Although she gets her singing ability honestly, Sheard admits, “I would say my biggest inspiration is, of course, my family, the Clark Sisters, Mom (Karen Clark Sheard) Auntie Dorinda, J Moss, Mary Mary, Tye Tribett, Lee Williams, Michael W. Smith, Donald Lawrence, Donnie McClurkin, Pastor Marvin Winans, The Winans, Andre Crouch…I could go on and on….Nat King Cole, Ella Fitz Gerald. The only people that I still listen to are Brandy, I love her tone–she has an awesome tone, Mary J. Blige. My favorite rapper is Uncle Sean. I have cut out a lot of rap and R&B, and I found myself growing spiritually in a crazy way. I do try to limit what I’m intaking because I’m working as a disciple, so I have to make sure I’m not taking in any ole’ thing. So I’ve been staying in my Word. It’s not me bashing those who don’t do Christian music. It’s just me who have to be ‘ye separate,’” said Shear, who admits to being a daddy’s girl.
Sheard’s third release, Bold Right Life, could not have dropped at a better time. According to the 21-year-old Wayne State University student, “I really do believe God has me here for a reason, and this is the best CD I have ever put out. I really do believe this is perfect timing. When they say just because it’s in delay, it’s not in denial. I believe God is going to bless people with this record.” During her visit to Chicago, Sheard was disheartened by the brutal murders of Jennifer Hudson’s family and Chicago being ranked as the murder capital of the world.
“I think it’s retarded because a lot of our young people from this new generation…we brag about things like that because society is putting it on a platform as the image. A lot of young people are not aware of spiritual warfare, but this record tells it in the title of Bold Right Life. It encourages young people to be bold about living a righteous life and knowing where you need to be spiritually and knowing whether or not you are in God’s will because in this point and time that is very important. If you are out of God’s will, you might be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Some young people think it’s cool, by God’s grace our mothers weren’t murdered, our fathers weren’t murdered. We serve a God of mercy who will still cover us. I do believe this record will encourage young people to snap out of it and find where you are in Christ, so that this city will not be the murder capital of the world,” commented Sheard. “I think this music CD will motivate the young people of this generation to not compromise to the things society is setting.”
Sheard cannot only sing but has beauty and brains. “I want to go to law school. That’s why I did English. I love English, but I want to go to law school for entertainment law. I’m gonna make it happen because you know I could have been a one-hit wonder. I don’t want to have to depend on singing, but I want to work for something just as everyone is working, but this is working too…but I would like to be an entrepreneur and own businesses and be able to help other people other than myself.” Bold Right Life is available wherever music is sold.
Cinque Cullar and the Spirit of David Dancers is preparing for a night of praise on November 15 at St. Sabina church. All who are interested in a worship experience, please call 773-483-4300 for more information. Keisha McFarland will be among the psalmists for the evening.
Happy Bday blessings to Stellar Award nominee, VaShawn Mitchell who is having a bday bash on November 15 at Prayer and Faith Ministries, 944 West 103rd Street at 7:30 p.m. His special guests will be Jonathan Nelson and Coko. It’s free and open to the public.
Prayers and condolences to Jennifer Hudson on the loss of her mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason Hudson and nephew, Julian King.
“Remember you are blessed by the Best!”
Effie Rolfe is a radio personality and the religion entertainment columnist for the Chicago Defender. Email her at effie@theinspirationalcafe.com.
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