Kennedi Duke (New World School of the Arts Student & Singer)
1. What inspired you to begin singing?
– I grew up in a household where my mother listened to music and sing herself. My father sings, as well. All my life, I can remember my mom playing different genres of music and watching Disney movies all the time. From there, I knew I wanted to sing. It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do.
2. Who did you first perform in front of?
– I always performed for my family but church was my first audience. My grandfather is the Pastor of New Jerusalem Primitive Baptist church where my church journey began. My father is a preacher and was a pastor at a church for nine years in Delray Beach, FL so I’ve been up and down south Florida singing in various churches. Since I can remember, I’ve led songs in the youth choir and even with the adult praise team. Around the age of six, I really started to understand gospel music and how it calmed and gave hope to people. I still actively sing in church and when I visit family and friends in different states, I’m asked to sing songs. I have been called to sing at youth revivals, women conferences, etc. Not to mention, when I’m at my grandfather’s house and there’s a prayer meeting, I’m often put on the spot to sing. I am for sure a “church baby” and that has shaped my love for music. I like to sing all genres of church music. Hymns, Christian Rap, etc. One of my favorites is Total Praise by Richard Smallwood.
3. As a Sophomore of New World School of the Arts, what are some lessons that you have learned while attending NWSA that you feel you will carry with you throughout the rest of your journey as a singer?
– While attending NWSA, I have learned how to navigate outside of my norm. I’ve learned how to address feelings when performing that I didn’t necessarily know how to gather. I have learned how to assimilate my gifts with other gifts. I have learned hard work and a greater work ethic and I’ve learned how to be diverse while still being my true authentic self.
4. What are three milestones that you are grateful for so far in your journey as a performance artist?
a. Singing for the Miami Heat; Dwayne Wade’s Retirement Game: This was one of my greatest milestones because I’ve watched my family get excited for the Miami Heat since I can remember so I have wanted to sing the national anthem for him since the age of seven. Shortly after he retired, I was invited to sing the anthem for the Miami Heat at ten years old. To my surprise it was the retirement game for D. Wade. I got so excited because I thought my opportunity to sign for him was over, but it came back around. I was extremely nervous and sang in front of 20,000 people. From there, I was invited to sing for the Miami Heat for 5 more years and my confidence and passion for singing increased. This is for sure a milestone I will never forget.
b. Being accepted into New World School of the Arts is another milestone. After middle school, I knew I wanted to go to a school that would be an eye catcher on my resume and would help me progress in my field. When I was accepted into NWSA, I was afraid because I heard of the hard work academically and within my strain that I would need to live up to. Being accepted meant my mom would have to get up extra early to prepare me, trust the independence I’d have, and be assured that my academics would come first. My freshman year was a rollercoaster, however, I remained faithful to prayer and my passion. I am now a sophomore who is blossoming.
c. Singing at Jazz In The Gardens for the Women Empowerment Lunch before Fantasia performed was a milestone very special to me. I didn’t know that I would get the chance to meet a celebrity that felt more like an inspiration. When I sang that day, I knew I’d be in front of Mayor Daniella Cava of Miami-Dade County which was an honor, but when I got called backstage to talk openly with Fantasia about my dreams and aspirations, I was in awe. Singing at Jazz In The Gardens events really created space for me to blossom. My goals went through the roof and I found myself wanting more for myself musically. This is for sure a milestone that many my age don’t get. I am grateful.
5. We heard from Miami-Dade County Public Schools that you were selected to perform in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. How did this once in a lifetime opportunity come about for you?
– My mom got a call one night from Big Brothers Big Sisters telling her about the opportunity, but that I had to apply that night. Being my mom, she got right on it and recorded the audition tape, called my Big Tanishan Cidel, did the application and submitted it. My mom was having so many issues with the computer that night. Once she thought she submitted it, my mom grabbed my hand and prayed with me. She told me if it’s God’s will it’ll happen, and we were selected.
6. What goals do you have set to achieve in 2025?
– I would like to record my own music and continue learning about jazz and the arts.
7. For your peers who have an interest in performance art but may have stage fright, what advice would you give them to inspire them to begin their performance art journey?
– My mom introduced me to prayer early. She told me she couldn’t do my work for me. I always pray because I’m always nervous. It helps that my mom is right there calming my nerves. I just always remember God gave me the gift of singing and after performing my first line I’m mostly okay!
Contact Kennedi Duke
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kennediennedi
