WHO IS AFRICA MIRANDA?

Leading star power has no inhibitions, shrugs all confinements, and loves the weather outside the box. In today’s entertainment industry – saturated with weak gimmicks and anemic ingenuity – it’s easy to watch clones slump to the bottom and originals soar to the top.
 

In February 2007 three women were chosen amongst thousands to possibly live out their dreams of performing live at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards with powerhouses Justin Timberlake and TI. Amongst the few favored for the My Grammy Moment was a resplendent, yet soft-spoken, Southern-bred young woman. Her eyes shone twice as bright as the sun and her voice sailed with an ardor strong enough to melt ice. Millions of votes poured in consecutively demanding one winner – Africa Miranda. 

But Africa didn’t win. And neither did Beyonce Knowles, Jessica Simpson or Justin Timberlake for that matter on the popular vintage show, Star Search. 

Catch the pattern? 

“To me, the Grammy competition wasn’t a losing situation. I realized just how comfortable I was on stage. I didn’t feel like a fan or an amateur during rehearsals, I just felt right.” Yet even above all the appreciation for life lessons and nation-wide recognition, Africa is thankful for a bit more:
“After that contest, it really hit me. I’m not just a black girl who sings. From then on I wanted to shed light on all my other talents.” 

And her talents are plentiful. 

Born in Massachusetts but raised in Alabama, Africa followed in her parents’ footsteps when it came to an innate passion for the arts. At age four she learned how to play the violin with ease and quickly grew a passion for instruments as a young girl. Africa’s talent was noticed and undoubted, however, she kept another gift to herself. “I would kind of sing to myself because I was shy at the time, but in elementary school I had to do a solo in my choral class and it was one of those “Ahh” moments. Everyone was suddenly like ‘Africa you can sing’, and that’s when I really realized it myself as well.” 

This epiphany lit a flame over Africa’s general affinity for entertainment and she soon traded in her bedroom for a stage and her hairbrush for a microphone. Throughout high school, Africa took an handful of dance and vocal classes, but found that her strength doubled when she performed musical theatre. The outlet allowed her to highlight her talents as both a budding actor, singer, and dancer. Even with the pressure of performing various tasks instead of one, the triple threat felt comfortable taking on her many roles. That may have been daunting for many, but at an early age, Africa channeled the vigor of women such as Diana Ross, Madonna, Diahann Carroll, all iconic from their dexterity and diversity within the entertainment industry. 

Africa knew she had more to offer the world than just a saccharine voice and bright smile. During her four years at Alabama State University, the Delta Sigma Theta sister took on every activity and organization that caught her eye. From the debate team to her choral group. It was no
surprise when Africa was elected as Miss Alabama State during her senior year. Giddy from the memories, Africa reminisces: “You had to keep up certain level of representation. You had to carry yourself a certain way. Learning how to deal with responsibility and publicity. I wasn’t changing the world, but on the small scale, it was a start.” 

But it was a start strong enough for Africa to want to switch up her life drastically. After graduation, she visited her cousin in New York for a weekend and coincidentally lucked out during a spur of the moment girl group audition with producing team Track Masters. Upon receiving the short gig Africa decided to permanently move to NY, in pursuit of a full-time vocal career. Non-phased by the grit and struggles of her new residence, Africa networked from dawn to dusk, recording with anyone who would give her a session, as well taking acting classes and part-time modeling. It was grind time and she had no plans of letting up. 

Intrigued by an offer from a girlfriend to move to Los Angeles for six months, Africa decided not to pass on the opportunity and flew across the country on a  him, all at the same time remembering how her other passions could flourish in the sunny state. While there, the flowing brunette had an incredible experience, honing her acting skills by performing in shorts, small features, vignettes, and even the Hawaii Film Festival nominee, Nate Washington. 

Yet even with her new level of maturity gained in LA, Africa yearned for New York. As she says, “New York is a place where you have to be ready to leave.” And she wasn’t. During her reunion back to the Big Apple, Africa began booking a plethora of intimate shows throughout the city and was delighted with the feedback she received. “During my first show I was truly scared, but if it’s natural, you find your groove and ease into it. Once I felt the crowd, everything was perfect.” Besides performing in shows, Africa also hosted some as well, surprising even herself with how easy she interacted with the crowd, showcasing a profound comfort in public speaking. A couple months after her move back to New York, Africa received several emails from friends urging her to submit a video clip for the My Grammy Moment contest. Although initially viewing it as a silly hoax, Africa decided to try it out, never expecting to beat out thousands of hopefuls, making it to the final three. “When I saw myself on CBS Morning, I knew it was real. At that point I knew I had to cherish this moment.” And that moment led to Africa being chosen as the lead spokes model for Sunny’s Hair & Wigs, a well-noted beauty supply store throughout the country. 

This latest opportunity has led to Africa’s most recent venture in the entertainment and beauty world. Upon her role as spokesmodel, Africa was given an opportunity to help open the chain’s concept boutique in Atlanta, Georgia. A role her entrepreneurial spirit leaped at as Africa has always had a passion for hair care. “Women should never be ashamed of their hair, whether they go natural or wear weaves, I want women to just be comfortable with themselves.” Which is ultimately what appealed to Africa the most.

However even when extending her business brand, Africa never forgets her passion for the arts. She has become an in demand commercial/print model and actress for major international brands like Mary Kay, Creme of Nature, and Coca-Cola. Out of her love for all things hair came the creation of the blog, The Hairnista Chronicles. Africa is fast becoming the “go to” person to discuss hair beauty trends. She also has been featured on TV’s Fox 5’s Good Morning Atlanta, several syndicated radio shows, popular celebrity blogs like popeater and lockandmane.com and has her own online store at shopopensky.com where she offers her favorite products. 

A modern day renaissance woman…The Girl, The Voice, The Hairnista…Africa Miranda