Today we’d like to introduce you to Sami Flava.
Sami, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a family that loves music. We always sang together at home and oftentimes together in church. It wasn’t just the melody of music that I fell in love with back then, but the poetry. I remember hearing The Greatest Love Of All by Whitney Houston and falling in love with the message. And that is how my story begins.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Every story has a hero. The hero usually has a fear to forego, setbacks to overcome or a mission to accomplish. My story is no different and after all the chapters that make up the years of my life, it took me this long to accept the role as the main character in my own story. Before moving back home to Baltimore I lived in Georgia for 8 years where I raised my son in the sunny city of Savannah so that he could follow his dream of becoming a tennis player. My son, Jelani Sarr, was my first priority and I never put my dreams before the reality of his desire to play tennis. When he was accepted at the Arizona State University on a full tennis scholarship it was a major mission accomplished to be able to support and guide him to reach his potential. His ability to work hard to follow his dream inspired me. I decided it was time to give my all to my poetry and music. It was now my time to shine! I had plans to move to Nashville, where I had recorded a song, Wonder Woman, for my debut EP. It was released and is available on all streaming platforms. I had a Nashville based project manager and was on my way. There was, however, an underlying issue that was preventing me from moving in the direction of my dream. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get my authenticity to shine through my work. There would be flickers but every time I’d get going, my fire and ambition was blown out. After some soul searching I realized my marriage was at a dead end. My world was turned upside down with that realization since my parents had been married for 41 years and divorce just was never an option. But, if I wanted to move into the next chapter of my life I couldn’t live in the shadow of doubt.
The lyrics to the song, Wonder Woman, really helped me through the hard sacrifices I had to make in order to face my destiny. The song starts off asking, “What if you never broke up, what if you never left town? Packed up all your bags, blew a kiss, got a lift out. God, it must’ve been lonely waiting on a breakthrough! Not everyone shows up but here’s to the ones that do. If you wanna find a hero, you gotta look in the mirror.” And that’s what I had to do. I had to look in the mirror, face my doubts and fears. I just couldn’t keep my light hidden anymore. I had to be willing to step in to my new role as the hero of my own story with confidence.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I grew up on R and B. I am inspired by the raw emotions of the blues and heartwarming narratives of bluegrass and I’m passionate about history.
What sets my music, jewelry and art apart from others is the story behind it. I am a poet and I turn my poetry into music. There is substance behind every word and motive behind every melody. I am inspired by the My hope is that people who relate to my story find courage and strength to overcome their obstacles with dignity. I pour my soul into what I do and I just want to inspire others to be the best version of themselves. When I get on stage, I face fears and I do it to show what it feels like to not allow fear or doubt to block you from being the light and shining star you were destined to be. My artwork and jewelry line, Sami’s Flavas, are handmade with the intention of bringing balance to your being. I collect real leaves, flowers and natural material like hemp paired with healing colors and living crystals. Each piece is a gift from nature, designed with the energy to match your aura and amplify your individuality.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Since being back home, small acts of kindness within the community have led to the stepping stones that I had been in search for. I met a guy named Bobby at the Baltimore Rhythm Festival where I was selling jewelry. He heard the blues playing over my stereo and mentioned he had a blues band. We exchanged numbers and have been building my confidence as a performer ever since. We perform together as Sami Flava and Bobby’s Blues Band. Every time a night club says “yes” and I get to sing in front of people I am reminded that I am one step closer to my destiny. Every time someone enjoys my art or jewelry I am grateful that my creativity contributes to the community. It not only makes me happy, but it brings joy to others. And I think that’s what a good story is all about. It’s about seeing yourself as the main character by setting boundaries and knowing the value of your gifts, while understanding and respecting the importance of the supporting roles around you.
Like most stories, mine has had its ups and downs and turnarounds. The highs come with synchronicities, inclinations and confirmations that you are on the right path. In the valleys, I had no idea what lie ahead or how I’d turn the corner, but I knew to just keep putting one foot in front of the other because either one of two things can happen when you are at the edge of faith: There will either be something to stand on; or you will be taught how to fly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.samiflava.com
- Instagram: @samiflava
- Facebook: @samiflava
- LinkedIn: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Htwh1aTFGIb0jY7PLSi2Y?si=u7jdNTlsSj6C9D6R5sr4Xg
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SamiFlava
- Yelp: www.flavablues.com
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/samiflava
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sami-flava/1697550434
Image Credits
Lindsey Roodman
