Today we’d like to introduce you to Aja Domonique.
Hi Aja, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born into a musical family and was named after Steely Dan’s song/album AJA I always knew I was destined to make music. I grew up singing in church and school choirs. I signed to a small independent label in 2006 and traveled across the country performing and recording music. I had the pleasure of working with Orlando Brown of Disney’s that’s so Raven.
I started doing open mics on Sunday nights at Red Cat Jazz Café and began doing my own shows soon after. I was around 19 years old at the time so to be surrounded by Houston’s elite was amazing for me, I was mentored by some amazing artist such as Dana Jackson of Magic 102.1 I’ve also been featured on G.T. Mayne’s ode to our fair city named: H. O. U. S. T. O. N.
I’m planning to release a new single in 2023, I’m in a good creative space and have an amazing story to tell. it’s been a winding road but I’m thankful for the journey.
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?
I’ve had significant health challenges my whole life.
I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis pretty young and had surgery to correct my bones as a teenager.
I fell ill in 2018 and had to take a hiatus from music to focus on my health, I had a tumor that was turning cancerous removed from the left side of my face in 2019, the surgery was so invasive that I wasn’t sure if I would return to music, but after a lot of therapy to regain full use of the left side of my face and support from friends, family and colleagues I began to perform again, I officially returned to the stage summer 2021.
That same year in the fall I lost my aunt Cynthia Antoine who was one of my mentors and my musical hero who supported my career and was an amazing example of what an artist could be, before she passed she made me promise to keep going and continue making music, as hard as it was, I told her I would honor the promise in her name.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a recording artist and live performer, I’m known best for high-energy performances all over the city of Houston, I also coach other young artists on the art of live performance. It’s a wonderful journey to watch an artist come into their own.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As a Christ follower, the Bible is definitely a book I read and apply, The Science of Habit by Charles Dunhig, and principles by Ray Dalio.
I also really enjoy listening to a podcast called “the cheat code” it is a Music industry-based show that talks all things music, as well as The midnight miracle by Dave Chapelle and hotboxing with Mike Tyson.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/ajadomoniquemusic
- Facebook: facebook.com/ajadomonique
- Youtube: youtube.com/ajadomonique
Image Credits
DWL Events
