Connect
To Top

Rising Stars: Meet Eight of Sunnyside

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eight.

Hi Eight, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Like a lot of artists from the South, my journey started in the church—right in Third Ward. My uncle was the pastor, and my mom—his sister—was always leading songs. Watching them do it for so long, it was only a matter of time that one of us (kids in the family) would start singing.

From there, I started leading songs myself, singing in the shower, and in the backseat of my mom’s car listening to Magic 102. By fifth grade, I joined the choir, and that’s when my love for music really grew. I learned how to read music, trained in choral performance, and even earned a college scholarship to Wiley College.

After college, I made the decision to fully pursue my dream of becoming an R&B artist. Since 2018, I’ve been consistently putting myself out there—performing, growing, and stepping into who I am as an artist.

I’ve also taken time to refine my brand. I used to release music under a different version of my name, but now I’m moving forward as Eight—spelled just like the word. This season is really about clarity, growth, and making intentional moves.

Most recently, I had the opportunity to perform the National Anthem at a Houston Rockets game, and I was invited back for playoffs, which was a huge moment for me.

At the center of all of this is my faith. I truly believe God is ordering my steps, and everything I’m walking into is aligned with the purpose He placed on my life

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, absolutely—it hasn’t been a smooth road. The music industry can already be tough, but as a woman, it comes with its own challenges. There are times where people have ulterior motives, or they move in ways that feel opportunistic, and you really have to protect your space and your purpose.

One of my biggest struggles has honestly been internal—believing in myself, staying consistent, and holding myself accountable to the goals I set. Discipline has been a huge part of my growth.

I’ve also leaned heavily into my faith during this journey. Staying obedient and grounded has helped me trust that the right opportunities will come at the right time, and that I’m being built not just as an artist, but as a person.

So while it hasn’t been easy, every challenge has shaped me and strengthened me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Professionally, I’m an educator. I’ve been in education for seven years, and I’m known for being deeply passionate about working with children and supporting their growth and development.

I’m most proud of my personal and professional growth over the years—becoming more mature, more intentional, and more refined in my craft. I’m also completing my Master’s in Teaching this June, which is a huge milestone for me.

What really sets me apart, though, is my authenticity. I’m genuinely a people-centered person—I lead with heart, and I see people for who they are. That’s something I don’t compromise.

At the same time, I’ve learned the importance of balance—creating boundaries that protect my energy while still showing up fully as myself.

And I truly believe that when people encounter me, whether it’s in the classroom or on stage, it’s something they remember. Because it’s real. AI can’t duplicate my aura.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say the most important quality to my success is authenticity. I lead with who I truly am, and I don’t try to fit into spaces by being anything other than that.

That authenticity shows up in how I connect with people, how I perform, and how I move through both education and music. People can feel when something is real, and I think that’s what makes my impact lasting.

At the same time, I pair that with discipline—showing up for myself, staying consistent, and doing the work even when it’s not easy.

But at the core of everything, it’s my authenticity that keeps me grounded and continues to open doors for me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Lydia Victoria
https://www.instagram.com/diaography?igsh=MXdwODNpNnpzbHVoeg==

Kevin Rawls
https://www.instagram.com/kandidsxkev?igsh=cWtpdmFhazVldmtn

Suggest a Story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories