It’s almost that time. In just a few more weeks you will be completely entertained by the soulful sounds of Grammy Award winning artist, Estelle, as she gives Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge attendees everything they’ve bargained for—and then some. With all of the excitement surrounding this year’s performers, BlackEnterprise.com thought it imperative to catch up with Estelle to hear about what she has in store this Labor Day weekend September 3–6 at the PGA Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
BlackEnterprise.com: Tell us a little about your fourth album, True Romance, what was the inspiration behind the album and the title?
Estelle: The album is based on the quest for true love and romance. I have songs based on four themes, which indicate that between having courage, being passionate, and dealing with your bullsh*t you can find true romance.
What was the catalyst for creating your new empowering single “Conqueror”?
I wanted a song that everyone could relate to. I wanted a song I can sing at festivals. I wanted a song that I could be proud to sing.
BlackEnterprise.com understands that you’re a new businesswoman having started your own label Established 1980 records. What inspired this leap into doing your own thing?
I’ve always done my own thing. This isn’t new, I started my recording career as an independent record label owner in 2001 and so this is my second go round with this.
What is the most noticeable difference between Estelle the artist and Estelle the businesswoman?
One wakes up early, one wakes up late. *smiles*
You’re known for singing, but lately it seems you’re venturing into acting—you’re even lending your voice to animation with Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe. What’s inspired this shift?
I’ve been doing Steven Universe since 2012. I have a lot of brothers and sisters so cartoons have been my life. I was auditioning for bit parts in television shows and films and I asked my team to get me a cartoon. The writer/creator of Steven Universe, Rebecca Sugar, wrote the part for me based on a music video I had creatively directed a while before, “Freak.”
In addition to your music and your record label, you also run your foundation All of Me. Can you tell BlackEnterprise.com a little about the foundation and its mission?
All of Me is a mentoring foundation that doesn’t seek to reinvent the wheel but to offer support to those that are already doing it and in special cases help directly. We mentor young adults ages 14–22. I believe that travel, mentorship, and just being given the opportunity to do something great does more than a having something placed in your lap. We aim to do just that. Our mission is “it takes a village”.
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(Image: Estelle)
What is your general take on the importance of education?
Fundamentally, we need the basics. As we get older, there is something we should all continue to do throughout our lives—take refresher courses, take non-credit courses, and just keep learning.
If you had to think of three things that have attributed to your success, what would they be?
God, belief in my goal, and knowing who I am.
What can we expect to see/hear from Estelle in the near future?
I have a new album, I’m continuing television and film work, and I will continue my work with All of Me. I’m also extending my accessories and homeware line, Swaray, and I’m even venturing into the online tech world.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs and artists looking to create a lane for themselves in business and music?
My advice would be to figure out your goal: begin it, stick to it, and finish it.
As you can imagine, Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge attendees are really excited about your performance at the event this Labor Day weekend. What are you looking forward to about performing at the 2015 Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge?
We like to party so you definitely will not be sitting down. You can expect all the classics and songs people want to hear from me. You’ll also get a taste of my new records from my current album True Romance.
To hear more from Estelle, register now for the Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge. Be there.
For registration, information, and updates on the BE Golf &Tennis Challenge, September 3-6th, at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida visit http://www.blackenterprise.com/events/golf-tennis-challenge/. When registering for BEGT, use discount code LABORDAY for a special discounted rate. For social media updates, follow hashtag #BEGT.