MEET SUGA MAMA

Also known as DaniIvory.

DNA: Should we call you Daniivory, Dani, Dan or something else?

Dani: I like Dani.

Give us a snapshot of your career.

I started singing in church as a teenager because my mother was the church music director. After studying music at college, I moved to Los Angeles and started playing professionally for Cee Lo Green, 2NE1, Beyonce, Imagine Dragons and Gallant. I’ve always written songs but only recently started releasing my material to the public. Tell us more about Beyonce! I toured with Beyonce as part of her backing band, the Suga Mamas, for the Mrs Carter World Tour 2013-2014. I had the privilege of performing at her Super Bowl show and being in her Blow/Cherry music video.

Has she given you any career advice?

I didn’t have many one-on-one conversations with her, but just observing her work ethic and how a show of that magnitude is constructed was an incredibly valuable learning experience. Who were your idols growing up?

I loved Stevie Wonder, Prince, Janet Jackson, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and The Rolling Stones. I also played classical music so I was in love with Debussy, Chopin, Beethoven and Rachmaninoff.

Do you have any celebrity buddies?

As a kid, I was friends with Christina Aguilera. Diamond ATL, the rapper, and I have shared many, many lovely moments together. Her nickname for me is Lil Bit and mine for her is Sparkle.

How would you describe your music?

Indie dream soul pop. My single Little White Lie is out now. Look for my album later in 2019. Have you played any gay events or Pride festivals?

I played LA Pride Music Festival and another in New York City when I was playing keys and singing for Gallant. I love my LGBTQ friends. They’re always the life of the party. They have also taught me freedom of expression and to never be afraid to show my true self, no matter how over the top, or simple it may be.

If you were gay for a day what would you do?

I would go to a club, dance my heart out and end the night with a kiss from Emilia Clarke. You’re a new mum. How’s that been so far? It’s been ridiculously challenging and rewarding at the same time. I’ve learned to function on small snippets of sleep, but my heart explodes every time I see my baby’s smiling face. I never knew a love like this before.

How does a working mum balance a career and a child?

This I am still trying to figure out, honestly! What do you like to do when you’re not making music?

Hanging out with my family and friends, exercising and dance classes. I have a jewellery company, Trust Me Jewels, that I sell at farmer’s markets and through my Etsy shop online. What’s your message to the gay boys of the world?

Never be ashamed of who you are, no matter what bullies are out there. I was bullied as a child and it inhibited me from practicing my violin. I probably could’ve been a concert violinist if I’d have practiced more and wasn’t afraid of the bully at my bus stop. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and let your beautiful colours show.

My LGBTQ friends have taught me to never be afraid to show my true self, no matter how over the top.