R is for Rhonda
The eldest daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross could’ve easily rested on her mom’s wings. Instead, singersongwriter, actress and producer, Rhonda Ross is building her own formidable brand.
Musician and actress Rhonda Ross is building her
own formidable brand
It’s no easy feat for anyone born into a family of greats to step out and create a separate identity. And it was no different for Rhonda Ross, who is the daughter of two icons – Diana Ross and Motown Records founder Berry Gordy. “There are, as you can imagine, many preconceived expectations of who I am,” confesses the star, who is refreshingly
open. “My challenge has always been to discover and display my true authenticity, to make sure my relationships are honest and real, and to create my art from a pure and grounded space.”
Rhonda’s demeanour is regal, but what’s even more striking is how she owns her truth. “My relationships are grounded and my art is my own. It comes from my experiences in life – a black woman, a mother and a seeker of spirituality. My art, and my life, is true to who I am.”
Naturally, we’re curious to uncover the layers that make up this alluring queen.
FIRST THINGS FIRST…
My spiritual connection to my source comes first – I do a lot of meditating. My health comes a close second. I eat well and I drink almost only water – and a lot of it. No matter what, I go to bed early and ensure I get enough sleep.
My next priority is my husband, Rodney Kendrick, and our nine-year-old son, Raif-Henok. My husband and I both have artistic careers that require time to write, rehearse, record and prepare for performances. And recently, our son, who’s also a performer, has begun to receive requests.
I think it comes down to priorities. Spirituality and health come first because, without those, I would have nothing to give my family. I do my best to be cognisant of and present for the depth and truth of our relationships. Only when I feel my relationships are stable and grounded do I shift my attention to art.
If I had to choose between spending time with my son and writing a song, my son would win every time. However, I’ve found that if I focus on the important things first, my career has a tendency to follow suit.
MY MAMA SAID…
That it’s nobody else’s responsibility to make me happy, which means I don’t have to control other people’s behaviour – I can let them be who they are and I can let them off the hook more easily. I can offer more grace, forgiveness and understanding. And in return, I can find my own happiness and joy, no matter what other people are doing. We have so much more control over our own happiness than we give ourselves credit for. I write about this in many of my songs. I believe the function of my art is to share this message of selfempowerment.
MY ROLE AS A STORYTELLER IN THE PROTECTOR OF GODS FILM…
In both my writing and my performances, I’m a storyteller. Stories give context to our lives. They manifest our strengths and our power and remind us we’re not alone in our struggles and difficulties. I’ve told these stories throughout my career, via my music, but I also have a background in theatre, TV and film, and an honours degree in African American studies, focusing on black women’s literature. When black women’s stories are told, it has a direct impact on how we’re seen by the outside world and how we see ourselves.
I was thrilled when Kameko Tarnez invited me to be a part of Protector of the Gods, not only as an actress but also as a producer. It fits perfectly with the stories of empowerment I enjoy telling. Protector of the Gods is an Afro-futuristic tale of ancient Egypt. In this re-telling, however, the stories of three of the female pharaohs are at its centre. It’s powerful stuff.
I’M HERE FOR KING THA…
I’ve recently discovered Thandiswa Mazwai: what a force! Her voice sounds more like an instrumental, and her deep and honest presence in the moment allows each note to penetrate and reverberate in the listener’s spirit. It’s a special type of alchemy. There aren’t many of us doing this type of work, so it’s important I make time to watch her on stage whenever I can.
THE WOMEN ON MY RADAR DURING WOMEN’S MONTH…
I’ve read several women’s biographies this year, starting with Michelle Obama’s Becoming and ending with Shonda Rhimes’ Year of Yes. I found both books incredibly insightful and inspiring because they reminded me that our journey is never finished – no matter how much success you’ve achieved, there will always be new challenges and mountains to climb.