When the slow wave started at Bragg Stadium during the homecoming game, Keanna Johnson was filled with delight. She was back in Tallahassee celebrating with her old college friends as if time had stood completely still.
However, time definitely rolled on and changed many things in Johnson’s life.
Her buzz is national; a coast-to-coast hum that is threatening to become a shout by next year. KJ Rose, which is Johnson’s spunky stage name, is well on her way to becoming the next big singing sensation.
Recently a guest on “The Monique Show, KJ Rose has experienced a defining moment in her singing career that has been more than a decade in the making. The late night show that airs on Black Entertainment Television gave the FAMU alumna national exposure.
She has a brand new single, “A Better Way,” which is currently available on iTunes, Rhapsody, emusic and amazon.com. The song is receiving Top 25 airplay in large cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles.
After touring with big names like P-Diddy, Janet Jackson and Britney Spears, the Chicago native still has a refreshing homegirl quality that encourages good conversation.
Here’s what she had to say about her visit to Tallahassee and her skyrocketing career:
How was your experience in Tallahassee?
My experience in Tallahassee was very nostalgic in that although I have graduated some time ago, I still feel very connected to the people. There is a commonality that we share because I know that they are going through [the college] experience that I was fortunate enough to go through as well.
What all did you do while you were in town?
I was celebrating my anniversary with my line sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, I performed at WTXL, the ABC news affiliate, I did an interview with radio personality, Uncle Joe and I went to the Moon. On Saturday, I went to the game, a party at the convention center and performed at a prayer breakfast and the official homecoming brunch.
What was your favorite part of the game?
My favorite part of the game was the wave: the slow wave, the fast wave. I don’t know why that was something that was so exciting to me. That and the band made me feel like I was in college again.
How was your experience being on “The Monique show?”
“The Monique Show” was career defining, and it really allowed me to see that when God has something for you, it is for you. Independent artists don’t usually have opportunities for platforms like that, and it let me know that there is a space for me. She [Monique] embraced me and she was a real champion for what I was doing.
What is your advice for someone trying to tap into the music industry?
I would say that as talented as you may be, sometimes talent does not open the door.
Humility, tenacity, persistence and a great work ethic are the things that present you with the opportunity—it’s not until then that your talent allows you to sustain.
Fore more on KJ Rose, visit www. kjrose.com.