We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Akita Steen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Akita , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose when I faced a season of depression. I was battling mental illness and lost my job and turned away from everyone that loved me; I didn’t even know who I was. I knew that I had to go through this season to grow and become the successful woman that I am today. Once I grew deeper in my beliefs of Christianity, really studying my Bible, grew a closer relationship with God and received the professional help that I needed; I started to turn my depression into happiness and in my going through, I wanted to encourage others who were headed down the same path of dealing with mental illness. I started being kind, encouraging and inspiring others to help them understand that they can conquer anything that they’ve set out to do to be successful.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I wear many hats; I am a Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Actress, (I love making people laugh) however, singing is my passion! I am a Gospel Artist, I have an Inspirational EP out on all music digital platforms titled “A Long Time Coming” I am a two time Rhythm of Gospel Award Winner, I’ve won best new artist at the Texas Gospel Awards. I’ve been singing for over twenty years. I love all genres of music however I am in love with Quartet Music. This genre of music was birthed in me and I thank my parents, My Beautiful and Amazing Mother, Evangelist Christine Anderson and My Amazing Father, Pastor Walter Allen Steen. This genre of music is growing fast and have become popular all over the world and I am excited to be making my mark in the quartet world. I am excited to have formed a Brand New Female Contemporary Quartet Gospel Group, Akita Steen & FIRE. I am so grateful to be apart of this amazing group and have these amazing women singing with me because we all love Jesus, we’re authentic, our personalities gel, we have so much fun together and we’ve been blessed with God’s anointing when we minister and excited about where God is taking us! We thank God for our many supporters and all the love we’ve received since we’ve started. We’ve been singing for over a year now. What excites me the most about my Group is that my family sings with me; My Mother, Evangelist Christine Anderson, My Daughter, Kayla Smith, Our Close friends of our family, Karen Henry and Arnesia Jones. We’ve all been singing for many years individually and we’re all skilled, seasoned and talented singers. I have an amazing band as well that gives us such a unique sound. Twon Green II on Keys, Leton Shorter on Drums, Mike Thomas on Guitar and both of our Bass Players Andre Stanford (who helps us all the time) and Justin Drew. We have our Anniversary Concert next year May 19, 2024. (Follow us on our social media outlets for more information on our concert) Please follow us on Facebook @AkitaSteenAndFire and Instagram: @AkitaSteenAndFire and we also have new music will be released soon.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Thinking, Studying and prayer. I believe when you’re a Lead Singer, you have to be a quick thinker, you have to know what to do in the moment of ministering to people. I have to always study the word of God as well because you have to know what you’re saying to the people and make sure you’re saying the right thing and when you’re encouraging someone who may be going through or someone who’s at their whits end of giving up on life, I always want to know what to say to encourage that person from changing their mind of negative thoughts or thinking and turn it into a positive and I can only do that if I study my Bible. I always have to pray before I go forth to do anything and my prayer is to always allow God to make me transparent before His people so that I may minister effectively and people that hear me sing will be affected with the words that are coming out of my mouth. The advice that I’d want to give to someone who’s early in their journey of getting started and developing; DON’T STOP; DON’T BE DISCOURAGED AND DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO NO ONE; DO YOU! Although it may be tough right now always know that with God ALL things are possible. KEEP GOING!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My Husband, Calvin, My Daughter, Kayla, My Only Sister, Lea Simone, Close friends, Group Members, Band Members, and branding manager has been the most helpful. My family and I are very close and I can honestly say that I’ve been blessed with the greatest support system. When something fails they’re there to help me pick up the pieces and or re-strategize my plans, etc. I have to again acknowledge my amazing parents who are also Singing Living Legends in the Gospel Community; my Father, Pastor Walter Steen who’s one of the greatest Male Vocalist in the world and my Mother, Evangelist Christine Anderson who is also an amazing singer. They’ve both inspired me to sing Gospel / Quartet Music. I love this genre of music because you can be creative and it makes you just feel good as well as giving you an encouraging message all while glorifying God and my Branding Manager, Franklin DeLance McGhee III of who’s taken my groups image and sound to the NEXT LEVEL!
Contact Info:
- Website: Kiologyinc.2017@gmail.com
- Instagram: AkitaSteenAndFire
- Facebook: AkitaSteenAndFire
- Youtube: Akita Steen and Fire
Image Credits
Photographers: Sam Davis Studios; Tyrone Holmes
