We were lucky to catch up with David “Drum” Curby recently and have shared our conversation below.
David “Drum” , thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
First off, I want to thank Bold Journey for giving me the opportunity to share the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’—the story of what’s kept my creative flame burning, even when the air was thin.
From the jump, I was always moving—whether it was sports, after-school programs, weekend activities, or church. I was never idle. Staying busy wasn’t just about finding hobbies; it was about staying locked into the right kind of creativity and steering clear of the dangerous but tempting paths that surrounded me growing up in West Philly.
Growing up, the only true creative in the arts I saw was my dad, Pastor Stanley Curby. A Jamaican immigrant, he wrote, performed, and released music, authored books, and mastered many gifts and talents. I watched him and my mom, Cynthia Curby, tag team on countless creative visions—some were big successes, and others fell just short. But what stood out most was that he never stopped. To this day, he’s still at it.
Without realizing it, I followed in his footsteps. But my path was different. I had a tougher battle—most people around me didn’t take my vision seriously unless they saw results. I was always swimming against the tide, moving forward without much support, learning to believe in my craft even when no one else did.
I always ended up doing what people thought I’d be good at, but deep down, I already knew where my heart was. Growing up in a Jamaican household, there wasn’t much room for objections. And with so many gifts, I was always hoping to discover the one that felt truly anointed—but that search has been my biggest challenge.
Imagine being blessed to excel at almost everything you try, only to face the tough decision of choosing which path will be your true calling. It gets even harder when the people around you see your big visions as out of reach or impossible. But no matter what, I’ve stayed locked into the journey, knowing that the right path will reveal itself.
I became easily swayed against my hearts desires, learning how to fish with no equipment, not much guidance and no real mentor to help me prepare for it.
Once you realize it’s just you and the Lord on this journey, you’re reminded that the gift within you is His alone. That truth keeps me grounded and motivated, knowing my purpose is greater than myself.
The beauty of the journey lies in knowing the destination, even though the road to get there is unknown. And sometimes, it’s in the unexpected twists and turns that you find the best path.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am currently working on my debut EP, marking an exciting new chapter in my creative journey as I explore the realm of artistry. Stay tuned—there’s more to share 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?
Growing more grounded in the hands of the Lord has deepened my appreciation for the gift He entrusted to me and made me take it even more seriously. A gift isn’t meant to be kept—it’s meant to be shared. And no one wants to be the one who gives a gift that falls short. While we may carry many talents, there’s one core gift, and that gift forms the foundation of how we are called to impact those around us.
Persistence, unwavering faith (not luck), and accountability became the three pillars I had to refine, shaping the way I confront challenges that were already waiting on my path.
The vision is yours—given to you alone—and knowing how to steward that vision is often the hardest part. Others who can’t see what you see may try to impose their perspective, steering you off course or pulling you away from your calling. Staying true to the vision requires clarity, discipline, and trust in the One who gave it to you.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Being raised in the Lord shaped me in ways that nothing else ever could. Now, as a man, I carry those lessons with me every day, and they mean more to me than anything else I was ever taught. I am nothing without God, and I wouldn’t be who I am without my parents who poured into me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Drumc.urby
Image Credits
Kegan Lamb
