Today we’d like to introduce you to Ikemefuna Uzoh.
Hi Ikemefuna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Arlington, TX. My father is Nigerian, and my mom was Native American and African American. Life has always been a struggle for me. I never fit in with Africans because I was too Americanized and vice versa. I’ve always felt like the black sheep wherever I was. Also being a black gay male in America has even furthered that feeling of being a black sheep. It was hard growing up cause I was always picked on or talked about in school. In addition, my father’s side of the family were very traditional, so I had struggles with that as well. However, I didn’t let it stop me from being myself and doing what I love to do. Music and dance were always my outlet. It’s where I felt safe no matter what was going on in my life. I went to Stephen f Austin state university to get my bachelor’s in child and family development and went on to receive my master’s in school Counseling from Lamar university. Those were just backups to my dream career, which is to be a performing artist. I love music and have been listening to it at a very young age. I also have a strong passion for dance and modeling. I’ve just recently moved back to Tx from NYC at the beginning of this year to start my teaching career, but every day I miss being in New York City. I plan to return soon so I can focus on my performing arts. I know one day, I will achieve everything I desire. I just have to be patient and trust God in the process.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was never a smooth road. I was always talked about or picked on in school cause people thought I was gay before I even knew what that was. I’ve been fired from jobs, I believe cause of my sexuality and people not being open-minded in the state of Tx. I recently lost my mother last year to Covid, so that had been the toughest battle I’ve had to face so far. It really pushed me back a little to where I forgot to do basic things like shower, eat and sleep. I don’t wish that on anyone cause the pain that comes with that is unbearable. For a long time, me and my father wouldn’t see eye to eye, and that created a big conflict because I used to think he wasn’t for me. It wasn’t until my mother died that we really became close as crazy as that sounds. There’s been a lot of times where I wanted to give up or just vanish, but there’s something in me that always pushes me to fight.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love to write music and dance! My dad has instilled in me my passion for music. In my spare time, I write music to rap instrumentals or r&b music. I’ve loved poetry since a young boy, and I’m a great writer. So far, I have written about 50+ songs. I’m going to start recording them soon, but I love to write. Dancing has also been one of my passions as well! It’s something about the music and the way it flows through my body that keeps me moving. I also like to model as well! I’ve been taking pictures here and there, and I’m trying to get more consistent in my content. In all, I love to express myself through these 3 lanes. I feel as if it’s the perfect balance to really show what I’m about.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the food here! I love that Dallas is one of the top cities in Tx that is gay-friendly. Specifically for black people, Dallas is a city that is inclusive to an extent. It’s not a big hype like some other cities. However, I don’t like that it’s not a big fashion city like New York City. I feel like a lot of opportunities are not as available as they should be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Kingtingz_
- SoundCloud: Kingtingz
Image Credits
Aaron Duffus
Julivn Jimenez
Stewart Roley
Mackenzie Tyra
