An Artists Identity
Who is Anyah? Great question! To be honest, I’m still figuring that out myself. I know what my bio says, and I have an idea of how my friends would describe me. When I open my Bible, I can read about who God says I am, and while all these perspectives about “Anyah” hold truth, the pressing question for me today is: Who does Anyah believe she is?
In the recently released film Inside Out 2, the main character, Riley, enters her teenage years, and her belief system begins to take shape. Riley’s memories influence her self-perception, which in turn shapes her identity. As a 24-year-old watching this film, I realized that the process of developing a belief system is never-ending. We are constantly creating new memories, facing new challenges, and discovering surprising aspects of ourselves.
The Influence of Audience
As an artist, it’s easy to define myself based on what others say. Art invites feedback and interpretation, and while that can be valuable, I realize that taking every opinion to heart can lead to a confusing and complicated sense of self. If I were to absorb every comment, critique, and compliment, I might end up with a kaleidoscope of identities that don’t truly reflect who I am at my core. In the creative world, our work often becomes a canvas for others’ perceptions, which can blur the lines between external feedback and internal truth. This highlights the importance of being grounded in my identity, my own beliefs, and experiences rather than solely in the voices around me.
The Influence of Faith
As a believer, when I feel confused about my identity, I turn to the Word of God to discover who He says I am. While these scriptures may not specifically reveal that Anyah isn’t a great cook or that she’s a fantastic dog mom, they do provide powerful affirmations that encourage me to think positively about myself. For instance, John 1:12 tells me that I am a child of God, which means I am loved and cared for by the best. Psalm 139:14 reminds me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, emphasizing that I was created with purpose and that my existence is not a mistake. My talents, my unique quirks, my trials, and my victories all come together to shape me, just as God intended.
In conclusion, who is Anyah? I am a blend of my faith, my dreams, my talents, my music, my blind spots, and my fears—all woven together in a beautiful tapestry. If my answer isn’t as formal as you might have expected, let me share this: I am an African American jazz vocalist and Africologist, Songwriter, Educator, Artist, Dog mom, Sister, Friend, Daughter to many, and a Lover of Jesus. Each of these roles contributes to who I am. Just like Riley, as my years continue the new memories I make will add beautiful new colors to this complicated and captivating tapestry that is me.
