Today we’d like to introduce you to Aretha Rodney-mcdonald
Hi Aretha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Aretha Rodney McDonald, I am a singer, writer and a spoken word poet. I am also a wife and a mother of two beautiful Children. I was born and raised on the island of Jamaica. I moved to the States at the tender age of ten and have resided here ever since. I am the CEO of Aretha Rodney Artistry a brand created to show different areas of performance Arts while glorifying God and encouraging and inspiring others. As far back as I can remember I always loved to sing, it was a part of my life since childhood, being in the children’s choir at church and school. As I got older, I fell in love with different areas of performing arts which included dancing and acting. I was then introduced to spoken word poetry over a decade ago and immediately knew that was something I wanted to pursue, another form of expression through art for me. I wrote my first song at eight years old. My love for writing then ventured off into writing plays. My first production entitled “Melodies Of History” made its debut on the Dr Phillips Performing Arts stage in March of 2023.
I am where I am today because of God’s faithfulness and my desire to live a purpose driven life so that means sharing my gifts no matter what is happening around me. Also being a mom and a wife I get to pursue my passion because of the help of my husband who believes in my gifts and makes room in our life for me to create freely.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, I wish it was a smooth road but I’ve learned nothing good comes easy and the obstacles are just a way to build your trust in God, your gift and in yourself.
I would say one of the many challenges I faced is staying the course and not giving up. Sometimes when you are passionate and pursuing your dream and desires, you expect it to happen in an instant but sometimes the journey takes a lot longer than you expect. I have been creating for eight years, consistent and full-time for four years and within that time I’ve had multiple moments and situations that led to me wanting to give up. In those moments, I have fought to stay on track and tried to remember my gift is bigger than me and God wants to use it to heal someone, motivate someone or ultimately introduce himself to some. As a creative I had to learn to just keep going, no matter what, there is power in consistency and the result that I’m desiring is found in my persistence. I dare to go a little further and say my biggest challenge sometimes can be myself, but I had to take the pressure off myself and trust the process and the pace, so I turned off my stop watch recognizing I’m not running out of time. Everything is in God’s timing, I just have to trust it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As stated previously, I am a singer, writer, spoken word poet, I also play the guitar. My work reflects my faith as well as my love for people and family. The goal with Aretha Rodney Artistry is to spread hope leaving someone feeling motivated and inspired to trust God and keep going. What sets me apart is my authenticity, I don’t try to do it like anyone else but myself, I believe in what I do and how I do it. I think as an artist the most powerful tool you can access is your authenticity to the art and whatever you create, because no one can do what you do like you. So with that thought I stay true to my authenticity and never waiver or try to do it like anyone else. The day I lose my authenticity is the day I lose my identity in my art.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
hmmm let’s see something surprising, I auditioned for the voice in 2014 and did not pass the first round lol I was embarrassed hahah but glad I did it with no regrets. I think my song of choice didn’t work in my favor. It was the year after the Jamaican singer won and my audition song was Redemption Song by Bob Marley. Lol fun times so yes and another fun fact, I really don’t like competitions at all but again it was a great experience, no regrets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aretharodneyartistry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aretharodneyartistry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArethaRodneyMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aretharodneyartistry
Image Credits
Aretha Rodney Mcdonald
