No Dancing Around Youth Issues With Eshe





Brother Saye: Greetings Eshe. I would first like to start by thanking you for allowing this interview. Please share a little background information about yourself and elaborate some on those youth lectures you have become accustomed to doing.


Eshe: My name is Eshe and I was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. I am a daughter, mother, mentor, teacher, entertainer, dancer, actress, choreographer, songwriter, singer, and author. As you can see, I have many titles. I began my journey in the entertainment world at the age of thirteen, and I am still going strong today. At the age of two, my mom taught me how to dance and that sparked something in me. Growing up, seeing my mom work with lots of young people, and how it brought joy to her life, made me want to follow in her footsteps. Like my mom, I work with young people both male & female from all walks of life. I taught my first dance class at age fourteen, to four and five year olds, and loved the feeling. Today, I teach dance, do workshops lecturing on all sorts of topics; ranging from the music industry to everyday life struggles. I love what I do and I will continue to help others for as long as my spirit will allow me.


Brother Saye: How long have you been lecturing to young women and what are some of the themes and topics you usually focus on during these lectures?


Eshe: I've been working with young people, male and female since the early 90's. I've always had a passion for it and I still am very active with the youth of today. The topics that I deal with when I'm speaking to young ladies are, self-esteem, respecting their bodies, developing their gifts, life skills, how to carry themselves as ladies, how to conduct themselves in any situation they may encounter, hygiene, communication, the type of music that they listen to, and how it makes them feel, etc. Depending on the environment, the topics will change. Sometimes, I open the floor for them to tell me what they want to have dialogue about... that's always interesting.


Brother Saye: How do you feel about the concept of teaching young people how to become critical and independent thinkers, instead of teaching them what to think?


Eshe: I think that it's very important because we have been conditioned to think a certain way in this society. I always tell my students to use their minds. God blessed you with a great mind, now use it. Don't follow the crowd, and do what's best for you. If we do all the thinking for them, they won't understand the power of thought. They will never tap into that creative, intellectual mind. I say to them, research, study for yourself, and then come back to me and give me what your perspective is on this issue, or situation. I love to see young people's mind working because not only can they learn something from me, but I can learn something from them as well.


Brother Saye: Is the ultimate objective of each lecture the same, and if so, what is the objective of the lectures?


Eshe: The objective varies from lecture to lecture. At the end of the day, my objective is that someone sees beyond where they are in the present, to understand their purpose in life, and have the courage to walk in it. I want them to know that they have the power to change themselves for the better, their communities for the better, and the world for the better. I want them to have self-love, respect themselves and others, and know that they can accomplish anything that they set their minds to. I want people to know that they're powerful in thought, mind, body, and soul.


Brother Saye: What advice do you have for young women who are interested in the music industry?


Eshe: First, I would say get an education. Finish school, and if you are able to get higher learning, do so. This business is not for the weak or the timid. It's a tough, challenging and demanding business. If you're not ready for it, you will fall by the wayside. You have to be passionate about anything that you do and do it in excellence. Learn all that you can about every aspect of the business, perfect your talent, have goals set for yourself that are reachable, and be a hard worker. Stay focused, surround yourself with positive people, people who really love you, and stay humble.


Brother Saye: What is one of the major problems you find young girls dealing with today, and what do you usually suggest when this issue is presented to you?


Eshe: Wow! There are so many things that young girls are facing today. One major issue that I hear about is the absentee father. I grew up with both of my parents in the home, however, my father was not an active participant in my life... I can definitely relate. I tell them that it's okay to be angry and hurt, just don't let those emotions overtake them. Focus on what you have, instead of what you don't have, and that everything will work out for the best. Pray for your father to have positive change come in his life and for your relationship with your father to be a fruitful one. At the age of 17, God brought my spiritual father in my life, and he changed my entire opinion towards men in a positive way. Not by what he said, but by his actions. I knew that he truly cared about my well-being with no string attached, and he's still my spiritual father, even today.


Brother Saye: Do you have any upcoming projects or lectures you would like to let the readers know about?


Eshe: Yes, I'm currently working on a solo project to be released later in 2011, I have a movie that I play the lead role in called "Gorgeous Knight" that's slated to be released this year, I'm a cast member on a fresh new television show that will be out either late 2011 or 2012, currently, I'm touring with Arrested Development promoting our latest record "Strong" and gearing up for our 20 year anniversary in the music biz. Arrested Development will drop a mixtape entitled "20" to commemorate our 2O years in the biz. I'm also, writing a book about my journey in life, starting a dance company/entertainment school for young people, and doing dance workshops all over the globe.


Brother Saye: Man, and I thought I was busy. Where should the readers go to purchase previous and new musical projects, and how can they contact you if they are interested in booking you for performances, or public speaking engagements?


Eshe: You may reach me at facebook.com/esheafrosoul, twitter.com/eshe2xGrammy, or www.esheafrosoul.com, and to purchase all Arrested Development music, check out, www.arresteddevelopmentmusic.com, Amazon & itunes. I also did a collaboration with a Japanese artist named Mabanua, called “Love Sick”, off of his debut album, "Done Already", that's available for purchase as well on itunes. To book ESHE for performances or speaking engagements, you may contact Yenketa Erica @ 818.220.6156 & yenketa1@gmail.com. Peace & blessings.