Singer-songwriter Chanique Rogers didn’t release her powerful new single, “I Can,” for four years, due to no longer having a passion for it. As many people can relate, life can be overwhelming at times, causing those of us to lose interest in our hopes and desires, yet there’s always a little spark that burns inside of us. That spark caused Chanique to release the triumphant “I Can,” with the words and music coming to her after she had a dream, all within twenty minutes.
Chanique is also a stage actress, model, and a chef, whose ambition knows no bounds; she immerses herself fully in her pursuits. That ambition was cultivated in childhood, growing up on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where she knew her heart belonged to the world of music, even garnering the nickname “Songbird” by close friends and family. Chanique has appeared on BET’s 106 & Park, performed alongside Alfa Anderson of Chic, sang back-up for renowned composer Aziza Miller, and classic rock violinist, Daisy Jopling, and appeared on ABC’s The Chew.
“I Can” is Chanique’s anthem of hope and strength to not only herself, but to anyone listening (Hip Video Promo). She collaborated on the song with Broadway singer and producer, Adrian Bailey (Smokey Joe’s Cafe, La Cage Aux Folles), and the song also features background vocals of a full-choir, catapulting this single to powerful proportions, emotionally and physically. The music video for “I Can” features clips of some of the most iconic figures in the world who struggled like many of us do with rejection and ridicule, only to soar to the top; these figures include Sidney Poitier, Michael Jordan, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and Oprah Winfrey; all the while, Chanique sings solo with grace with only a mic and her powerhouse of a voice.
You’re a woman of many amazing talents besides singing, including acting and a chef. How do each of these passions fulfill you creatively?
Chanique Rogers: They all enable me the freedom to express myself, and share my gifts with everyone.
You knew at a very young age that you wanted to pursue your dream of creating and making music. Can you share with us when you knew your calling?
Chanique: I knew I was born to sing when I was 12 years old and I had to sing in front of 600 kids at school. I was super nervous at first but as soon as I started singing all of my butterflies flew away. I then became one of the most popular kids in High School. (laughs) You know it’s great when your family says you’re great but to get that response from strangers was an amazing feeling it made me even more confident in myself.
With your latest single, “I Can,” the words and melody came to you during your sleep and didn’t share it with the world for four years. What was that creative process like, and did you want to wait those years to release it, or wanted to release it sooner?
Chanique: I wrote “I Can” when I was going through a lot in life. At a time when I just didn’t want to sing/perform again. And I was later introduced to Adrian who told me I definitely need to let the world hear my voice again. And I always said if I ever sing again “I Can “ would be at the top of my list to record because I just knew that song would help a lot of people. So I decided that it was time to let the world hear it.
You collaborated with Broadway singer and producer Adrian Bailey for “I Can.” What was that creative teamwork like?
Chanique: Adrian is actually a music producer & musical engineer. But It was pretty cool, he’s very easy going and great at capturing the essence & mood of the lyrics of a song. So he got it right away; it’s like “I Can “ was waiting for Adrian so we could bring it to life.
I love the lyrics and music video set to “I Can,” as both resonate so deeply. Were the clips featured in the video your idea or a joint effort? Were there some that you wanted to include, but didn’t have the capacity to do it?
Chanique: RJC spoke to me about the concept of the video which I loved. We were in the beginning of quarantine so everything from my end had to be done in my home. They put the video together and sent it to me. There were a few people missing that I would have loved to include like Nina Simone. I must say that Tyler Perry was missing in the 1st video and I had them redo it as he’s my role model and I couldn’t have this video without him, he’s such a powerhouse! I can’t wait for the day I’m blessed to work with him.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite so far?
Chanique: My first concert was at the age of 14, (laughs), I will never forget, it was a Beenie Man, Red Rat, and Goofy concert. That’s Dancehall music lol it was pretty awesome because my uncle took us to meet them before the concert started. That was a big deal. My favorite concert I would say is between Tarrus Riley feat the Black Soil Band & Herbie Hancock. They are two totally different genres but they are both amazing on stage so can’t choose one. (smiles)
What was your first album on CD and/or vinyl?
Chanique: My first album on CD was Enya A Day Without Rain. I was in love with her music during my teenage years. I listen to a broad range of music thanks to my Uncle Cornie, he would expose us to many genres. Remember I grew up in the Caribbean so singing Elton John, Olivia Newton-John, Neil Diamond, our friends would look at us like we’re crazy. (laughs)
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
Chanique: The Best of Tina Turner, The Best of Kassav, Hamilton Broadway soundtrack, RJC Exodus & Beyoncé Dangerously in Love.
Do you have a guilty music or entertainment pleasure?
Chanique: Yes, I listen to a lot of Spanish & French music, even though I have no idea what they are saying. (laughs)
What have you been reading, watching and/or listening to?
Chanique: I have been looking at a lot of cake compilations on YouTube for inspiration as I have two very important dates this month. I will be making my nieces birthday cake and she’s 10, so I gotta be on point (haha), and my sister’s wedding cake.
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