Singer, praise and worship leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Tonya Lewis Taylor is the definition of hard work and dedication. Her encouraging leadership is displayed throughout everything she does and is shown firsthand with her music video and single “I Am More Than A Conqueror.” The song reminds listeners that they are overcomers, and ultimately, conquerors who aren’t defined by any situation or circumstance. In the music video for “I Am More Than A Conqueror,” you see Tonya in a church, showered with her fellow believers, who are enlightened and energized by the Gospel. Tonya and her fellow “conquerors” are joyful, hopeful, and encouraging.
Tonya is a former celebrity publicist and marketing executive in the music industry, who worked at Roc-A-Fella Records. Her single “Thank You” previously landed in the Billboard Top 15, featured on her debut album, Delayed But Not Denied, in addition to her single, “I’m a Winner,” featured on her 2016 sophomore album, I’ve Got To Win. She has been featured in a variety of media outlets and has a number of awards to her name. Her faith has been written in her recent book “Be You Not Her,” which is about self-knowing and living a healthy life as a result of it. Tonya also pursues philanthropic efforts with her I Will Graduate Youth Development Program and is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Entertainers 4 Education Alliance, a non-profit organization enlisting celebrities shedding light on the importance of education. She has been heralded by New York City Mayors Mike Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio, including former NYS Governors Cuomo and Paterson for her service, naming I WILL GRADUATE DAY for the city and state of New York in her honor. There’s nothing that Tonya Lewis Taylor can’t do, indicating that she is, indeed, “more than a conqueror.”
Love your leadership through gospel music. What inspired and/or encouraged you to pursue worship music?
Tonya Lewis Taylor: I grew up in a family of gospel musicians, singers, and preachers, so gospel music has been ingrained in me. As a youth, I’ve always gravitated to the power of gospel music and the power of the message of gospel music, so it’s a natural part of who I am.
Love your enthusiasm and fierceness with “I Am More Than A Conqueror.” What does this song mean to you, and what do you hope it conveys to your listeners?
Tonya: This song is about overcoming any challenges in your life through the power of your faith. I hope it conveys to my listeners that they can conquer any situation, any problems, any fears, any issues in their lives and that through Christ they can do all things!
I love that you play three different characters in the music video. Was that your idea, and what was the collaboration like with the vision of the video?
Tonya: I’m a person that assumes multiple roles in my church. I’m a minister, I’m the minister of music, and I assist with anything else that needs to get done. So the video is a realistic view of my life, and sometimes in doing these various tasks you get frustrated, tired, annoyed, discouraged, and you have to constantly remind yourself that you are more than a conqueror.
As far as the vision of the video, I have an amazing team that always encourages me to develop and grow. My creative director Lamont Joseph, my video director Sanchez Tuitt, and my executive producer JP Taylor are the main people who helped bring this video to life. They are my greatest collaborators.
You previously were a former celebrity publicist and marketing executive, with a tenure at Roc-A-Fella Records. What do you appreciate the most about your time there?
Tonya: During my tenure at Roc-A-Fella Records I learned how to be fearless and resilient, how to have faith in myself, how to overcome obstacles, how to stay focused on the goal, and how to become more than a conqueror.
Not only do you inspire others with your music, you’re also an author with “Be You Not Her,” which is about self-actualization and healthy living. When did you know you wanted to write a book?
Tonya: About 10 years ago I wanted to become more intentional about how I share my experiences, challenges I have faced, and things I have gone through in my life. The book is a natural extension of that.
Your philanthropy consists of I Will Graduate Youth Development Program and as the Co-Founder/Executive Producer of Entertainers 4 Education Alliance. Can you share why you started these foundations and what all they do to help the youth and education?
Tonya: Since the age of 12 I have been working with young people – even though I was still a youth myself. The underlying theme throughout my entire life has been inspiring and encouraging young people to be all they were created to be. I started this organization because I understand the challenges youth face, and as I developed and had mentors in my life who encouraged me I felt inspired to give back to future generations of young people.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite so far?
Tonya: The Jackson 5 at the Apollo Theater – I will never forget that! Bruno Mars has been my favorite so far.
What was your first album on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?
Tonya: I believe it was called Love Alive by Walter Hawkins and the Love Center Choir.
Are there any particular artists you’d love to collaborate with?
Tonya: That’s a long list, but I’ll give you my top five: Kirk Franklin, John P. Kee, Le’Andria Johnson, Donald Lawrence, and Mary J. Blige.
Which five gospel artists and/or albums would you not want to live without?
Tonya:
Ok, here we go.
- Kirk Franklin – Kirk Franklin & The Family
- The Clark Sisters – You Brought The Sunshine
- Hezekiah Walker – I’ll Make It
- John P. Kee – Show Up
- Walter Hawkins – Love Alive
What’s the first thing you’re looking forward to once out of quarantine?
Tonya: Get a manicure, pedicure, and a massage!
During your time of isolation, what have you been enjoying listening to, reading, and/or watching?
Tonya: I’ve been binge-watching like everyone else. I love Netflix shows! I listen to Tony Robbins, and I love reading my Bible.
Follow and connect with Tonya on her socials at Facebook and Twitter.
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