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Safari, Culture And Luxury: Your Guide To The Ultimate South African Adventure
South Africa has always been a bucket list destination for me. I’ve admired the culture and history of its people, and I’ve been aware of its troubled political past since childhood. I’d often read books about the systemic and political struggles there, and I’ve watched many documentaries about esteemed activists and leaders like Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko, and entertainers like Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fassie.
When I got the opportunity to travel to South Africa via Afri-Centric, a woman-owned boutique travel company that specializes in curated experiences meshing luxury, authentic community, and continental connection, it was truly a full-circle, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We went from Johannesburg to Cape Town, and we saw the beauty of parts of the Eastern Cape as well.
The experience showcased the impeccable tastes and savvy of Afri-Centric’s owner and managing director, esteemed tourism and hospitality industry veteran Itumeleng Pooe.
From that whirlwind trip—a first for me in almost every way imaginable—I was able to experience a range of lodging vibes, cultural moments, and must-see adventures. Here are a few travel itinerary options for your next trip to South Africa:
WHERE I STAYED
Rockefeller Hotel, Cape Town
Rockefeller Hotel, Cape Town
Chic, City Vibes: The Rockefeller Hotel
This is the perfect home base for a weeklong experience in Cape Town since it’s centrally located. It also has amazing views of the city, a rooftop lounge, a pool, a gym, and an excellent breakfast buffet. You’re a short drive away from the V&A Waterfront, where there’s shopping and eateries, Table Mountain, one of the “7 Wonders of Nature,” and the Mother City nightlife many on Instagram brag about. (A favorite of mine was Ayepyep Lifestyle Lounge. Order one of their brai platters and enjoy affordable bottle service, along with a good mix of R&B and Amapiano hits.)
The Rockefeller Hotel was the perfect home base for a trip to Cape Town since it’s centrally located. It also has amazing views of the city, a rooftop lounge, a pool, a gym, and an excellent breakfast buffet.
Sanctuary Mandela, Aerial view from suites floor
Courtesy, Sanctuary Mandela
Sanctuary Mandela
Historic Serenity And Presidential Aura: Sanctuary Mandela
This was by far my favorite hotel experience and I highly recommend making this your first stop when staying in Johannesburg. Not only will you be respectfully immersed in the life, culture, and experiences of Nelson Mandela, iconic activist and former president of South Africa, but you’ll also enjoy sophisticated decor, fine wine, amazing customer service, and delicious food. Arriving there after more than 17 hours of travel felt like a warm hug, and we were right in the middle of suburban Jo’Burg which had a welcoming calmness perfect to start a trip to South Africa on the right foot.
From here, we embarked on a very bittersweet but necessary visit to the Apartheid Museum, the largest site to extensively tackle pre-, during, and post-apartheid history and the global impact of the movement for justice, equality, and restoration of the country.
I thought I knew all I needed to know about this topic, but it was refreshing to start from the beginning of the history of the people who settled in the region and the sources of what would launch systems of oppression there.
Luxe Queenly Ambiance: Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
I literally got my Lady Danbury of “Bridgerton” fantasy on at this wine estate, engrossed in history dating back to 1692 and located in a mountainous town called Stellenbosch, a town in the Western Cape. Each suite is unique and includes classic but luxurious touches, and the wine is among the best of the best in the world. The property also has a spa and several dining retreats, and it is perfect for a baecation or girls' trip to relax and enjoy the opulence of the lush South African landscape.
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
WHAT I DID: WINE COUNTRY, SAFARI, AND THE ARTS
First, when traveling to South Africa, especially for the first time, I highly recommend going with a group and booking transportation to excursions or other cultural events through an agent or tour company. This literally takes the guesswork out of the logistics of it all, and you’ll be privy to guides who can tell you all about South Africa, its history, and its people. Throughout our trip, we were well taken care of by ElJoSa Travel and Tours, where the coaches were clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned. The tour guides became like family by the end of the experience.
Cozy, Family-Centric Safari: Milima Big 5 Safari Lodge
It was here that I got to see what safari enthusiasts call “the big five,” which are the five largest and most dangerous animals in the wild. It was an exciting and centering experience, unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before. We had three drives through the bush with a guide.
At this lodge, we saw rhinos, elephants, a leopard, a buffalo, and a pack of lions that casually walked just two to three feet next to our truck. It was an extraordinary occurrence since, according to several guides, it’s rare to see all five during your first time on safari.
The lodge itself reminds me of camping experiences of my teenage years, with rustic amenities and a spectacular pool and dining area that offers views of the animals’ watering hole—we could see elephants casually taking baths and drinking as we ate lunch. Also, the staff, again, felt like family by the time we had to check out. You can opt to stay in one of the cabins or a beautiful luxury tent where the animals will literally greet you in the morning.
My view from the safari truck, Milima Big 5 Safari Lodge
After a morning safari drive, Milima Big 5 Safari Lodge
Wine Tasting In Alluring Romance And Opulence: Delaire Graff Estate
We made a stop here to see the grounds and taste their selections, and for the brief time we were there, I fell in love. Overlooking the Banhoek Valley in Stellenbosch, this property has vast views including those of Table Mountain, amazing wines, provocative African art, a spa, and a range of suite options that might make you want to extend your trip. Classy, elegant, modern, and upscale comfort are major themes here.
Delaire Graff Estate
Delaire Graff Estate
Coastal Vibes And Culture In Eastern Cape: National Arts Festival
While Cape Town and Johannesburg are top destinations for travelers, Eastern Cape offers an off-the-beaten-path regions that are just as worthwhile, including Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth). The region offers striking and geographically diverse coastal and inland countryside experiences, and the Algoa Bay beachfront was a pleasure to preview for the short time I was there. It’s also the birthplace area of major South African leaders including Mandela, Biko, and Thabo Mbeki. I enjoyed our stay at the Sun Boardwalk Hotel, which is within walking distance of Blue Flagged Hobbie Beach in Gqeberha.
I also became an active part of history with the stop in Eastern Cape, as the National Arts Festival marked 50 years of providing a platform for South African and diasporan artists and creatives to serve, fight against oppression, collaborate, and express themselves. It was an honor within itself.
The festival has roots in Makhanda, a town formerly known as Grahamstown, and it’s a stop you should add to your itinerary when traveling to the region in the summer months.
Township visit, Eastern Cape
"Sarafina," presented by the Sonwa Sakuba Institute
We caught a riveting rendition of “Sarafina,” an iconic anti-apartheid musical-turned-film that has won numerous awards across global stages. We also saw a moving performance dedicated to the life of Sarah Baartman, a South African woman who was exploited by 19th-century Europeans as a human exhibit attraction. (For more information on the festival schedule and performances, follow on Instagram @natioonalartsfestival or visit their website.)
During the festival season, there’s a pop-up food experience called The Long Table, where we ate authentic South African dishes prepared fresh by what I anointed the “beloved aunties,” a group of elders who literally handmade everything with love.
It was a communal experience that felt like eating at your grandmother’s house. Standout dishes were the peanut soup and anything with lamb in it. You’ll need to either check their Facebook page or simply visit the area in order to know the hours and menu, but it’s definitely a worthwhile search and visit.
(Check out more on the Eastern Cape and plan your trip there via the Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency Instagram or its website.)
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If you're sticking to a budget this summer but want to have the usual fun in the sun, you don't necessarily have to skimp on what you want to enjoy. In fact, you wouldn't be alone with the smart move of saving those coins since, according to a recent survey, a large percentage of your peers are doing the same.
And if we want to talk specific numbers, almost 21% of respondents surveyed plan to spend $500 to $999 for their next summer vacation, while almost 27% plan to spend upwards of $2,000. Whether your budget is close to, more, or less, try these simple tips to create the perfect budget for your travel adventure in the coming months:
1. Keep it real with yourself about what you can actually afford and maximize that sum, no matter how small or large the amount.
Oftentimes, we might be influenced via social media to invest in grand luxurious vacations (as 50% of people under 40 "use social media as a source" for travel inspiration), but if you can't afford a 20-day jaunt around Europe, there are still many other good options to consider based on your budget. Once you've set a number, figure out how you can stretch your dollars or save on some aspect of your trip.
For example, if you're going to be exploring a city (or two) for most of the daytime hours during your trip, why splurge on a luxury hotel? Find vacation rentals that offer luxury touches (via the decor or extras offered during your stay) or use perks offered via credit cards, memberships, sites like LivingSocial, or hotel loyalty programs.
If a luxury stay is your thing, join a Facebook or other online group on their trip or link up with your girls or favorite family members, instead of going solo. You can split the costs, take advantage of payment plans, and really maximize how you're spending money on your vacation.
When settling on a number based on what you can afford in consideration of your income, living expenses, and debt, be sure to include a limit on how much you'll spend on each aspect of the trip---including boundaries on actual cash you'll spend while there---and stick to it.
2. Do your research on your dream destination and watch how and where the locals eat, enjoy their leisure time, or spend their money.
One thing I've learned after practically moving to a place where I was once just a tourist is that watching how the locals live can save you time and money when planning a vacation. Follow a few travel creatives and professionals in that locality and take note of the areas, attractions, and other aspects of your trip that might align with the content they share. Typically locals not only know the spots that are off the beaten path, but they also know where and how to save a few coins while having fun in their communities.
It's great to follow and be inspired by U.S.-based travelers, but some are simply following trends that are, to be frank, quite expensive to keep up with, or they're sharing content via all-expenses-paid opportunities to market a place or experience in exchange for their influence or audience.
Travel enthusiasts, tour companies, and other professionals actually based where you want to vacation can offer clues as to how to have a good time without breaking the bank, and even if their content doesn't specifically force-feed you cookie-cutter itineraries, you can still take note of the places they visit on a regular day (or the nearby destinations where they vacation) and do a little online digging for yourself to create an affordable itinerary that works for you.
I've found off-the-beaten-path beaches, rivers, and entertainment options that are not swamped with tourists (and thus, are less pricey but just as spectacular, if not more) by doing this---simply vacationing as the locals do.
LeoPatrizi/Getty Images
3. Skip the DIY approach, and book via a travel agent or consultant.
This is one of the best ways to stay on budget when planning a vacation, since, at the onset, it's something you establish with the professional in order for them to be able to do their job. Once you've locked in how much you're willing to spend, they can use their savvy to fill in the blanks with amazing experiences that you might not be aware exists and use their contacts, experience, and industry know-how to get you deals to make your dream trip a reality.
If you can find an agent who works from commissions, you've hit the jackpot, but sometimes, even if you have to pay a service or planning fee, it can be worth it depending on the scope and length of your vacation. The best way to find a reputable travel agent is through referrals from family, friends, or online travel groups or by ensuring they have the proper certifications and asking lots of questions before agreeing to work with them. If they work for a reputable, well-known agency, that's even better.
Source: RgStudio/Getty Images
4. Ignore the negative hype and simply book your trip for the off-season.
Just because it's so-called "low season" in a destination doesn't mean it's not a great opportunity for the best summer vacation of your life. With global warming and so many other factors shifting what affects a good time during vacation, be open to visiting a destination that might not have made the list of top summer spots but suits your needs just as well.
For example, you can travel to places like Cabo San Lucas during "low season" and still have a lot of fun while the tourist rush has slowed, hotels offer lower room rates, and more options are activities and excursions available to book at competitive prices. While it might be a bit chilly at night, you can still enjoy poolside cocktails, beach club day parties, and cultural experiences during the day and wear light layers at night for phenomenal sunsets and other evening activities. Flights are typically cheaper as well during some low seasons depending on where you're flying to and from.
Staycations are also a great idea when it's not peak season since you can enjoy the paradise that's just a city or state away without others crowding the roads, beaches, and other attractions because they've traveled out of town to do so.
You don't have to give up your desire to enjoy the summer vacation you deserve just because you're sticking to a budget. With these tips, there are so many options to make the most of your hard-earned dollars without compromising on quality and experience.
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There is a real problematic issue with women avoiding balance and setting boundaries, especially when it comes to taking full advantage of that precious paid time off (PTO). Apparently, we're afraid to request paid time off (the time we're actually contractually and lawfully owed,) but we're even "'quiet vacationing," sandwiching holidays and weekends so that we don't have to make the request to take that break or vacation we deserve.
Well, we all need to walk out of the "Work Hard, Play Never" era and into our "Unapologetically Taking PTO" era. You can be an ambitious, accomplished career woman without sacrificing great adventures, whether via a staycation or a trip across the world. Here are a few women professionals on social who remind us that taking our PTO is important and you can handle your business all while enjoying travel on your own terms:
Ade, AdeTheFlygerian
@adetheflygerian On being a Black woman in #cartagena | #Palenque is a can’t miss destination on your trip to #Colombia, here’s why… #blackincolombia #girlstrip #blackgirltravel #blackgirltraveltok
This doctor is balancing work in the hectic medical field with traveling the world, as she shares her experiences traveling to diverse locales across the globe. From girl trips to Punta Cana to birthdays in Dubai, Ade's sharing of her trips reinforces that we can accomplish our professional dreams while expanding our minds and hearts to see the world.
Dr. Britt, TheBrittnyway
@thebrittnyway Arizona owes me nothing 🔥 #thingstodoinarizona #phoenix #scottsdale #sedona #traveltiktok #phoenixtravel #blackgirltiktok #blackgirlstravel #blackgirlluxury #thingstodoinphoenix #fyp #phoenixitinerary #doctorlifestyle
A self-acclaimed "doctor with a life outside of medicine," Britt shares her life as a psychiatrist as well as her love for enjoying food, fashion, and travel. Based on her posts, she's not one to miss out on truly enjoying the fruits of her labor, as she should, especially with the high-demand job of serving others to enhance and manage their mental health wellness.
LaSha, The Anxious Traveler
@iamluhhshayy3 Trying Something New. Yall Like It?! Travel With Me DC ➡️ Random Ass Omaha, Nebraska 🥰
This master's degree-holding scholar has used her platform to present options for people to create payment plans to afford the trips they want to take. And she's no stranger to ensuring that she makes her travel dreams a reality no matter what, proving that wherever you have a desire to go, you can go. So now, there's no excuse for letting those PTO days pile up. Make your paycheck work for you with LaSha's tips.
Cynthia, SimplyCyn
@iamsimplycyn Grenada 🇬🇩 - it’s always a great idea. Have you been to Grenada? #simplycyntravels #islandlife #carribean #beach ##travelingwithkids##grenada
SimplyCyn is an attorney and content creator who blesses followers with colorful, vivid depictions of her fashion, culture, motherhood, and family experiences. She also advocates for autism awareness and travels extensively with her twin boys and husband, providing a safe space for other mothers to be empowered and live life on their own terms.
Tenicka
@tenickab Let’s talk about itttttt. #adaywashad #casacookrhodes #rhodesgreece #greecevlog #londonvlog #easyjet #heathrowairport
Between her esteemed work in activism, social justice, and organizing, Tenicka has been slaying on Instagram and TikTok, sharing her bright-hued fashion sense and lifestyle gems as seamlessly as she walks boldly in her professional purpose. And she's sure to offer glimpses of how she spends her leisure time with family in locales across Europe, Africa, and more.
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Corporate Baddies: These Are The Creative Skills You Need To Stand Out From The Rest
Research has found that creative thinking is “the most in-demand skill” this year, and if you’re a corporate baddie, here’s your confirmation that everything doesn’t have to be all about the tedious but necessary aspects of closing business deals or enduring the less-than-exciting parts of working in corporate. You can use your creative side to thrive and make your journey up the corporate ladder much more enjoyable.
While there have been reports of Black women chucking the deuces to corporate jobs to move on to startups, launch their own businesses, or do other things to find fulfillment, there are still a significant number in entry- and mid-level positions at corporations and large business, as well as in senior manager, director, and vice president roles. There are certainly major issues related to representation in the C-suite as well as the equal pay travesty; we can't forget the corporate baes still holding it down, showing up, and fighting to stay present to serve communities and change the world.
So, whether you have an extraordinary way of doing things, you have a passion for presentation and visuals, or you simply have the gift of gab, this is the year to lean even further into the innovative and imaginative side of yourself. Here are the in-demand creative skills that are valuable in Corporate America:
1. Gift of Connection And Collaboration
Having a unique gift to see where someone might fit best to partner with another person, or being able to pinpoint star qualities for team building is a valuable creative skill to have when closing deals, building presentations, or keeping an organization running like clockwork.
This is a “superpower” that Melonie Parker, chief diversity officer at Google, has seen success with. “I believe I’ve had such great success because I’ve been able to bring people together to work on deeply impactful projects to go on journeys that make people’s lives better,” she told Rolling Out in a recent interview.
2. Unique Vision For Visual Arts And Creative Direction
Having a knack for graphic design, visual production, or anything arts-related when it comes to the imagery, content, or marketing of a concept or project is another vital skill in Corporate America. Take a nod from the journey of Rebecca “Dimplez” Ijeoma, senior vice president of marketing at Capitol Music Group. Her curiosity and knack for building websites and blogs for social media’s early stars were the perfect launch point. “I got very, very curious about everything that went into making a website pop,” she told xoNecole. “I started to dig into the minutiae around what excited people to view and visit certain sites — it was very apparent that there was a lane for me to explore.”
As vice president of Hallmark’s Mahogany brand, Alexis Kerr led the launch of the greeting card line’s website, and she was at the helm when the brand had its first branded experiential activation, Mahogany Moment, which featured workshops, a pop-up market, and headliner Tabitha Brown, and the brand’s award event Mahogany Honors, with Fantasia as the guest of honor.
Knack For Storytelling And Communications
VioletaStoimenova/Getty
Great writing and speaking skills are the mark of a dynamic leader, so you can never go wrong when you have these two under your belt. The career journey of Mamie Coleman, executive vice president of creative music at Fox Entertainment Music, offers a great example of how creative skills in writing and communications can be an asset as an executive. She started her career as a Fox intern, then went on to become a writer's assistant on ’90s TV classic Martin. She’d go on to work as a production manager, among other creative roles, before leading in her current position.
4. Problem-Solving And Vision Savvy
If you know you’re good at thinking outside the box, pinpointing a potential problem and nipping it in the bud before it even does damage, or boldly wearing the crown of problem-solver, you’ve got a great quality for corporate leadership.
Consider Toni Townes-Whitley, CEO of multibillion-dollar tech giant SAIC. Before she started her current role, she served as president of U.S. regulated industries at Microsoft, where she was able to launch initiatives that addressed the company’s carbon footprint, ethics standards for AI, and women’s career advancement. She now continues to hold space as an innovator and embraces a visionary mindset that doesn’t shy away from responsibility and reliability.”
“As a woman of faith in a Christian family, a Bible verse from the Book of Luke has been prayed over me since I was a child: ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ When you've been more equipped, the idea is you're not equipped, as that's not the end. You're being equipped to address issues and help people around you,” she told USA Today. “I do that by focusing on the balance of grit and grace in what I do every day. I get up, and I think you've got to push, and you've got to be willing to get your hands right into the midst of it with your company, your team, your family.”
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While summer is often a time of fun, vacations, and rest for many hiring managers and recruiters, it's still the perfect time to prep for the fall rush that's the usual season for filling positions. It's smart to squeeze in a bit of time to boost your job search in the coming months, especially if you're employed but want to advance, transition careers, or level up for advancement.
Along with recruiters and HR leaders, many professionals experience the slowest quarter of the year across industries. Now is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the free time you have by trying these quick must-do summer activities to increase your chances of meeting your goal of getting a new gig. You can even fold in a bit of business with pleasure:
1. Apply to one or two jobs a week to work or volunteer away from home for the summer (or into the fall if you can swing it.)
If you've hit a wall in your job search and you have the means and time to do it, why not expand your search to work in a dream location outside the city limits? Options like house- and pet-sitting are often ideal in the summer seasons when families are taking time off to travel. And in several other countries, the minimum paid time off for a summer holiday can be several weeks into months.
Some vacation rental owners hire managers for their properties and offer on-site housing with pay. Others have virtual assistants handling listings, scheduling, and home management duties, so there's that option as well.
If you have the education, experience, passion, or training, apply for remote or international jobs in hospitality, content creation, digital marketing, entertainment, or education, as those are prime for international jobs. And if your job search budget or current financial state allows, volunteering in a nearby community, county, state, or even abroad can boost your resume, help you further develop your skills, serve as a great lead-in to a career change, and present the perfect opportunity to network for paid gigs.
2. Deliberately add networking into the fun-in-the-sun plans you already have.
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Any opportunity to be in a room full of amazing people is a no-brainer chance to network, no matter where you are. And it's not the usual type of networking (so avoid the "Hey, nice to meet you. What do you do?" or "Hey, I don't even know you, but here's my resume" method.) Networking can happen at an outdoor festival, a concert after-party, or during an outing with your local running group.
If you've already planned to attend a brunch, meetup, church picnic, or pool party where there will potentially be groups of powerful, educated, go-getter folk, why not meet new people and follow up with them afterward to build a relationshipand expand your network?
Venture outside of the friends you came with or go alone. Take a look at the panelists, speakers, performers, or the party guest list and see where there might be icebreakers or talking points for casual conversation.
If the event is being hosted by an organization or person who has a social presence, look into the likes and comments on posts marketing their events, meetups, or parties and connect with others who are attending ahead of time. Whether friendship or a new job comes out of all of this is up to God and you. You were planning to go and enjoy it anyway. A win is a win.
3. Get an advantage by taking 30 minutes a week to still contact recruiters and hiring managers while others are partying, resting, or pausing on the job search.
For some recruiters and companies, summer is indeed not a slow season for hiring, and they're always looking to fill positions. It's also a time, according to experts, when the belief that nobody's really hiring in the summer might work to your advantage if you do the opposite.
Reach out via LinkedIn, continue being strategic about applying online to the jobs you want, and take time to tweak your resume, social presence, professional websites, and cover letter so that you stay ready.
Schedule 30-minute coffee or virtual chats with professionals in your network who might work at companies you want to work for, and whom you have a real connection with.
Set a timer and alert on your calendar for 30 minutes a week, minimum, for this activity so that you'll not only be able to hold yourself accountable and be strategic, but you won't burn yourself out in the search. Be sure to balance actually enjoying outside versus isolating in a plight to frantically apply for any and every job out there.
4. Upgrade your online search by using specific key words, especially for seasonal, part-time, or freelance work.
If you've been generally searching, you've updated your LinkedIn preferences, and you've already had your information logged in several companies' recruitment systems, lean into a basic search engine optimization (SEO) keyword concept. This is especially helpful if you're looking for part-time, contract, or freelance work for a side gig or extra cash. Using specific keywords is important because it can play a major role in the success (or failure) of your online job search, especially in the summer months.
Using specific keywords for summer employment can also set you apart and make your job search a bit more efficient since many employers are now using AI technology to post job descriptions and sift through candidates.
When you simply add in words like "summer," "seasonal," or "summer job," you might see a more streamlined list of options where the positions need to be filled more quickly than a more general search related to your industry, title, salary, or duties. Add these sorts of specific keywords to our outreach communications, email subject lines or other related content related to your online job search.
You can still have fun this summer while looking for a new job as long as you think smart, keep an open mind, and incorporate your goals into your usual plans for the season.
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Chapel Hart Talks Big Viral TV Break And Legacy As Black Women In Country Music
Sisters Danica, 33, and Devynn Hart, 26, along with their cousin Trea Swindle, 34, have taken their Mississippi roots—growing up in a faith-filled home of ministers—and mixed it with a Louisiana flair to win hearts in country music. Singing professionally since 2018 but together since childhood, they’ve turned their love for music into a fulfilling career that’s a family adventure.
The band was inducted into Country Music TV’s (CMT) “Next Women of Country,” joining the ranks of other amazing up-and-comers in the genre, and they’ve gone global, earning the honor of “International Group of the Year” and landing “International Song of the Year” in Scotland for their take on the classic “Jolene” song made famous by country icon Dolly Parton (and even more infamous by Queen Bey).
Their three-part harmony and soulful swag went viral when they wowed TV audiences and judges alike on America’s Got Talent in 2022, with the same song, “You Can Have Him Jolene,” proving to many that they’re in the industry to stay.
xoNecole caught up with the trio, taking a break to chat while on tour and gearing up for their upcoming Christmas album, to talk about faith, food, and longevity in country music and beyond:
xoNecole: You are a talented group of family members. What attracted you to choose the genre of country music?
Trea Swindle: We grew up in Poplarville, Mississippi, so country music was, kind of, just a way of life, and aside from that, growing up, it really didn’t matter where you were. You were going to hear country music all day, every day, from the classrooms to the grocery stores, to run on the bus, just anywhere you go. It was the one genre of music that really resonated with the way that we live.
xoN: Yeah, people think that Black people and country music is something new, but it’s always been common. I grew up between Virginia and New York, hearing and loving country music since childhood. So, you all had a major early career-boosting moment on 'America's Got Talent.' What was the one major takeaway from that experience from each of you when it comes to growth and your personal experience at that time?
Devynn Hart: I believe that one of the main things that we took away from AGT, that entire experience, was just learning to trust our gut and going with our heart. When we initially went to AGT for auditions, we didn't even plan to sing “You Can Have Him Jolene.” We initially had “Nine To Five” set up. It was right until the very last moment that we were like, ‘You know what, if we're gonna do this, let's go with the song that is ours, and let's take a chance on ourselves.’ That was such a big thing for us. And I think from there moving forward. We've just kind of taken that same idea of learning to trust our gut moving forward.
Danica Hart: We’d been playing that song for a year in Nashville before we got to AGT. And, you know, we'd been trying to get people to hear it. We were trying to pitch it. The thing that resonated with us is that, from that very moment, we thought that this should be a song to say, after 30 years, that you can just have him, Jolene. You can have him.
This song was so special to us. And, like, we were really willing to stand 10 toes down, so, [in] the moment, we knew that this was special, and it would be special if we performed it. We were going to have to take a chance on ourselves. And if we failed— if the judges hated it—at least it was our song and we could walk away with the information that we had.
"The thing that resonated with us is that, from that very moment, we thought that this should be a song to say, after 30 years, that you can just have him, Jolene. You can have him."
xoN: Well, it was a good decision because it was definitely a hit. Now, what's the best advice that you've gotten about succeeding in the business, now that you all are really picking up speed and you know, have been in the industry?
Trea: Darius Rucker (multiplatinum singer-songwriter of Hootie & the Blowfish fame) reached out to us even before AGT— before a lot of people knew who we were. He’s reminded us to, one, stay true to ourselves and to not be afraid to take chances and be open to new opportunities— to be confident in yourself enough to know when to say no to an opportunity that's not right to you. And so it's all about authenticity. And it's all about you know, what's going to serve you and your career.
Danica: Yeah, he tells us the importance of finding the right team, finding the people who fight for you, finding the people who work hard for you. Sometimes it's saying no to team members. It [could be] people who you like but they may not work hard for you.
And so it's finding the people who are knowledgeable about the way that you're doing it, you know, as independent artists. Having the right team is important. We don't have a very big team, but we've got we've got people who work hard for us.
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xoN: Oh, yes. And that was evident because your team reached out to us when they saw you all were mentioned in a roundup we ran. That meant a lot. Speaking of the best advice, as Black women in country music, what is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced early in your careers and how have you approached overcoming it?
Danica: I think the hardest thing about being Black women in the industry, the first part, is just about being women. I think that country music has seen, over the last 100 years, that if you can take a man and put him in a T-shirt and tight jeans, and put them on stage, people will buy.
You always hear about the statistics of women being played on radio and women, you know, not really having the same opportunities as men. And like I said, I think it's just done out of familiarity. They know what sells tickets and what makes money. That's the hard part and then also being Black.
[We’re] three women and [we’re] Black, you know, so I think sometimes we sit on the outskirts of the music industry only because it's not something that any of the labels have ever done. They've never signed or booked a Black female trio.
Sometimes we have to work a little extra hard to get out there, you know… trying to find those keys that unlock the doors that aren't accessible to us right away.
It’s been obstacles, but Trea has a saying where she goes, ‘We turn no to no-tivation.’ So, if they say, ‘Oh, sorry. There's not enough seats at this event or that event. And we go okay, no problem. And then we find a friend, we make a friend, and I tell you, it’s crazy how God always works things out in our favor.
xoN: Love that term, ‘no-tivation’! Now, let’s get into your pre-performance routine. What do you all do to prep before shows?
Devynn: A lot of people always think that eating before the show—they can't do it because of their nerves, but if I don't eat before a show, it is not gonna be nice. [Laughs] I gotta eat before the show.
Trea: Yes! [Laughs]
Danica: We also pray before we go on. There's something about that prayer before going out on stages that centers us. Our stage time is our ministry.
xoN: Love it! Prayer and food—a good combo. You can’t go wrong. Now, what do you all want your legacy to be in country music?
Danica: We want women and little girls to say, ‘Look, if they can do it, I can.’ People told us we were too old to be trying to make a career in music. They told me I was too big and Trea was too skinny and too bald-headed. Anything you can think about, they’ve said, yet here we are.
And so if you can get over all those obstacles, you can get over what people believe about you, and hone in to what you believe about yourself. I want to show people that it can be done and you can do good. You can be good in the world.
For more on Chapel Hart, visit their website and follow them on Instagram @chapelhartband.
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