Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanae Edwards.
Hi Shanae, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Shanae Edwards was born and raised in Memphis, TN., the daughter of a musician and preacher. Shanae found out at an early age that she had a love and innate affinity for music, ministry, and the arts. Edwards found her way to Nashville, TN as a student at TN State University where she earned her degree in Commercial Music with a Concentration in Vocal Performance.
While attending college, she also found herself cultivating her love for the arts through film and TV production as well as advancing her theatrical and acting career, having been featured in BET’s A Mother’s Prayer and When the Lights Go Out (featuring Lloyd, Johnnie Gill, Shirley Murdock, Wendy Raquel-Robinson, Keith Robinson, Robin Givens, and Clifton Powell).
Also during that time, Shanae met her husband of 15 years, Pastor David L Edwards, III, with whom she serves alongside pastoring Divine Destiny Ministries in Murfreesboro, TN. The Edwards’ have two handsome sons, David IV and Daniel. Being a wife and mother are Shanae’s first ministries while being a musician and artist is her profession.
A multi-genre vocalist (trained in the classical, gospel, pop, and jazz), over the past 20 years, Edwards’ professional music career spans from the minister of music, vocal producer, professional session singer (live and studio), songwriter, and featured artist. To her credit, Edwards has vocally produced for the likes of Moving 4Ward Productions Company, When the Lights Go Out soundtrack and Dulaneyland Music. Her background vocal credits include many artists; to name a few: Dorinda Clark-Cole, Kierra Sheard, Mali Musik, Shirley Caesar, and Todd Dulaney. She has also worked in the studio with notable producers such as Nate Bean, Keith Rogers, Jonathan Smith, Kevin Kelley, David Frazier, and Sir the Baptist.
Her live background credits include house singer for the Donnie McClurkin Live Tribute, 2021 W. Crimm Singers Burleigh Festival, and house BGV for the Gospel Superfest 2022. As a featured artist, Shanae appeared in the 2021 NMAAM R&B Legends Tribute presented by the LV Williams Vocal Studio and the Bobby Jones Gospel Show. Shanae has released two musical EPs: Worthy Is the Lamb and Ascend, available on all digital streaming platforms.
Finally, Shanae’s business acumen includes Project Management and Production; as she is a project manager for Dulaneyland Music and Executive Producer for Dreams Have No End, LLC. Stay tuned for upcoming films from Dreams Have No End, LLC in the Fall of 2023.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have overcome many obstacles and struggles with self-esteem and confidence as a result of the fear of rejection and failure. From the age of 7, I can remember struggling with understanding my self-worth and my purpose in life. It was through my faith in God, fasting, and meditation that I found my hope in the future and my self-value.
Early in my marriage, my husband and I experienced the trauma of two miscarriages. We were told that we could not carry a full-term pregnancy. This suggestion of ultimate failure caused me to fall into a deep depression. With faith as our foundation, we believed God’s truth that we were called to parenthood. We were blessed to conceive two sons in spite of the negative diagnosis.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am most proud of never giving up on my dream of becoming a professional singer, actress, songwriter, and producer.
I am a successful singer, songwriter, actress, producer, motivational speaker, and minister of the gospel. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
To find a mentor, you should first know what you want to do. Then, find someone who has done what you want to do.
Being my authentic self and living in my truth has and always will work in my favor.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shanaeedwards?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=64502754
Image Credits
Johnathan Snorten Photography and Padrion Scott Photography
Benita Hayes
September 14, 2022 at 5:19 pm
Great interview and the photos, especially the first family one with the little ones standing/posted like a President!! Beautiful. May God continue to bless you, Shanae, and your family deeply and richly.