Life & Work with Aliyah Allen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aliyah Allen.

Hi Aliyah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Nashville and spent the majority of my life raised in Antioch, TN. I started dancing at 3 and trained in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. I began playing alto sax at 8. My love for music comes from my equally intriguing parents. My mother was a professional dancer for over 3 decades and began working in Christian music in 2000.

She has owned her own business catering to independent artist development since 2008. My father was born in the Bronx during the transition from Disco to Hip- Hop. He schooled me on all things Boogie, Funk, Soul, and Hip-Hop from the ’60s to ’90s at an early age. They both encouraged me to explore a variety of genres on my own- electronic, rock, house, and world.

Growing up an only child of two parents that traveled constantly truly allowed for my imagination to flourish.

My parents consistently encouraged my artistic passions and I was always in some form of performing arts class, camp, etc. Throughout my time at Nashville School of the Arts, I studied jazz band and modern dance/ballet. After time away from college, I moved back to Nashville in 2018 and began modeling for local photographers and various art galleries in the city while working.

In 2020, I began releasing mixes on SoundCloud as a DJ Afrosheen. My first show was in July 2021 at the cë gallery located in Madison, TN. In the last 8 months, I’ve played over 20 shows and released 15 mixes online and on the radio. I am a part of a femme-identifying/non-binary DJ collective, known as Dámelo (‘give it to me’ in Spanish).

We consist of Black, Indigenous, and Latiné womxn who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community. We are working to create safe, inclusive spaces in the industry for all. Banning together has made us a force you simply can’t ignore!

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 believe our journey in life consists of constant peaks and valleys.

In hindsight, I see how all my struggles have been integral to becoming who I am today, but at the time it was not always easy to see the bigger picture so clearly. When I graduated high school, I had a choice to go to a prestigious art school out of state or utilize all my scholarships for free, in-state education. I ignored my calling and chose a state university.

I thrived the first three years on, Dean’s List, and positions in countless organizations. Burnout, depression and financial aid nightmares halted my path as I moved into my final year. I decided to move back to Nashville and get back on my feet. As an overachiever, this chapter of my life felt like rock bottom and total failure. Little did I know this was a catalyst for creating true happiness in my life.

Even now, in a male dominant industry, women including myself are constantly fighting for fair pay and equal opportunities as our counterparts. Behind closed doors, my crew and I have been met with constant obstacles and unfair payment for our time, effort, and care into our craft.

We are working to eradicate these types of behaviors, and hold all accountable to move towards integrity in the music industry.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In fashion, I enjoy runway, editorial shoots, and fine art modeling.

I model vintage, high fashion, and streetwear. I get the pleasure of acting in short films and music videos from time to time. My background in dance, fashion, and music is essential to creating original moments in front of the camera. You can see my work with many local vintage stores across Nashville, and I partner with many local photographers and videographers as well.

In music, I am an open format DJ, spinning everything from House, Baile, Funk, Soul, EDM, Hip Hop, R&B, to Jazz. Many subgenres lie within these main genres, and I am constantly digging for unique sounds that the majority hasn’t heard before.

You’ll hardly hear the same song twice from me, and I believe my exposure to so many cultures and mindsets creates a unique experience for the listener every time.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is utterly subjective!

I subscribe to the idea that when you are moving through life with your purpose, you tend to attract outcomes and blessings that are in your favor.

I believe our mindset is more powerful than chance or coincidence, and we have the biggest hand in creating our own reality when we align with our passions and put in the effort required to succeed.

Pricing:

• DJ Services: $100/hr.
• Modeling: Message for inquiry.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://linktr.ee/afrosheen
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afro.sheen/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/afrosheen333
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/afrosheen333
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@afrosheen333

Image Credits
Autumn Dozier, Stephanie Beasley, Elijah McKissack (aka Ronin), Ezell Franklin, and Ben Johnson (aka Benbenandben)