Music has always been my “safe place”. Growing up as a preacher’s daughter, I was surrounded by gospel, soulful melodies, and the power of music to heal and uplift. My personal journey—through love, loss, faith, and self-discovery—has given me a unique voice, and I knew I had to use it to reach others who’ve been through similar struggles.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I pull from a mix of gospel, R&B, and soul legends. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Kirk Franklin, India.Arie, and Cece Winanas have all shaped my sound. I also love the storytelling and raw emotion in artists like Jazmine Sullivan and Brandy.
What is the story behind your stage name?
JuJu Walker is a mix of my roots and the love of my life. “JuJu” was the nickname my mother gave me as a baby. “Walker” is the name I took when I married my soulmate; I wear it with pride because everything I do is for my family; I always walk with love, legacy, and faith in mind.
How would you describe your musical style?
Gospel Soul/Rnb.I know that sounds eclectic, but that’s just who I am. My music celebrates love through faith, relationships, and healing. It blends soulful expressions,deep storytelling, and timeless emotion with modern R&B vibes.
Can you walk us through your writing and recording process?
It all starts with a dope beat. I think of myself as an “interpreter of melody”. The beat transcribes to melody and lyrics and it all starts with how it makes me feel when tuning into the production. I might hum a melody that sticks or write a phrase that resonates with my heart. Once I find the emotion and message, I build around it—sometimes writing in full before heading to the studio. Other times, I vibe with the music to let the lyrics flow naturally and take the song in bite size pieces over the span of a few sessions.. Recording is sacred for me—I pour everything into the mic to make sure people feel truth and validation in my song. Equipment doesn’t always matter when it comes to my process. In fact, some of my favorite projects were fully written, recorded, and mixed on my iPhone.
What message do you hope to convey through your music?
That love is real, good men still exist, and grace is for everybody. My hope is that my music uplifts, reassures, and reminds people that even through life’s struggles, love and faith will carry you through. I am an advocate for building dreams on a solid foundation and walking in your calling as you are purposed.
Can you tell us about your latest album or project?
My latest project, Sauce, blending Pop, Soul, R&B, and Hip-Hop into a bold, infectious anthem. More than just confidence, Sauce is about the inner strength and peace that come from faith.
My confidence comes from Jesus. It’s not about appearance but the strength He gives me,” says JuJu. The big hoops, oversized sunglasses-they’re fun, but they’re also a statement of being unapologetically rooted in Christ.
What is the most challenging aspect of creating music for you?
My creative process is pretty straightforward, but the biggest challenge is finding an inspirational beat to start with. Once I connect with the right beat, the lyrics come naturally and flow effortlessly.
How do you deal with criticism and negative feedback?
I remind myself that everyone has their own perspective, and I try to take all feedback constructively. I make adjustments as I feel led, staying true to my vision while remaining open to growth.
What sets you apart from other artists?
What sets me apart is my ability to blend soulful, relatable music with a strong faith-based message. I also have the ability to effortlessly freestyle over various instrumentals. and create improv music. My live performances take vocal artistry to a whole new level, showcasing both my versatility and authenticity.
What was the biggest obstacle you faced as a musician, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest obstacle was discovering my own unique sound. I had the ability to cover and sound like many well-known artists, but I struggled to find what truly set me apart. It wasn’t until I challenged myself to write a song a day for 90 days that my lyrical voice and personal style really came to life. That process pushed me to tap into my own creativity and develop a sound that is unmistakably mine.
Who are your dream collaborations and why?
I would love to collaborate with Cece Winans to create a worship song that blends classic and modern elements while powerfully uplifting Christ and declaring His glory. I’d also love to team up with CHH artist Dee-1 to bring a dynamic, high-energy Christian duo to the world—something that inspires, challenges, and moves people.
Can you discuss a time when you faced a creative block, and how you overcame it?
When I first collaborated with CHH artist Big Yeet on Soul Cry, I struggled to write because my initial approach was to “play church.” But as I sat with the song, I realized I had God’s attention, and instead of just going through the motions, I started wrestling with my faith. I took the opportunity to ask Him the real questions I had as a lost soul. I couldn’t complete the song until I found my answers, and what came out of that moment was my raw and uncut Soul Cry.
What do you consider to be your biggest musical accomplishment?
Since starting my journey as an independent artist, I’ve had some incredible moments that affirmed my path. One of the most powerful was singing Yahweh for Deb Antney, her team, and 2,000 viewers on her TikTok live stream—moving Deb and others on her team to tears. That moment gave me the confidence to seize every opportunity. I then performed for Ray Daniels and Dame Ritter during a live YouTube talent show, where Yahweh won over the crowd and earned me the title of champion. Another highlight was singing for Tobe Nwigwe and Fat on Instagram Live, where I let them know I was coming for the top! They were impressed and even expressed interest in connecting next time they’re in my city. Each of these moments has fueled my drive to keep pushing forward.
How has your hometown and community influenced your music?
My hometown and community have had a huge impact on my music. I was born and raised in Hawaii, so I’m an island girl at heart. Growing up, I was surrounded by reggae, Hawaiian music, and different Asian cultural influences—Japanese, Thai, and Filipino sounds all shaped my ear. Then, moving to Detroit, I fell in love with Motown, which taught me the power of soul, storytelling, and showmanship. Detroit also introduced me to its raw and energetic rap scene, which you’ll definitely catch throughout my catalog. That mix of island vibes, Motown magic, and Detroit-style rap makes my sound unique. I also play the ukulele and love vibing with a live band to create unforgettable performances.
What advice would you give to aspiring artist?
My advice to aspiring artists is to stay true to yourself and keep creating, no matter what. The industry can be tough, and there will always be opinions, but your unique sound and perspective are what make you stand out. Stay consistent, keep evolving, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Also, study the greats—whether it’s Motown legends, island icons, or hip-hop pioneers—there’s always something to learn. And most importantly, enjoy the process. If you love what you do, that energy will translate into your music and connect with people in a real way
What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not making music?
When I’m not making music, I’m all about good food, family, and creativity. I’m a foodie at heart, and I love coming up with new menu ideas with my husband, who’s a private chef. I also spend a lot of time braiding my daughter’s hair and accessorizing their styles—it’s another way I get to be creative. Shopping with my oldest daughter and my mom is one of my favorite ways to unwind, especially when I find a great deal! I also love personalizing my spaces, making sure everything reflects my vibe. And of course, I’m always into show-stopping hairstyles!
What are your favorite and least favorite things about the music industry?
My favorite thing about the music industry is that true talent always finds a way to be recognized. I stay optimistic about pursuing opportunities that will help establish my family’s legacy. On the flip side, my least favorite thing is the pressure to stand out in such a saturated market while staying true to my morals and faith. It can be a tough balance, but I believe authenticity always wins in the end
How do you stay connected with your fans and supporters?
I stay connected with my fans and supporters by keeping it real and engaging with them as much as possible. Social media is a big part of that—I love sharing behind-the-scenes moments, new music, and pieces of my everyday life so they can see the person behind the artistry. I also make it a point to respond to messages, comments, and show love back whenever I can. Live performances are another way I connect on a deeper level—there’s nothing like vibing with an audience in real time. At the end of the day, my supporters are part of my journey, and I want them to feel that connection just as much as I do
What was the biggest lesson you learned from your musical journey so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned on my musical journey so far is that consistency and authenticity are everything. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or compare yourself to others, but staying true to my sound, my vision, and my purpose has always led me in the right direction. I’ve also learned that success doesn’t happen overnight—it takes patience, hard work, and a strong belief in yourself. The moments of struggle teach you resilience, and the wins remind you why you started in the first place.”
Can you tell us about a memorable performance you’ve had?
One of my most memorable performances was at a spot called Jazz Minds in Honolulu, Hawaii. I showed up to perform with a band I had never met before, but I was confident in my ability to lead and communicate using band cues. We rocked out like we had been playing together for years! I performed my renditions of Georgia on My Mind and Chain of Fools, and the audience went nuts. I even shocked myself! That night, I realized that the true magic happens on stage—when I’m fully locked in, and the music takes over my aura. It’s in those moments of pure expression and vulnerability that the audience connects with me on a deep, emotional level.
What are your future plans for your career as an artist?
As a faith-based artist, my mission is to inspire and uplift others through my music and message. I believe that faith is the foundation of everything I do—it’s the source of my strength, creativity, and purpose. My goal is to create music that not only resonates with my audience but also encourages them to stay grounded in their faith, no matter what they face. Like Tobe Nwigwe, I see myself as a family brand, and traveling with my loved ones is a huge part of that vision. I want to build something that’s not just for me but for my family, to create experiences and opportunities where we can grow, share our story, and make a real impact together
What is the biggest challenge you face as a performer?
The biggest challenge I face as a performer is balancing the pressure to constantly evolve while staying true to who I am. There’s always a push to keep up with trends and adapt to the industry’s expectations, but I never want to lose my authenticity in the process. I want my music and performances to reflect my true self and my mission. It’s a challenge to find that balance between personal expression and what’s expected, but I believe that staying grounded in my values and purpose helps me navigate it.
Can you discuss a time when you faced adversity and how you overcame it?
One time I faced adversity was when I was asked to perform at a local gala. I had very little information about the event, so I didn’t know what to expect in terms of the audience or how to prepare. When I arrived, I realized that most of the attendees were outside my typical age demographic. The energy in the room felt stoic, and the audience seemed almost judgmental and uncomfortable with my style. It was a challenging moment, and I felt uncomfortable and embarrassed at first. But I reminded myself to operate in grace. I stayed focused, didn’t let my discomfort show, and gave my performance my all. Afterward, I thanked the organizers for the opportunity to showcase my music. Even though it was tough, I learned a lot about resilience and staying true to myself no matter the circumstances
What do you think is the most important quality for a successful artist?
I think the most important quality for a successful artist is being an opportunist. It’s about recognizing and seizing every opportunity that comes your way, even if it feels daunting. Don’t be afraid of hearing ‘No’—rejection is just part of the journey. What truly matters is consistency. Keep showing up, keep pushing, and keep growing. It’s the combination of embracing opportunities, staying resilient through rejection, and maintaining consistency that ultimately leads to success.
How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals as an artist?
I stay motivated and focused on my goals as an artist by constantly reminding myself of my ‘why.’ My purpose is to create music that speaks to people, uplifts them, and leaves a legacy for my family. When things get tough or I face challenges, I ground myself in my faith, my mission, and the bigger picture. I also set small, achievable goals along the way, so I’m always making progress, even on the hard days. Surrounding myself with supportive people, like my family, and staying connected with my fans keeps me driven to keep moving forward and focused on what I want to accomplish.
Can you tell us about a project or song that holds a special place in your heart?
One project that holds a special place in my heart is my song ‘Sauce.’ It’s a bold, infectious track that blends pop, soul, R&B, and hip-hop into something fresh. But beyond the catchy beat and vibe, ‘Sauce’ is about inner strength and peace, and finding my identity rooted in my faith. The confidence I express in the song comes from Jesus—it’s not about appearance, but about the strength He gives me to walk unapologetically in who I am. The big hoops, oversized sunglasses—they’re fun, but they also make a statement. ‘Sauce’ is my way of showing that I’m unapologetically rooted in Christ, and I’m confident in His love and the power that comes from Him.
What do you think is the role of an artist in society?
I believe the role of an artist in society is to inspire, challenge, and heal. We have the power to influence how people feel, think, and see the world. Through our art, we can open eyes to new perspectives, spark change, and create space for people to connect with their emotions. At the same time, we have the responsibility to stay true to our message and mission, using our platform to uplift others, reflect the truth, and speak to the issues that matter. Art should not only entertain—it should move people and leave a lasting impact.
What is your favorite and least favorite part of the touring process?
My favorite part of touring is connecting with people in different cities and feeling the energy of a live performance. It’s amazing to see how my music resonates with the audience.My least favorite part is the constant travel and the exhaustion it brings, especially when I’m away from my family. But I remind myself that it’s all worth it, especially now that I realize music is an extension of my ministry and purpose.
What can fans expect from you in the future?
Fans can expect the unexpected from me. I love blending different styles, and sometimes my music might throw curve balls just like how I represent and express being a multi-cultural and multilingual person. You can definitely expect me to stay consistent with new music releases, and get ready for a fresh sound and perspective that I’m confident will make its mark on the charts.
