Well renowned historian Thomas Carlyle once quoted that, "Music is well said to be the speech of angels." And so let it be known that the music industry is proud to present its own musical angel with the sultry to match to the world. Let us all turn our attention to Ms. Shantavia Stewart also known as Ms. Honey, a young vibrant songstress who definitely has what it takes.
The 25 year-old native of Jackson, Georgia fell in love with music like so many other aspiring artists at a young age. Most of her time was spent with her father who was no stranger to music himself. He was a minister to music and multitalented in his own right with professional skills in playing an array of musical instruments. These instruments included the drums, piano, and guitar just to name a few. He also was a quartet singer. And being a bona fide daddy's girl, Shantavia quickly realized that she was in an ideal situation. She now knew that music was her soul passion.
It was a pivotal point she decided to follow in her father's footsteps and allow him to become her musical mentor. She heavily depended on his guidance in helping her as a young lady and coach her about life experiences in general. And needless to say, he played an important role in her life. To young Shantavia her father could do no wrong.
But life would soon throw a curve ball at Shantavia and her family that threatened to tear them apart and derail her from her musical path. An unfortunate altercation between her father and one of her siblings left the entire family devastated. In addition to her father later being incarcerated, Shantavia soon found herself depressed, angry, and hurt. Her mother turned to alcohol as an escape and remedy to cope with the tragedy.
Traditional family functions ceased. There were no more family gatherings, Sunday morning worship, no singing, and no mom or dad for comfort. In spite of the sudden tragedy Shantavia's inspiration, role model, and love for music seemed to have died. The root of her musical world had been cut. Through the adversity Shantavia was still somehow able to find a place in her heart for forgiveness and peace. With that being said, she turned a painful situation into a motivational engine. Shantavia's strong religious upbringing gave her the fortitude to continue on her musical path. Also she kept a very sacred promise to herself which was to make her family proud and find the real joy from within.
Shantavia had a host of musical influences ranging from the Annointed Pace Sisters, Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, and Earth Wind and Fire. She sang with multiple choirs in south Georgia and went on to form the Angelic Ensemble. The group consisted of three other relatives, Jasmine Stewart, Ashley Grier, and Latavia Stewart. Later she enrolled at Fort Valley State where she joined the Baptist Student Union. The assembly of talented young people found themselves traveling all over the United States performing at various gospel venues. But their highlight was performing at the Bobby Jones Gospel Show.
Shantavia went on to graduate and achieve her own individual goals. She is still very much active in the gospel circuit and make regular appearances in her hometown of Jackson singing in church choirs. Also has caught the attention of local Atlanta music producers as she perform at area musical venues. Shantavia had the honor to travel to New York where she performed at the legendary Apollo Theatre. The opportunity had always been a dream of hers. As she explained that she and her sister would get up and dance in front of the television imitating their favorite artists who performed at the Apollo. Shantavia's musical path has also landed her a spot on BET’s hit show Apollo Live.
The future for this young singer/songwriter looks bright. She is a rare gem in the music world. Ms.Honey has seen the highs and lows of what life can bring. But her never give up attitude has made her a main stay in the industry. She has proven to herself and others that working hard and believing in yourself will pay off at the end of the day. Life is truly what one makes of it. And Shantavia has made good with hers. But make no mistake, for this dynamic diva the best is yet to come.
