Independent singer-songwriter and dancer Cientell started out in the entertainment industry appearing on WADL TV 38 Dance Party, as well as a dance understudy for Aretha Franklin. With 5 years experience as a performer with many recording artists ( Rashad Morgan, John Brown, Tunde Olaniran, Drew 32) she transitioned to pursuing a solo music career. Her first single “Baddest Chick”, produced by Jazatopia Entertainment was released in 2013 and the following year her second single Slow was released along with a visual directed by Diego Cruz. Besides releasing independent music, Cientell has been featured on entertainment blog sites such as Paste Magazine, Hip In Detroit, MetroTimes, WatchDetroit and The Entertainers Hub. Also appearing on Internet radio shows such as TapDetroit, WorldWideCoreRadio and BlackOut Radio.
1inmusic: What shaped your music and who supports you?
Cientell (CMF): From me being a professional dancer for most of my entertainment career, my music is influenced from the art of dance. I create music to make people dance.
1inmusic: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
CMF: When I was about 20 years old. I wanted time to find what genre was for me and find my niche, you know?
1inmusic: What type of music do you listen to?
CMF: I listen to 90’s hip hop and R&B. I grew up in that era and I have mad respect for artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Xscape, and Destiny’s Child.
1inmusic: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
CMF: I believe the most undervalued artist is Jhene Aiko. She has sophistication and has keen intellect. She should be more mainstream than ever.
1inmusic: How do you prepare for your performances?
CMF: I do yoga, meditation and vocal warm ups. It’s important for an artist to get the mind and body prepared to hit the stage.
1inmusic: What ignites your (song) writing flow?
CMF: I listen to the instrumentation first and hum whatever melody comes to mind. I barely think about the lyrics; I just let it flow.
1inmusic: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
CMF: There’s barely a time when I’m doing music that doesn’t suit me. I’m open-minded to any style. Sort of like I’m similar to a chameleon; just blend into the atmosphere of the music.
1inmusic: Success to you is…
CMF: Completing a single or EP that my fans love!
1inmusic: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
CMF: Get a team who is more experienced and more passionate about furthering your career. I have worked with people who refused to see me rise higher than them.
1inmusic: Any upcoming projects?
CMF: I’m currently working on a new EP. The release date is TBA.
Where do we find you music projects?
CMF: You can find my latest single, Straight Coastin’ on DJ Katastraphy’s mixtape entitled “Wealth & Longetivity“, on my Soundcloud page and on my website: