Meet Dharbie | Singer and Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dharbie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dharbie, how do you think about risk?
I feel like everything I do and have done has involved risk. Like so many dreamers, I moved here to Los Angeles on a leap of faith. When I moved, I didn’t know where I was going to live, but I just had faith. It really sounds crazy when I look back. Recently. I started to put on my own shows, I decided to just do it without all of the pieces figured out. I literally used the resources that I had and just decided to go for it. Every time that I have taken a risk, I am glad that I did because I feel like they all have equaled to important steps on my journey, even if they are small steps, they compound.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a singer/songwriter and actress. I have been doing all of these since I was a young girl. I feel like the different chapters of my musical journey have contributed to the type of music that I make today. I like to push the limits as a singer and combine different types of music. Growing up, I listened to and sang a lot of Gospel music and in high school began to take up classical singing. I would have to say those are two of my biggest influences.

In 2018, I decided to pick up and move from Chicago on a leap of faith to Los Angeles. I took the money that I had (which wasn’t much) and came. Looking back, it’s funny because I didn’t even know where I would live until I started my drive here! I just knew I wanted and had to be here. While I had been taking advantage of music and acting opportunities back home, I definitely felt like Los Angeles was the next level to get me to the place that I have wanted to be in my craft(s).

Sometimes it is hard, but I remind myself to keep going. You know, being away from family and basically starting over can be tough. I always remind myself that one chapter or season in my life doesn’t define my entire story. It’s all about the bigger picture, the important thing is to just keep going, keep moving and never get stuck in the now of where you are. That’s a big lesson that I learned.

It’s crazy because when I moved to Los Angeles, I had taken this huge leap of faith, and you think the move is just enough, but everything that I am proud of has taken a lot of faith and risk. In June of 2025, I put on my first one woman show: Main Character Vibes. I had thought of doing it, sat on the idea, then I just decided to take the risk and book the space. That set everything into motion for me. I began writing the scenes, which was the first time I wrote my own scenes that would be performed for an audience. I split the showcase into acts; I sang my original songs, did comedy and even added a classical Aria in there as well. I also featured some talented local artists in the show as well. From there I put on two more shows.I have been testing material and writing new music to feature in the next show which will be early 2026. Now, looking back, I see how each of those decisions are a part of the big picture. I also learned the power of our decisions. It’s like, once I decided to do something and acted on the decision, it just…lined up. It doesn’t always come together how we think, but it does come together. Taking those risks this year taught me that.
I know that everyone says it, but I learned to be patient with the process, especially as I am planting seeds. It’s like, you plant a seed, and for months, nothing happens, then suddenly, something happens, right when you need it.

Keeping my faith helps me to overcome challenges. Faith in myself and faith in God. This creative journey can be a lot, then you mix in just the ebbs and flows of life, and a lot can happen. I mean, I moved here a year before the pandemic, I had to really lean on faith to get me through that. My faith always keeps me going and reminds me that everything will work itself out… and somehow it always does.

I would have to say that my brand is really about the dreamer. I’m just the kid from the art department who grew up. Everything about my life, my creative works, the risks I take, are for the dream. I dreamed of living in LA. I wanted to write my own shows, I wanted to write and release my own music, and I sacrifice for my dreams. I want to inspire everyone to dream like a child. Forget the deadlines, worries about age, dream it and become it. I feel like I get a ‘creative high’ when I see something that I thought of, dreamed of, become reality. There’s nothing like it.

I would like to mention that I have a new single, “Houdini” out now on Spotify and all streaming platforms! I will also be performing at the Amsterdam Cafe in North Hollywood on January 27th 2026 and February 24, 2026 at 7:30 pm. I have more details on my website, idharbie.com to stay updated with new events and performances.

Houdini can be listened to on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/track/6kmv0OXf53F2yYCg0Uf49e?si=33778d16ecb8473b

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many beautiful places to visit here. First, I would go to Harold and Belles in South LA., my mom is a southern woman, so I love southern food. Then, I would definitely hit up the Getty, I mean, it’s so inspiring and that is a whole day in and of itself. We would need a day to hit up Koreatown and just explore. I’m a foodie who loves Korean food, so we would have to go to BCD Tofu house. Maybe have a beach tour day, first stop at Santa Monica beach and rent a bike and ride to Hermosa Beach, of course while eating Mexican hotdogs. I think we would have to see a Lakers game for sure. Then maybe just chill in between and go to some of my favorite cafes in different pockets of LA and really soak up the vide of each area. I also love supporting local talent so we would definitely check out open mics and plays around LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to shoutout Hal Elrod, he is the author of The Miracle Equation. It is an amazing book about creating miracles by putting your absolute all into what you desire. I have read a few of his books and they always encourage me and challenge me to make mindset shifts to keep going and continue becoming the person that I want to be.

Website: https://idharbie.com

Instagram: @idharbie

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DharbieWorld

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3GQIEK3udgGphqihJxYTsN?si=zcG5S5OhQ_6HelCipFnFeg

Image Credits
Gloriah Appiah
Raymond Vasquez