We had the good fortune of connecting with Tia Chesmée Prowess The Testament and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tia Chesmée, what makes you happy? Why?
What makes me happy is the idea of freedom and being a creative. The ability to express myself through various forms of art, to explore new ideas, and to create something unique brings me immense joy. This freedom allows me to push boundaries and think outside the box, fueling my passion for creativity. My family plays a crucial role in this journey. They support me unconditionally and help strengthen my resolve, encouraging me to persevere despite any obstacles and complexities that arise. Their belief in me gives me the confidence to keep going and to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly.

The thought that I can chase my wildest dreams and use my creativity to transform them into reality is what truly makes me happy. Knowing that I have the freedom to explore, create, and innovate is exhilarating. The concept of turning my imaginative ideas into something tangible, like a modern-day alchemist, fills me with excitement and motivation. This sense of purpose and the unwavering support of my family are the driving forces behind my happiness and my determination to succeed.

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.
My art is deeply rooted in authenticity and creating an emotional connection through music. What sets me apart is my dedication to crafting music that resonates on a deep, personal level. I strive for perceptive musicianship, where each song is intentionally designed to evoke genuine emotions and reflections from my listeners. My music isn’t just about the lyrics; it’s about the entire experience and the feelings it evokes.

My creative process is influenced by everything around me. Whether it’s an intriguing TV show, a captivating book, or the elements of a beat, I draw inspiration from a wide array of sources. I let the soundscape guide my writing, dissecting samples and considering the original musicians, chords, and instruments involved. If there’s no sample, I focus on the drum patterns and build a narrative from there. Each song is categorized with a texture in mind, aligning it with elements like metal, fire, water, ether, or wood. This approach allows me to create a unique and immersive experience for my listeners.

My journey in music started in 1999 under the name Naiea, but it was overwhelming and led to burnout. Moving to Africa reignited my passion for hip-hop in an unexpected way. Hearing Jeru the Damaja in the hills of Kenya was a surreal and transformative experience. Returning to the U.S., I began making music as Prowess the Testament, a name given to me by hip-hop legend KRS-One. Since then, I’ve released several projects, each allowing me to evolve as an artist and connect more deeply with my audience.

It hasn’t been an easy journey. Overcoming challenges required resilience and a strong support system. My family, especially my parents and my son, have been my bedrock, grounding me and teaching me the importance of perseverance. Through it all, I’ve learned that hard work, authenticity, and a strong support network are crucial. I want the world to know that my brand and story are built on these principles. I’m excited about the future and the opportunities to continue pushing boundaries and creating impactful art. My newest projects and upcoming shows promise to be epic, and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting DC, I’d plan an unforgettable week focusing on history, music, and art. We’d start with a cozy brunch at Founding Farmers. After some relaxation, we’d head to The Wharf for dinner at Hank’s Oyster Bar, followed by a live music show at The Anthem. The next day, we’d explore iconic landmarks on the National Mall, including the Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian Museums, especially the National Museum of African American History and Culture. We’d have dinner at the historic 1789 (President Obama often dined here as well as many DC luminaries) and take a night tour of the beautifully lit monuments.

The week would continue with breakfast at Busboys and Poets, followed by visits to the National Gallery of Art and the Hirshhorn Museum. Dinner at NuVegan Cafe would offer a variety of vegan delights, and we’d catch a performance at the Kennedy Center. We’d also visit Arlington National Cemetery, stroll through Georgetown (Hoya Saxa), and enjoy live jazz at Blues Alley. A day trip to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site and a visit to the Metropolitan AME Church (my family church) would add historical depth and cultural richness. We’d wrap up with brunch at Milk & Honey Cafe, a visit to the United States Botanic Garden, and dinner at Oohh’s & Aahh’s for some classic Southern comfort food. Shopping at CityCenterDC and a farewell meal at The Dabney would cap off the trip, ensuring an immersive experience of DC’s cultural landmarks and culinary treasures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my family—my parents and my son. They have been my unwavering support system, grounding me, teaching me unconditional love and radical forgiveness, and constantly reminding me of my greatness through the best and worst times. Their encouragement and belief in me have been the bedrock of my journey. I also want to express my gratitude to the DMV creative ecosystem for their inspiration and unwavering love. We are a tight-knit community, and the support I’ve received, from open mics to big stages across geographies, has been invaluable. A huge thank you to my creative partners, producers, and fellow musicians who believed in me from the very beginning.

A special note of thanks to my friends who I call my siblings. You continue to push the envelope in your respective journeys, helping me through dark times and reminding me to keep going. Your belief in my deserving every opportunity and your encouragement to keep working hard mean more to me than words can express. I’ve studied under countless amazing mentors and have been carried by many magical friendships over the years. Thank you all for being my rock and my inspiration. Lastly, I want to highlight my first open mic experience at Tru Skool at Capital City Records, which was a key catalyst in encouraging my creativity and developing my toolkit as an emcee and performer. The founders of Tru Skool created a space for teaching self-discovery and self-mastery, and I am deeply grateful.

Website: https://www.mynameisprowess.com

Instagram: @MynameisProwess

Twitter: @MyNameisProwess

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyNameisProwess

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4NwADSjETCOUIyJ7xGfLHg

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.