Althea’s Mission
This Brooklyn artist uses her music to remind women of their royalty status.
Althea Walker was born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn. As the oldest of four children born to Jamaican parents, she was reared in a small church in East New York. She attended church services five times a week with her family, including choir rehearsals, where she fell in love with music and the beauty of harmony and sound. Althea then went on to lead the children's choir until she was old enough to lead the adult choir.
Althea was shy growing up so no one knew she could sing until she auditioned for LaGuardia High School, a specialized performing arts school in New York. She was the only student from her middle school to be accepted and after convincing her parents to let her attend, Althea began her journey studying music as a Vocal Music major. It wasn't until Althea’s junior year of high school that she began to take songwriting seriously. She auditioned for the New Music Singers, a songwriting elective at LaGuardia, where she gained the confidence to pursue her craft further.
“My latest project, The Queen Mixtape, was dedicated to my little sister, Jasmine, to encourage her on the road to motherhood,” said Althea. “Even though the project is personally inspired by conversations with my sister, it is also for the single mamas, the married mamas, the mamas with one child, and one of many. Women often doubt their capabilities, comparing themselves to the strength of men or even other women. The entire project spells out the word Queen, an empowering title for a woman. Each track simply says ‘know your worth and don't be afraid to flaunt it.’ Women are queens, in their own way.”
Althea’s biggest inspiration is her son. He helps to affirm that she has the strength to do anything she sets her mind to and Althea is inspired to continue pursuing her music so that one day he can say, “My mom did it, so can I.”
“I am always pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone,” said Althea. “I am learning to put my talents to the forefront, and it’s a constant battle with my shy, introverted nature.”
Recently, Althea created a platform for others to share their talents with her company The Release Blog. Although they are still in the early stages of the business, Althea has produced three successful artist showcases called “Sip & Release,” and 23 episodes of her podcast “The Coffee Bar Series.”
“Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me”
A verse my parents instilled in me from a young age and still sits with me today. I do believe I can do anything because I have God’s favor and strength. This encourages me not only as an artist but as a mother, employee; in every aspect of my life. I am bound for greatness because God’s power strengthens me.”
“For me, faith means continuing to persevere without knowing what comes next because confidence exists in knowing everything will be okay in the end,” said Althea. “So when I go through trying times in life, I refuse to give up easily because of my strong faith. God has shown me that my music will inspire others. I write to touch someone’s heart rather than just to have another song on my belt.”
FUN FACTS ABOUT ALTHEA
Making it through the pandemic: I worked the entire pandemic as a hotel manager. Our guests were Covid patients and first responders. It was a scary time for us all. I was happy that I am able to say I made it through that tough time without bringing harm to my family and/or getting sick myself.
Currently listening to: I am now listening to Ari Lennox’s latest album. Her previous work is on my playlist as well as Naomi Raine, Beyonce (of course), Garnett Silk, Fred Hammond, and Kirk Franklin to name a few.
Favorite performance venues: The Uptown, Bronx, and Brooklyn Night Markets. I loved that the audience was not there with the purpose of hearing my music. The majority were there to eat and shop and so I gained new fans from various backgrounds.
Favorite self-care routine: Sometimes a simple mani/ pedi goes a long way. It affords me a little getaway from work and mom life.
Favorite show to binge-watch: I just re-watched seasons four and five of “A Different World.” I used to watch the reruns as a child but as an adult, I find the show hilarious and informative.
Favorite songs to perform: Free Your Mind. I love singing it and love how it makes people feel when they hear it. It’s another one of my empowering songs with a hook that states, “Sister you gotta free your mind! All he do is waste your time.” The ladies love that song, but the guys usually hit me up after and try to convince me they aren’t always that bad. This happens every time I sing the song. It tickles me so.
Althea’s music and information can be found on all social media and streaming platforms via the handle @sangthea_.