Author: Brandon Hill (News For Negus)
Published: 7:22 PM June 20, 2020
Updated: 7:22 PM June 20, 2020
BALTIMORE, MD. — While the untimely deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade, have unleashed a surge of outrage and civil unrest surrounding injustice throughout the United States, Jocelyn Lay has made it her mission to give black listeners a message of hope.
“There was a young lady who sent me a message saying that she had been depressed over the past weeks considering [the global pandemic] but that she felt empowered and encouraged after listening to my song [‘ I Declare’]. That was a huge achievement,” the Baltimore singer said.
In addition to being an artist, Joci is also an educator, teacher, mentor and motivator in the Baltimore community. She draws inspiration for her music from her religious upbringing. Joci was heavily involved in church even as a youth, and it is where she found her passion and love for singing. After her initial reluctance and hesitance to perform, she realized she was destined to sing. She credits her father for being her main motivation to continue singing as a child.
Joci has a gospel inspired single entitled ‘I Declare’, which features her **insert adjective** voice along with a supporting 6 piece music ensemble and piano accompaniment.
The **insert age here** old artist says, “Purpose normally starts with a measure of uncertainty but once accomplished, is replaced with ease and fulfillment. The past will hold you hostage if you don’t demand your freedom. I refuse to be enslaved by my history.”
As for the future of the singer, Joci is elated at the possibilities and plans to face whatever she is met with head on. She declares that she will go beyond what she expected of herself, and she hopes others will use her music as a catalyst to do the same.