People keep sliding into my DMs like đź‘€...
People keep sliding into my DMs like đź‘€...
People keep sliding into my DMs asking, “How are you so calm?” And let me just say, the *main character energy* of that question is wild. Calm? Me? Let me paint a more accurate picture: I’m somewhere between “poprocks in my stomach” and “trying to find the pause button on life.” But here’s the thing—experience is a great teacher.
Last year, I was a ball of nerves. It was my first Grammy nomination, and I couldn’t stop spiraling over the “what-ifs.” What if I win? What if I lose? What if my dress isn’t as fabulous as I think it is? Fast forward to now, and I’ve learned that whatever happens on Grammy night doesn’t define me. Don’t get me wrong—I *want* to win. I want to stand on that stage and give a speech that makes people laugh, cry, and question their life choices. But if I don’t, it’s not the end. Because I know I’m an amazing poet, an incredible human, and someone who’s already achieved more than my teenage runaway self ever dreamed possible.
So, why do I seem calm? It’s not because I’m not anxious—I *am*. But I’ve decided to transmute that anxiety into something useful. Excitement, gratitude, positive energy. I channel it into the work: connecting with my fans, performing my poems, and, yes, obsessively checking Spotify stats because that’s just who I am.
It feels a lot like when I was on *The Apollo* in 2002 and… I didn’t win, and I truly thought it was the end of the world. I walked off that stage devastated, my heart shattered. Little did I know then, it wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a shift. We all left the Apollo Theater that night and went to get Chinese food in Harlem, laughing and decompressing. And here I am now, still standing, still thriving.
I recently told Sekou Andrews that in February I’m pivoting into public speaking, and he quickly reminded me there’s no shortage of hard work over there either. But you know what? That’s fine. Hard work and I are old friends by now.
Here’s the thing about life after the Grammys: nothing stops. Win or lose, I still have to create, still have to tell my stories, still have to answer texts asking, “What’s next?” And honestly, I love that. Because poetry isn’t about trophies—it’s about connection. And every DM, every comment, every time someone tells me my words moved them? That’s a win.
So yes, I’m “calm.” Calm because I’ve survived so much more than a nomination. Calm because I’ve already proven I belong here. And calm because no matter what happens, I’ll keep doing what I do best: being unapologetically, beautifully, poetically me.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some “calm” energy to channel into my next performance—and maybe a quick snack. You know, priorities.
Why an iPhone Documentary?
I’m thrilled to announce a personal project I’m creating called “From Apache to the Grammy®s. The Queen Sheba Experience. An iPhone Documentary.” Why an iPhone documentary? Because the production of an album, the week-of festivities, and the entire year-long campaigning process for the Grammy®s is an investment into your life—and your bank account.
Share Your Stories
If you’ve got a “How I met Queen Sheba” or “This one time with Queen Sheba” story, I want to hear it! Please upload your video here: [Submit Your Video]
Make sure to:
Clearly say and spell your name.
Include your email and IG handle.
If we use your story or soundbite, we’ll absolutely reach out and credit you properly.
If you’d like to support my journey, I’d love it. I also love the unexpected sound of Zelle and CashApp! If you want to donate to keep this train moving:
CashApp: $QS4ATL
Zelle: shebasjunk@gmail.com
Drop a note so I can give you a shoutout on IG! Every little bit goes toward this dream.
So, here I am. Reading comments, biting my nails, and sitting on my hands to keep from clapping back at the noise. Because this isn’t about the BS. It’s about the art, the Poets, and the power of words.
And if I win? Know that it’s not just for me—it’s for the ones who have been waiting for this moment, for the ones who will come after, and for the ones still learning how to use their voice. This Grammy® is ours.
The Party: If They Can’t Throw One, I Will
Now, let’s talk about the Atlanta Grammy® Chapter. Due to budget cuts and key staff being out, we’re not getting our usual nominee party this year, which sucks. But instead of sulking, I’m throwing my own party because Spoken Word deserves to celebrate. Nominees from Atlanta, nearby cities, and anyone else who wants to celebrate with us—you’re invited. Grammy® FYC rules mean you need a ticket, but I’ve made sure the link is plastered all over my socials.
Love,
Queen Shebađź’ž
Queen Sheba's CIVIL WRITES Tour:
All dates are subject to change because life be lifin'!
A thank you to everyone who has poured their time, energy, and love into helping me bring this tour to life. It’s been a while since I’ve set out on such an intentional journey to share my work, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate this moment with all of you. Let’s make magic together!
*If you know anyone with a podcast, radio or TV show - I'd love to be a guest. Please email my manager S.v.B. bookingqueensheba@gmail.com or fill out the booking form on my website: www.thequeensheba.live/booking
đź“ŤWED 11/13 RDU - 7P âś…
đź“Ť WED 12/4 Baltimore 7P - The Poetry Party @kishthelioness @thepoetrypartylive
đź“Ť 12/5 DC - Grammy Chapter Party
đź“Ť SAT 12/7 ATL 2P-5P - Write About Now! ATL - Houston Virtual Venue Pop-Up show!
đź“Ť SAT 12/7 ATL 8P SOFAR West End
đź“Ť SUN 12/8 ATL 7:30P - PvHH @CityWineryAtl @prettydopedia
đź“Ť MON 12/9 NASHVILLE - PvHH @citywinerynsh @wolfeseason
đź“Ť WED 12/11 - DALLAS CHAPTER NOMINEE PARTY
đź“Ť THURS 12/12 - HOUSTON POETRY FEATURE - POETRY SPECIAL TAPING @RichelleGemini @ccnetworkhtx @approach.the.mic
đź“ŤMON 12/16 - MIAMI @onthebside Stilletos & Pros
đź“ŤTUES 12/17 - LA FYC Feature at Da Poetry Lounge
đź“ŤSUN 12/22 ATL - Clothing Swap w/MsDia
📍SAT 1/4 PHILLY - “Poetry After Dark” Poetry Open Mic 7:30P w/@Black Ice, Lena L., & Poetic Soul Queen & Jay Smoov @citywineryphilly
📍SUN 1/5 NYC - 7:30P/6P “Poetry After Dark” Poetry Showcase @CityWinerynyc w/@thequeensheba @my_crumbled_thoughts @mobrowne @shenelleg @diviroxx @citoblanko @bradwalrond @chiefthepoet @kingquinc @Classique516
đź“Ť SUN 1/19 - MLK WEEKEND PvHH -2 shows @citywinerypitt w/ @mayawrite 6P & 9:30P
đź“ŤSun 1/26 Durham, NC 7-10P - Poetry After Dark Open Mic Grammy Send-Off Party! w/ @dasanahanu @bluzbluzbluz @missylanesassemblyroom
Hosted by Queen Sheba - 2x Grammy Nominee in the Spoken Word-Poetry category.
*If you know anyone with a podcast, radio or TV show - I'd love to be a guest.
Please email my manager S.v.B. bookingqueensheba@gmail.com or fill out the booking form on my website: www.thequeensheba.live/booking