Ciara Shines On FAULT Magazine Issue 31 Cover and Interview

Preview: Ciara Shines On FAULT Magazine Issue 31 Cover and Interview

Creative Director: Miles Holder
Photography: Irvin Rivera
Stylist: Danasia Sutton
Make-up: Yolonda Frederick
Hair: Cesar Ramirez
Nails: Yoko

Words: Miles Holder

It’s now been over fifteen years since Ciara’s debut album Goodies topped the Billboard Hot 100 and in that time Ciara’s career and cultural impact has gone from strength to strength. While music trends and tastes have evolved throughout the years, as has Ciara’s artistry with latest single ‘Melanin ft. Lupita Nyong’o, Ester Dean, City Girls and La La’ being a much-needed celebratory ode to black beauty.

Ciara’s rise to the top hasn’t been without its hardships – like every artist in the game as long as her, Ciàra has been met with setbacks, hardships and proverbial crosses to bear on her path to success. However through it all, Ciara’s determination and resilience has seen her emerge as a cultural icon today – an inspiration to young artists the globe over and proof that a strong work ethic and an even stronger belief in self, can pull you through the worst of times. 

Happily married and soon to be welcoming a new baby into the family, I caught up with Ciara to find out more about her musical journey, motherhood and plans for the future. 

LaLa, City Girls, Ester Dean and Lupita Nyong’o all feature on your latest track ‘Melanin”, can you explain why it was important for you to bring together these artists for the project as opposed to releasing the song without features?

Ciara: Melanin was written and produced by my friend Ester Dean. When she played it for me I immediately knew I wanted to get my ‘girl gang’ together and celebrate the diverse beauty that makes up the tapestry of women of colour. Each girl brings a unique vibe to the song and it was cool to showcase the many talents of actresses like Lupita (aka Troublemaker) and LaLa. 

It’s a new decade, and your fans always like to describe the different “eras” of your career. In your own words, what era of your career would you describe us as in now and what can fans expect to see more of?

Ciara: This era of my career is all about spreading love and inspiration. I am so fortunate to have been given this platform and I want it to stand for something in the long-run. I kicked off this era by Leveling Up! I starting my own record label, Beauty Marks Entertainment, and now own my masters after 15 years in the business. I want to be an inspiration to other young people out there to follow their dreams and never give up. Fans can expect more music and even more dancing!

It’s Black History Month in the USA and I wondered how do you wish to be remembered in the history books?

Ciara: I want the younger generation to look at my journey and despite many setbacks, I never gave up on pursuing what I dreamed. Never have I allowed the colour of my skin or gender to hold me back from what I was meant for. With every door that was closed to me, I found a new and better one to open. I stayed true to my values and morals and never lost myself along this journey…and that’s not easy in this business. And most importantly, I want to be remembered as someone who cared and had an impact in the lives of the youth and beyond. 

With this shoot, we focused on the beauty of black hairstyles. As someone who has sported many different looks over the years, what does afro hair mean to you?

 Ciara: Hairstyles have always been an extension of my creative process as a music artist and in fashion. I have been experimenting with my hair for as long as I can remember. Each time I wear my hair in an afro it comes with an inherent sense of identity and pride. You really stand out in a room, it’s like wearing a crown.

How has motherhood changed your creative process?

Ciara: My kids are a constant source of inspiration for my music and having two kids (and one on the way) has made me much more efficient with my time when I am in work mode. I feel like I am more free in the creative process because of how they changed my life. I no longer overthink the process the way I used to at times.

Can you describe the feeling you have now when young artists tell of how you inspired them in the same way?

Ciara: Because I remember looking up to artists like Michel Jackson, Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott growing up, I take great pride and responsibility in being that kind of inspiration to my fans. It’s the best feeling in the world to know you’ve really had a positive impact on people’s lives. It makes me feel accomplished that I am able to give younger artists the feeling the people I looked up to gave me. 

If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice, that you think at a certain age you needed most, what would it be?

Ciara: BE PATIENT! What is meant for you will be yours. Don’t try and rush the process. Take all of the “scars” along your journey and turn them into your beauty marks. 

What is one question no journalist has ever asked but is something you’ve always wanted to say?

Ciara: I always like when I get to have meaningful conversations with writers. It is one thing to talk about my life, which can be invasive at times, but I appreciate when I get asked questions with substance vs the click-bait questions. 

With another baby on the way, do you ever feel societal pressure to slow down and how do you combat that outdated notion?  

Ciara: No, I don’t. I LOVE being a mom and I am a better mom when my kids get to experience me doing what I love on and off the stage. I am a better person because of them and I feel like I have more fire under me to go after all that I want. It is important for me to show them that you have to work hard to get all you want out of life. 

What’s something that you’re teaching your children, that you wish you would have known growing up?

Ciara: I think the biggest thing is teaching them patience. I never understood why my mom would say ‘no’ to a lot of things and now I do (laughs). Most importantly I want them to dream big! and know that they can do and be anything they set their mind to. 

What is your FAULT? 

Ciara: I can come across guarded at times which I think stems from being a military brat and moving around so much. I would often have to leave friendships as they were just developing. That gave me a defence mechanism that can seem reserved. Since marrying the love of my life I have really been able to let my guard down and feel safe being vulnerable. I can also be a bit OCD about things!

SEE THE FULL INTERVIEW AND PHOTOSHOOT WITH CIARA IN FAULT MAGAZINE 31

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW!