Meet Beyonce's All-Girl Band, The Suga Mamas
If you've been to a Beyonce concert within the past few years or have a live performance on TV, you've most likely noticed the lovely ladies behind the instruments, locking down the groove. These ladies would be the Suga Mamas, Beyonce's all-girl band.
We were fortunate to catch up with a few of them while they were in Philadelphia during their US tour. Of Beyonce's 10-piece band, we sat down with Kim Thompson (drums), Tia Fuller (saxophone), Brittani Washington (keyboards), and Marcie Chapa (percussionist), who spoke with us about how they made it to the big stage with Beyonce, and everything from the importance of networking and their advice for advancing your career as a musician.
Check out Ray Spaddy's interview with the Suga Mamas below:
Kim Thompson, Drummer with Beyonce
Kim Thompson shares her journey as Beyonce's drummer and discusses the unique challenges and rewards of being part of an all-female band in a male-dominated field.
Marcie Chapa, Percussionist with Beyonce
Marcie Chapa talks about her role as a percussionist in the Suga Mamas and how she approaches creating rhythmic textures that complement Beyonce's music.
Brittani Washington, Artist & Keyboardist
Brittani Washington discusses her dual career as both a keyboardist for Beyonce and as an independent artist, sharing insights on balancing these different musical paths.
Tia Fuller, Jazz Artist, Saxophonist with Beyonce
Tia Fuller explains how she navigates between her work as a jazz saxophonist and her role in Beyonce's band, and how each musical context enriches the other.
The band members share their individual journeys to joining Beyonce's ensemble and the rigorous audition process they went through. They discuss the unique dynamic of an all-female band in an industry that has historically been male-dominated, particularly in instrumental roles.
Each musician offers insights into their specific role within the band and how they prepare for the demanding performances that are characteristic of Beyonce's shows. They also address the balance between technical proficiency and stage presence, emphasizing that both are crucial for performing at this level.
The interview concludes with advice for aspiring professional musicians on developing versatility, maintaining a positive attitude, and the importance of being prepared when opportunity knocks.
