My name is FUQUA. I’m a dynamic artist from Indianapolis. I sing and I paint. I’m also getting ready to release a full-length album by the end of this year.
Day One
8:30 a.m. I usually take about two hours to get ready to go anywhere. Sundays are no different. I took a long hiatus from church — about seven years — but this year, I decided to find a church to attend, and I’ve loved being back. I remembered how being in church nurtured my gifts as an artist. I feel more centered and spiritually connected since returning.
11 a.m. In full-blown worship service. My pastors teach about encouraging yourself in the midst of criticism. I now see how important it is to be your own encouragement, but also know that God is truly my “encourager” in hard times.
3 p.m. Visiting my grandfather who is in hospice. This has been a very challenging ordeal. I’ve been spending each day with my papaw since he had a terrible fall on Easter that accelerated the progression of his dementia. These moments are bittersweet because I get to see my grandma, and she keeps me laughing all afternoon while we watch television.
It’s mid-May right now, so simultaneously, I’m making marketing materials to promote my slot at the Melanin in May Festival. I love branding myself as an artist. With my background as a graphic designer, I get to tell the story my way and showcase how I wish to be perceived as a musician — a little dark and mysterious, but also very cool and chill.
Letting people know you have a performance is important — especially because I’m at the top of the show, and I want people to show up on time!
5 p.m. At rehearsal. I’m preparing to do a cabaret show at the Downtown Dinner Theatre in the historic Murat Shrine Center called “City Lights” (happening through June 21). With all that I have going on, I just try to let this show stretch me into becoming someone in entertainment I didn’t know I could be.
Day Two
7:50 a.m. Workout time. I train every Monday and Wednesday at Stay Consistent Fitness. It’s helped me get healthier after years of inconsistency. I love the discipline I foster by training twice a week — it motivates me to work out on my own the rest of the week. I’m about 65 pounds lighter since I started. I still have a long road ahead, but the progress is real, and I’m proud of myself.
10 a.m. Back with Papaw while taking meetings in preparation for the million things I’m working on. I love this time because it gives me purpose beyond my own agenda. I get the honor of helping my grandfather transition into the next life.
6 p.m. Back at the Murat, baby! And I’m still trying to get this very different show into my DNA. Rehearsals always remind me that there’s room for improvement.
11 p.m. Bedtime. Time to pop some ashwagandha and get some real good sleep.
Day Three
8 a.m. Pray, shower, gym. I’m loving the urge I have to get out of bed and hit the gym. It jumpstarts my energy levels so I can execute the day with focus.
1 p.m. With Papaw when I get the call that my paintings for the Michael O’Brien Gallery at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre exhibit are due. Luckily, I have some work stored up, but this message sends me into a panic. I haven’t had work in an exhibit. But these are the moments God told me would come, and I’m glad I did the work to prepare for such a time as this.
9 p.m. Painting for my exhibition. I was told the show is in the horror genre — which excites me because I’ve wanted to implement a couple of pieces that reflect my secret love of horror. So let’s see what I come up with.
Day Four
11 a.m. Late start to the day. I stayed up painting until 5 a.m. After pulling an all-nighter, I get some rest, wake up, and hit the road because it’s also … radio day!
As promo for the Melanin in May, curator Dominic Dorsey arranged for me and a few other artists to do an interview at iHeartRadio! And when I tell you this experience was surreal … I got to do my own drop, which has been my dream my entire life. I’m a lover of old-school radio, so to hear my voice calling out the station with my name — FUQUA — I could’ve cried right there.
FUQUA went on a promotional tour before his performance in Melanin in May that included radio.
6 p.m. Now off to turn in my work to the Phoenix. I get to see my incredible friend and former castmate, Paige Neely. I love this girl. I see how hard she works in theater, and it truly inspires me. She’s the curator of this exhibit and the assistant director of the play.
7:30 p.m. You guessed it … rehearsal. This time in preparation for a show I’ll be performing solo at Melanin in May. The festival has been happening annually for the past three years, and I was honored to kick it off — so I want to do it with a bang!
I hired my great friend and mentor, Maya Leigh, to help implement choreography into my set. She’s the best choreographer I know. We brought on a beautiful dancer named Joscalyn, who is simply amazing at what she does. I’m honored to have her in my set.
Day Five
9 a.m. Up early and painting! Paige asked me to add another piece to the collection, so I took a self-portrait I did in college and painted over it to create a beautiful yet cryptic look with flowers and bright colors. This image really reflects the freedom I feel when painting now.
2 p.m. Off to the Phoenix Theatre to turn in my final work. I got to see how Paige constructed the exhibit to align with the set of the show — and it’s beautiful!
3 p.m. Back with Papaw. I feel compelled to stay with him, no matter the day or time. If I can squeeze in just an hour or two to make sure he and my grandma are okay, then I can get through my day. Today, I realized the end may be closer than I thought. My grandfather is slowing down even more, and he’s harder to understand. My heart breaks but I’m happy to be with him.
5 p.m. Back at the theatre to see my exhibit in full flush.
6 p.m. Cabaret rehearsal begins.
9:15 p.m. I race off to my final rehearsal for Melanin in May.
9:30 p.m. This rehearsal helps me lock in the flow of the set. I invited my friend and rapper, Montez, to join me. We have a couple of songs together. This was my dress rehearsal, so I got to see how I move in the clothing I chose for my debut.
Day Six
Transformation Day.
Today I go from brunette to platinum blonde. This was one of the most excruciating experiences of my life! When I decided to do the festival, I knew I wanted a drastic change. After losing weight and pushing myself to grow, I knew platinum hair would set me off right.
For the last six years, I’ve been in the theater using my real hair as Curtis Taylor Jr. in “Dreamgirls.” That character became a part of me, so much so that I chose not to wear a wig onstage.
I grew and relaxed my hair to achieve an authentic vintage look. After five years of playing this beautiful villain, I decided to cut my relaxed hair and go back to my FUQUA platinum blonde. I’m so happy with the results.
Day Seven
10 a.m. Melanin in May day! Upon arrival, I’m reminded of how culturally rich these events are. I see Black people from all over, setting up to promote their businesses and sell their products. Witnessing this is inspiring because it takes faith to put yourself out there.
I think about the time and money I’ve spent just to get to this point — the sacrifices I’ve made to be an artist and actor. It’s grueling at times. But this moment makes it all worth it. I’ve got my game face on, but I’m feeling connected to my people, my fellow creatives, my community. I’m set on giving them a great show!
11:30 a.m. I hit the stage. The time I spend up there is terrifying, but it feels like home. It’s far from perfect, but I have a great time.
Being surrounded by my support system afterward was amazing. I couldn’t ask for better friends.
It was so nice having people ask for pictures, and hearing them say my ads inspired them to come early just to see me. Now I can rest, knowing my hard work got me just a little closer to my dream of being a fully realized artist.
Mission accomplished.
My Culture Journal is a series that shares a week in the cultural lives of Indy residents. If you are interested in submitting a journal, email arts and culture editor Jennifer Delgadillo at jennifer.delgadillo@mirrorindy.org and tell us about yourself.
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