When Keke Wyatt stepped onstage at Sol Village in New York City last week promoting her forthcoming Shanachie Records release, Who Knew?, there was no mistaking that she was ready to push all rumors aside and get back to the business of showing the world what a true female vocalist is made of.  Her evident beauty could have been easily mistaken for that of a runway model, especially since Fashion Week festivities were taking place on the other side of town.  Gone were any traces of distress dating back a few years to the widely publicized domestic altercation with her husband, or so it seemed. Keke’s vocals were sharp and crisp, and as she sang it seemed that her years away from the musical spotlight and life experiences have matured her.  Oozing with southern mannerisms which can definitely be heard in her speaking, Keke took the crowd at SOB’s through a brief journey of her hits; to church with God’s Eye is on the Sparrow and for an emotional twist as she sang, Peace On Earth, explaining through strained tears that she only seeks peace in her life for herself and her children.  Despite the labels that have befallen Keke Wyatt, her intent is to let the world know that she is far from crazy. I was elated to spend  a few moments with Miss Keke discussing her little babies, tumultuous relationship, new release, Who Knew?, and who does it for her, musically today.

DH: Please tell me about your beginnings?

Keke: Church!  Church!  My family is in the church; my mother sings, daddy sings and plays the organ,  my brothers sing and we all play instruments.

DH: What instruments do you play?

Keke: I like to play the organ and the drums, but I am not claiming to be an organist or a drummer.  I can sit down at the drums and keep a beat and sing a song (laughs).

DH: Can you tell me about Who Knew?

Keke: Yes, Who Knew? is my new album that is filled with so much of Keke Wyatt, like my real life and the things that I’ve been through.  Obviously I have a story to tell.  The best way to tell my story is through my journal.  My journal is writing a song.

DH: Are your children musically inclined as well?

Keke: Yes, they are.  My oldest boy looks like me, sings like me, talks like me, walks like me … he’s me! My middle son is trying to sing.  It’s so gorgeous because I know he’s going to be able to really sing when he’s older.  And then my little girl, she’s a year old now.  She doesn’t just say, ‘Mommy’ she says, (in the form of a tune) ‘Mooommmy Mooommmy’ [laughs].

DH: I have a favorite song already, it’s number three on the cd. I’ve had it on repeat all day!

Keke: (sings snippets of ‘Daydreaming’ ‘Weakest’) I haven’t seen the line up of the cd yet.

DH: (pulls ipod out and goes to song number three)

Keke: Alright honey! (begins to sing ‘Without You’) That song is great.  I can’t even perform that without crying.  Although with my situation, I still love my husband, soon to be ex.  At the same time, I can’t be with someone who puts their hands on me and chokes me.  Other than that, he’s a wonderful man. That song, ‘Without You’ is just… (fades off, becoming reflective and solemn)

DH: Is there a gospel album on the horizon?

Keke: Oh yeah and a duets album with Avant before year’s end.  I plan on acting and modeling. I’m getting ready to go to Fashion Week, I’m trying to get me a modeling contract! (laughs)

DH: That new video is fierce!

Keke: Well, thank you so much. I really had fun in that video. It felt like a movie with Mr. Bobby Roache (love interest in the ‘Who Knew?’ video). Who wouldn’t feel good with that, honey?!

DH: Who do you listen to today?

Keke: Joe is my umph! I love him.  His vocal chords… If I could just lick his cheek. (laughs) I listen to Tank.  He wrote ‘Got Me One’ (sings) I love listening to Shania Twain. I love country music. I love the old Destiny’s Child. I love Beyonce.  That girl is doing her thing and I say, “God bless you!” I don’t hate, I sing just as well so it has nothing to do with that.  I just respect and love her for what she does.

Keke Wyatt’s new cd, Who Knew? hits stores today, February 23, 2010.

TAGS: Avant, Beyonce, bobby roache, Joe, KeKe Wyatt, shania twain, tank, who knew?