Biography
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Sheard spent her formative years surrounded by the strong influences of her family, their faith, and their music. At age 6, she began singing in the choir at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, pastored by her father Superintendent J. Drew Sheard. Even at a young age, Sheard had a preternatural grip on the signature "Clark sound" pioneered by her mother and aunts, executing high and fast melismas, riffs, runs, and deep, throaty growls sometimes referred to as "squalls" (the latter is prominently displayed on "Done Did It", a traditional gospel leaning track from her album I Owe You).
Sheard made her stage debut at the age of 10 duetting with her mother on the Twinkie Clark-penned "The Will Of God", the standout closing track from her mother's debut solo album Finally Karen in 1997. The song won a Stellar Award for Best Children's Performance the following year. In the years following, she honed her skills as a performer accompanying her mother on stage. By 2003, EMI Gospel won a bidding war between several record companies to sign Kierra to her first recording contract.
Her debut album I Owe You was released September 7, 2004. The 11-track set included production and songwriting from such notable music luminaries as Rodney Jerkins, Warryn Campbell, Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary, J Moss, and Tonéx. The album also functioned as the production debut for her brother J Drew.
The following year, EMI commissioned a collection of remixes entitled Just Until... on August 2, 2005. The title of the stopgap release was abbreviated from its working title "Just Until The Next Record".[1] The album had a surprise international hit in The Godson Concept remix of "Let Go". The upbeat gospel single, released only in Japan, raced to the top of mainstream R&B charts and remained there for several weeks.[2]
Shortly after graduating high school, Sheard readied her second album This Is Me. Repeating the same spectacular feat from her first release, this album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Gospel charts when it was released June 27, 2006.[3] A midtempo fan favorite, the Fred Jerkins III-produced "Why Me?" was chosen as the lead single for the album. Sheard's shot her first music videos for two subsequent singles from the album, "Yes" and "This Is Me". This Is Me was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel album in December 2006.[4]
Kierra is currently a freshman at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where she is studying entertainment law. Though originally a criminal justice major, the decision to switch to entertainment law was definitely influenced by her growing career in the gospel music industry.[5] Though her touring schedule has been curbed to accommodate her academic goals, Sheard did embark on a Japanese tour with her mother Karen Clark-Sheard in August 2006.
In addition to performing at the 2007 Stellar Awards, ("Why Me?"), Sheard appeared on BET's Celebration of Gospel standing in for Faith Evans in "Endow Me" (as popularized by Sheard's aunts) along with Coko, Lil' Mo, and Fantasia. Sheard also sang with her mother for A Tribute to Aretha Franklin.
Discography
Albums
* I Owe You
(EMI Gospel, 2004)
* Just Until
(EMI Gospel, 2005)
* This Is Me
(EMI Gospel, 2006)
* This Is Me:
Special Edition
(+6 bonus songs)
(EMI Gospel, 2006)
* This Is Me:
Japanese Import
(+2 songs unavailable in U.S.)
(EMI Gospel, 2006)
Singles
* "You Don't Know"/"Praise Offering"
* "Let Go"
* "Why Me"
* "Yes"
* "This Is Me — The Live Session"
Other
* J. Moss feat. Kierra "Kiki" Sheard & 21:03: "Jump, Jump" V2 (GospoCentric)
* Kierra "KiKi" Sheard & Marcus Cole: "This Christmas" Christmas To Remember (EMI Gospel)
* Karen Clark Sheard feat. Kierra Sheard: "The Will Of God" Finally Karen (Island)
* Karen Clark Sheard feat. Kierra Sheard: "Sacrifice" 2nd Chance (Elektra)
* Karen Clark Sheard feat. Kierra Sheard: "You Loved Me" The Heavens Are Telling (Elektra)
* Karen Clark Sheard feat. Kierra Sheard: "Don't Change" The Heavens Are Telling (Elektra)
* Ramiyah f/ Kierra Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, Karen Clark Sheard: "Don't Nobody Know" Ramiyah (Columbia)
* 21:03 f/ Kierra "KiKi" Sheard, PDA & J Moss: "One Love" Twenty One O Three (Verity)
* Kierra "Kiki" Sheard: "Nearer My God To Thee" Music Inspired By the Motion Picture Amazing Grace (Sparrow)
Videography
Kierra filmed her first two videos for "This Is Me" and "Yes" simultaneously. Both songs are culled from her 2006 sophomore studio release This Is Me.
* "This Is Me" premiered on September 16, 2006. The
video is for the Antonio Neal-produced "live
session" version of the song, not to be confused
with the Darkchild-produced studio version. The
scenes alternate from Kiki driving a Ford Fusion,
Kiki singing in a small gig, and Kiki singing in a
curtained room.
* "Yes" consists of alternating scenes of Kiki
Sheard in an old-fashioned General Motors vehicle
and a party scene on top of a roof. The video
premiered on The Gospel Music Channel and BET.
For further reference, Kierra Sheard has made video appearances on the DVD release Dorinda Clark Cole LIVE, singing background for Clark Cole throughout the set and being featured in a standout solo on "You Can't Hurry God". Also available is Karen Clark Sheard's Finally Karen Live (VHS only). This video features the now-classic 1997 Karen & Kierra duet performance that earned both artists Stellar awards in their respective fields.
Controversy
There was a rumor going around that prior to signing with EMI Gospel, Sheard considered singing with a well known mainstream R&B label. While this was seemingly minor, it stirred up Sheard's conservative fan base. In an interview, Sheard claimed that she had not ever considered signing with a secular label.[6]
Trivia
* Kierra's song "Have What You Want" plays in gospel
duo Mary Mary's recent music video "Yesterday".
The vamp is heard as the two exit their vehicle,
presumably from their car.
* Sheard's favorite musical artist is Mary J.
Blige[7]
References
1. ^ Kierra "KiKi" Sheard to be Kellogg’s Gospel Sing Off Spokesperson & Judge. GospelCity.com (May 5, 2005).
2. ^ Justin Camacho (January 5, 2006). 'Kiki' Sheard Tops Japanese Radio, Receives 3 Stellar Nominations. The Christian Times.
3. ^ Kierra "Kiki" Sheard's ‘This Is Me’ debuts at #1. GospelCity.com (July 10, 2006).
4. ^ 49th Annual Grammy Awards Nominee List. Grammy.com.
5. ^ Jones, Steven. Kierra Kiki Sheard Interview. GospelFlava.com.
6. ^ Heron, Christopher. BlackGospel.com Interview With Kierra Kiki Sheard. BlackGospel.com.
7. ^ Jones, Steven. Kierra Kiki Sheard Insider Interview. GospelFlava.com.
Invisible
Kierra "Kiki" Sheard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A total eclipse has just begun
We blocked out the sun
Can't believe this is what we've come to
So you think that your a star
But the real start has some scars
On his hands and feet where the nails went through
God is headlining this show
So without further delay
[Chorus]
Its times to take to the stage
And i move out the way
So that they only see
You thats inside of me
Don't let me block the view
Thats not what i wanna do
I gotta be see through
Make sure they see you
Make me invisible
[Verse 2]
The crowd appluads and now your on
They start to play your song
Did he even come along
Or did he get left behind
The day that you decided
You would out shine his light
But he's headlining this show
To introduce him is what i'm here for
So without further delay
[Chorus]
Its times to take to the stage
And i move out the way
So that they only see
You thats inside of me
Don't let me block the view
Thats not what i wanna do
I gotta be see through
Make sure they see you
Make me invisible
The lyrics of Kierra "Kiki" Sheard's song "Invisible" are an expression of humility, acknowledging that we should not block the view of others from seeing the real "star" that is within us. The first verse sets the stage for the message of the song, with a total eclipse blocking out the sun, mirroring the idea that often our own egos can block out the true light that is meant to shine through us. The line "So you think that you're a star, but the real start has some scars" alludes to the idea that the true star is not perfect, and may have gone through struggles and pain before achieving success. In the end, it is not about our own glory, but rather showcasing the unique light that comes from within us, a light that is ultimately divine in origin.
The chorus is a plea to be made "invisible", in the sense that the individual performer wants to take a backseat to the true source of their talent, their faith in God. This idea is made concrete in the line "Don't let me block the view, that's not what I wanna do, I gotta be see-through, make sure they see You". The song reminds us that it is not enough to simply showcase our own talents, but rather to use our skills and abilities to bring glory to a higher power.
Overall, "Invisible" is a powerful song that encourages humility, faith, and a recognition that our talents and abilities are not our own, but are in service of a greater purpose. The lyrics are a reminder to keep perspective and not let our own egos block out the true light and meaning in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
A total eclipse has just begun
A dark cloud has overshadowed and made it impossible to see the sun
We blocked out the sun
We have prevented the sun from shining through
Can't believe this is what we've come to
It is disappointing to have reached this point
So you think that your a star
You believe that you are very important
But the real start has some scars
The true star has marks of injury and sacrifice
On his hands and feet where the nails went through
There are wounds on his extremities where nails were driven into him
God is headlining this show
The main act of this performance is God
To introduce him is what i'm here for
My purpose here is to present Him to the audience
So without further delay
Without any more waiting
Its times to take to the stage
It is time to go onto the platform
And i move out the way
I step away and let someone else take the spotlight
So that they only see
In order for only Him to be visible
You thats inside of me
You who dwells within me
Don't let me block the view
Do not allow me to obstruct the sight of Him
Thats not what i wanna do
This is not my intention
I gotta be see through
I must be transparent
Make sure they see you
Ensure that they see the real star
Make me invisible
Make me disappear from sight
The crowd applauds and now your on
The audience is applauding and you now have the attention
They start to play your song
The music for your performance has started
Did he even come along
Did He even arrive to join you?
Or did he get left behind
Was He left behind or forgotten?
The day that you decided
On the day you resolved to
You would out shine his light
You were determined to outdo His radiance
Contributed by Annabelle V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@VAMPASIANtwinerd1396
Tori Kelly brought me here, she is definitely a prime definition of "iron sharpening iron" even when she doesn't even know that she did but she makes me want to strengthen my relationship with God.
@michaelbiber
Tori brought me here... Can't wait to hear her cover this amazing song! Similar voices...
@verybang
Tori Kelly brought me here.
@elizabethmarie9228
Moon Leah xD same
@tri.a37
Same
@jess_k6281
SAME!
@zachparker59
Same😂
@KaraLuthorZorEl
SAME
@th3youngsing3r
Im in tears. i can tell this girl is a true minister and that she is for real because she makes me receive the truth. especially to singers. we thing that we are all that charging hundreds of thousands of dollars to come and bless with the gift god has given us for his use. we give show and sing beautifully (HALELUJAH) but we don't make him known we don't introduce him as the star.
@osnapitzruthie
God brought me here