Today we’d like to introduce you to Dejuana Shaw.
Hi Dejuana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been singing since I was 4 years old. Music has always been a part of my life. It wasn’t something I found later. It’s something I was born into. My grandad was a pastor and a quartet singer, and my granny sang and played the piano. They had two children, and somehow every grandchild ended up being musical. You either sing, play an instrument, or both. It’s just what our family does.
My big brother, Duron Brooks, played one of the biggest roles in starting my journey with music. Since my mom and dad worked overnight shifts, he would spend time in the den singing and playing. I was the little sister who always wanted to join in. I’d sing along with him, and one day he finally stopped me and said, “DJ, if you’re going to sing, you’re going to do it right. This is your note.” From that moment on, he started teaching me instead of just letting me sing whatever I wanted. Looking back, that was one of the first moments that really developed my ear and laid the foundation for everything that came after.
As I got older, I sang everywhere I could, from church and school to talent shows and more. Before I even started college, I had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at NBA games, which was a huge milestone for me. Standing in those arenas made me realize that the little girl singing in the den could really do this.
When I got to college, I decided to venture out even more. I wanted to challenge myself, meet new people, and take advantage of every opportunity that came my way. That led to experiences like performing at Carnegie Hall, the CMT Awards, Austin City Limits Festival, and continuing to sing at professional sporting events.
During this season of growth, becoming a member of The Levites has also been a major part of my journey. Being surrounded by such talented musicians and vocalists pushed me to grow, not only as a singer but also as a performer. Watching their dedication, excellence, and passion for music helped build my confidence and reminded me that I belong in spaces surrounded by great artists. Being part of The Levites has allowed me to learn from others, step outside of my comfort zone, and continue developing my own voice.
Every stage has taught me something different, but my heart has always stayed the same.
Today, I’m building my career as an artist, songwriter, and vocalist while finishing my degree in Vocal Performance. More than anything, I want my music to encourage people. Every chapter, from singing with my brother in the den to performing on major stages and growing alongside The Levites, has shaped me into the artist and person I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. My journey has had its share of challenges, and honestly, I still have struggles today. Balancing work, school, doing hair, and accepting different gigs can be a lot to manage, but I’ve learned how to keep pushing and trust God through every season.
There have been moments where I’ve had to figure things out, make sacrifices, and remind myself why I started. Being an artist isn’t just about the performances; it’s also about the discipline, the preparation, and continuing to show up even when things get difficult.
Through every high and low, my faith has been what keeps me grounded. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without God’s grace and the support of the people who have poured into me along the way. I’m still growing, still learning, and still building, but I can truly say that with God, I’m making it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a performer, praise and worship leader, songwriter, arranger, and recording artist. Music has always been my way of connecting with people and sharing messages that come from my heart. Whether I’m leading worship, performing, writing music, or creating arrangements, my goal is always to use my gifts with purpose.
Being a member of The Levites has been a meaningful part of my journey as an artist. One of the highlights of that experience has been being featured on “Everything Changed” by The Levites, which is part of the project Songs of the Cross. Being a part of this project was a special opportunity to share a message through music alongside a group of gifted artists who share the same heart for ministry, excellence, and using their gifts to impact others.
Outside of music, I’m also an entrepreneur and the owner of Braids by Juana, where I get to express another side of my creativity by helping people feel confident and cared for through hair.
What I’m most proud of is the fact that God has allowed me to use my gifts and continue growing through every season. My friends laugh at me because almost every compliment I receive about my music, my first response is always, “To God be the glory.” But honestly, that’s what I live by. I know that everything I have and everything I’m able to create comes from Him.
What sets me apart is that I don’t want the spotlight to stop with me. I want people to see God through my gifts and experience encouragement, hope, and inspiration through what I do. I wouldn’t be who I am or be able to produce what I create without Him.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The music industry has changed so much, especially with social media. I’m only 24, but even before I was born, producers and labels would travel to different places looking for artists to discover. Now, an artist can upload a video from anywhere in the world and be discovered because of one moment online.
I think over the next 5–10 years we’re going to continue seeing technology play a huge role in music. There are so many opportunities now for independent artists to share their work and connect with people directly. However, I do have a concern that artists may become too dependent on AI and technology instead of developing their own creativity.
To me, real artistry is when you create. Music should come from the soul. It should come from your experiences, your emotions, and the things that make you who you are. I believe AI can be a tool, but it should never replace the heart and authenticity behind a song.
I think the artists who will stand out in the future are the ones who can embrace new opportunities while still staying true to who they are. At the end of the day, people connect with honesty, and I believe there will always be a place for music that comes from a genuine place.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejadoredream?igsh=OWpuYTc4YWlwYXcy&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18aBMUcXfF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://youtu.be/xBHpWpFAuic?is=MHtqjKK5KXykvBZS
