Da'Jae Allen 
Are you ready? Because the From The ‘Go Fest is right around the corner! In our special FTG Spotlight Feature, we will shine some light on the Chicago talent that competed in our True Star Open Mic Showcase to earn a spot on this year’s From The ‘Go concert stage. Up first is Z Saj, a rapper from the West Side of Chicago and one of the winning storytellers of the season five Flip the Script fellowship. As a junior staffer, she is also a lead video editor, host, and on-screen personality for True Star. Check her out!
What does it mean to you to perform at FTG Fest?
It means that I’m taking my career to the next level and that the actions and steps I’m taking are actually working and I’m not doing things just because.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I would describe myself as truthful. Almost to a point where [I’m] too honest. I really tell everything about myself in my music. It’s always about what I feel.
How did your passion for music begin?
It started off as a hobby. I’ve always been good at like math and stuff. It’s different than being talented musically or as an athlete. Realizing that I was actually good at this and that it was helping me grow is how it began.
Who are your musical influences?
Saying Drake or Nicki Minaj might be crazy. But them, Lil Wayne, Tink, Beyonce, and Rihanna. The greats. Tiara Marie. The greats!
How did you come up with your stage name?
My first name starts with a J and my middle name starts with a Z. And I was like, “Well, there is already a Jay Z.” So, I was like, let’s use my middle name as the beginning.
What are your main goals for a music career?
I think the biggest goal for my music career is to build a support system of listeners. I want to be able to hear my music out of cars that I don’t know. And I would say whatever the highest honor of music is. A Grammy. We need one of those.
What artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Sexy Redd. Are they gone be mad that I said that? Maybe. That’s how I feel. For one it’s not easy to be nasty and be as successful as she’s being. Raunchy isn’t as marketable as people claim.
What advice would you give other emerging artists?
Don’t give up. The only way that you will not move forward is by stopping. Take no’s as “Not right now.” Take no’s as motivation, not as “I’m not good.” Because [your art] maybe just not for this person, or maybe just not for this situation, or may be just not right now.
Where do you hope to have to opportunity to perform one day?
It’s not that I want to perform at the United Center just to perform there. But I want to sell out the United Center.
What has been the highlight of your musical career thus far?
I opened up for Siena Liggins and Daisha McBride. I think that was the biggest crowd that I performed in front of. This crowd, I had brought so many people with me, and it was the first time that I realized that I could really do it. That was really powerful for me.
What are your hobbies outside of music?
I’m learning to roller skate, that’s not something that I’ve always been able to do. I would say sports, board games, really competitive things.
True Star works to provide life changing opportunities for youth. Come to our From the ‘Go Fest on July 27, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the DuSable Museum to see Z Saj and other Chicago artists perform! Get your free festival passes at eventbrite now!
By Da’Jae Allen, Sophomore, Howard University
Instagram: @dajae.10
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