When we contemplate the words, “creatives”, “courage”, “skillfully navigating the pandemic”; one energy rises like a phoenix to the top. None other than the divinely gifted, Vaughnette Bigford. The WE magazine welcomed the opportunity to take a deep dive with this trailblazer and get to know her better.
What is your WHY?
My WHY is always accompanied by “Why Not”. I have always recognised even from the age of five that I was made for the stage, entertaining folks has always been part of my memory even from the earliest of days. I have always been comfortable on stage and I always knew that it would be a major part of my life story. Even during the years when I stopped entertaining and focused on building a career, I always knew that there was something missing that I had to eventually return to. It was at the prodding of my husband that I decided to jump back into it and treat it with the respect that it deserved, because there’s a level of respect and commitment that we ought to be always giving to our craft and product. Why not use this short time allotted to us on earth to walk in our purpose and do what we are destined to do?
What’s one of your most memorable experiences being an entertainer?
I should talk about when ‘ah fall down on the people stage’ in Adam Smith Square because ‘meh shoe heel stick up in meh dress’, but I digress. For me, over the years I have had several memorable moments. I find that I am most moved, when it involves the music or the experience moving someone and them being honest enough to tell me. I believe that as musicians we are messengers, we are TELLERS of a story and when that story moves someone, then our work is done.
How has COVID-19 impacted the creative sector and you?
COVID-19 has basically brought certain elements of the creative sector to a complete halt. I am a musician and I know of some musicians who have not worked or earned for two years. Our job is to communicate through music. We require persons to congregate, to be present, to be the recipients of what we do. We just couldn’t move forward. COVID-19 really reminded me that there are things that we have absolutely no control over and for a control freak like me, it was one of the scariest times of my life. It really is a challenging time, but I have learnt, and I am still learning to just let go of what I cannot control.
What helped in keeping you motivated?
During this pandemic period, I think I did just about anything I could have done to maintain some level of normalcy. I started off with the Friday night LIVES, this kept my vocal cords working and stayed connected with my growing fan base. That constant connection is important to me, so we got together every Friday night and had a wonderful time together. I also did a couple of online concerts for corporate and wherever I could, I would curate the performance (within the COVID-19 restrictions). We found the space and brought it to fruition, because we just could not sit by and allow the time to pass without trying something.
What’s on the horizon for VB?
At this stage I am convinced that I shouldn’t be planning too far ahead. I just want to focus on staying healthy and maintaining some level of balance in my life. Being around my family is important to me. I plan to work on recording some original songs and to travel a bit this year (if the mutations allow). I am also going to be deep in the planning and execution of my signature events.
What’s your advice to other creatives?
A lot of my time during this pandemic was spent supporting and fellowshipping with women and especially women creatives. I have been introduced to so many wonderful women with talent that is unmatched, and it has been a pleasure for me to spend time and share experiences and a platform with them. WE ARE SO POWERFUL! Sometimes, we have no clue how fabulous we are, and I am committed to encouraging, supporting, promoting and just sharing space with fellow female creatives. I’d encourage each and every one to just stay the course. Know that you are worthy and what you are doing is worthy of taking up space. TAKE YOUR SPACE !
Lastly, describe Vaughnette Bigford in two words
starting with the first
letter of your name
V-- and B--
VERY BOLD!