Rhythmplaza.com: When did you first get into the music business?
Cha: Professionally, about 3 years ago but I've always be into the whole music scene.  I love all types of music.  I grew up on Go-Go and then came Rap.  I mean, back then it wasn't cool to listen to rap if you were a Rare Essence fan.  As I got older me and my all of my girlfriends (10-15) used to attend all of "in-crowd" events that celebrities like Allen Iverson, Jermaine Dupri, Mariah Carey, Method Man and so on would give and of course that was attractive and fun.  From All-Star games in TX, Puffy's Cancun excursions to Dr. Dre's pool party in Jamaica.

Rhythmplaza.com: When did you get your first opportunity to promote your events?
Cha: No one actual introduced me to event promotions or gave me my first "break".  I mean I didn't have like a role model that I looked after, it was just one of those things where I said "Hummm, I can do that".  I can produce  events that I'm sure people would like because I knew what type of events that I liked.  See, I originally started giving events that catered to adults.  But was shortly derailed from that after me and my two other partners split up.  I wasn't prepared to host events by myself due to finances so I chilled for a minute and while I was chilling several things happened (I had a baby girl and I got married) that made me searched my soul to get a better understanding of what I was really surposed to be doing out here in this world and God gave me the answer.  It was as clear as a glass of water... He told me that I have to work with our youth and make it better for them and that's what I set out to do.  I transformed my company from it's or iginal mission which was catering to adults to solely working with our youth and providing them a platform to showcase their talents.  I knew that I loved music and kids.  Our motto is mixing music with education as a way to engage and empower our youth.  Our events are for those who just simply want to come out and get ya' freak on.  Each event has a valuable lesson for one to learn from.  I was also heavily inspired by my husband who has been a football coach since he was 12 and one of the founding members of one of the best Football Leagues in the nation (Marshall Heights in SE- POP Warner League).  My husband is well respected by not only our youth but the community as a whole.  I also wanted to leave a lasting impression for my daughter Cholly.. One she could be proud of.

Rhythmplaza.com: Where do you think music and the entertainment business is headed in Washington, DC? 
Cha: I think that the music industry is and has always been a business and we as promoters, artist, indie labels & producers must treat it accordingly.  Meaning, you can never stop being a business person or you will get taken for a ride.  There are so many talented artist and bands in this city and one must never stop networking and breaking down doors.  Record labels are looking for artist who are already polished.  They aren't looking for artist who them have to mold and make so one must stand out.  One must be creative. One must have their face in everything in a constructive way.  Of course their are higher ups who have the power (money) to make discissions but I think DC is on the up and up.  If you look around, the indie are making some noise.  Artist such as Storm the Unpredictable, 2 Face the Don, DeJuVu and a host of other artist.  The go-go industry has caught the eyes of several celebrities and so once "one" person says something is hot then others fa ll suit, but we've been HOT for years.

Rhythmplaza.com: What do you like to do when you are not working in the music industry? 
Cha: Believe it or not, I enjoy doing Nothing.  Literally... I mean I'm always ont he go doing this and doing that that I have to make myself sit still and do nothing.

I love being mommy to Cholly and wife to Greg.  What a blessing.  I mean, I'm these things all day everyday but at times things get busy and it's a challenge trying to balance it all.  I also love reading.  I've dedicated myself to one book a month.  I'm also a mentor so I spend as much time with my Mentee (Diamond) as I can. 

Rhythmplaza.com: What artist[s] have you worked with?  
Cha: Goody, 2 face Don, Jay Cooper-BET Teen Summit, Kimberly Scott, Maxium Level, Ms. Spice & Malenium, P.O.P., Whop-n-EM, Lil Jon & Eastside Boyz, Syles P, Submission Gospel Go-Go, Raw Image, In His Image, Jeannie Jones-93.9 WKYS (she hosted my shows)

Rhythmplaza.com: What projects are you working on now or in the future?  
Cha: I have Talent Showcases, Fashion Shows, Music Workshops, Coat Drives scheduled at Aqua Restaurant in DC.

Rhythmplaza.com: What advice would you give to some of the up and coming artist in the DC area? 
Cha: You MUST know this business of MUSIC!  Question: How can you operate an airplane if you know nothing about it.  As an artist you must know about it.  You must know what each word on that contract that you just signed because that IS your responsibility don't just think it's your Entertainment Attorney because some of them work for the labels and don't have your best interest at hand.  As an artist you must grind so that people know you exist.  Get a professional Bio and Demo.  Invest in yourself and don't sit back and think that others will if you won't because THEY WON'T!

Rhythmplaza.com: How do you feel about the negativity in Hip Hop? 
Cha: Well, their is a lot of negativity in some of this music that they "call" Hip Hop.  I believe in positive reinforcement.  I believe if your spitting "negativity" out there for the world to absorb then there will be some who will suck it up like a sponge and run with it.  I feel that we are all responsible for the choice we must.  We must stop and think before we speak.  We must be mindful and careful as to what we put out there and some artist have totally went far and above that so now we have a seed that's been planted and some of it happens to be negative.  I believe that if WE make the negativity that exists in HIP HOP UNEXCEPTABLE then that's what it will be... UNEXCEPTABLE.  I sad to see such a beaufil thing turned into an ugly creature.

Rhythmplaza.com: Tell us about DC TEEN? 
Cha: Our mission is to help young people showcase their talent amongst their peers, help build self-esteem, promote social harmony and embrace diversity.

The name of our events are called "DC TEEN XTREME" and we mix music with education as a way to engage and empower young people to take a stand and use their voice to impact their word. Our dances are fun, safe and drug free.

Our goal is to make an effective intervention in the lives of youth and to develop a stronger relationship between families, schools and the community.

Rhythmplaza.com: What message will you like to leave for your audience?
Cha: Our future lays within our kids.  It's all of our jobs to make sure that we're planting a seed of properity and growth that they can feed off of.  We all must ask ourselves this question and that is ... "What have I done to make this world a better place?" and from that make a change or expand on what your already doing or not doing.  There is enough space out here for a little more love, a little more compassion, a little more hugs.  I would also like to say that whatever it is that you want to do in life, let no one stop you not even yourself.  I truly believe that just because "something" has already been done, doesn't mean that it Can't be done.  Be extremely different and do it.

 Peace-Cha Ross-Estes  202 255-3797
WHY? Entertainment, LLC 
Cha Ross-Estes, Founder & CEO
Web:    http://www.dcstx.org 

Return to Artist Corner