Where did you get such high energy?
I’ve noticed that people love to have interactions. [Music and film executive ] Amir Windom told me to perform for people on the side of the street. He would tell me to perform for people anywhere. And I know if I come with good energy, people will also come with good energy.
You do a great impression of former President Barack Obama. How did you learn to do that?
I used to watch a lot of “Saturday Night Live” when I was younger. My mom didn’t want me to stay up and watch it, so I would watch it on Sunday morning. I watched Jay Pharoah do Obama during his time in office. I realized that doing an impression of Obama is not that hard. You have to sound presidential and throw in a little bit of that Southern twang.
How has gospel music played a role in your growth and development?
My mother likes [it] when I sing gospel music. I grew up in the church in North Carolina, so I enjoy listening to Smokie Norful, James Fortune and John P. Kee. I always remember to call on God.
