Performing is my career, Kambria Cook says

Kambria Cook opening for SWV at Claflin’s Presidential Gala on Nov.19.

Since the first day Kambria Cook stepped onto the Claflin University campus, she was making a name for herself.

During freshman orientation, she won a dance battle and participated in the talent show. Right away she showed Claflin that she is a performer.

Kambria Cook is a junior music education major from North Chesterfield, Virginia.

Her day consists of three to five classes. During her breaks, she is either in a meeting for her sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc.), in a meeting for music, learning music or doing homework.

Cook said learning music is what consumes her time the most. “It takes time to truly master music.”

Cook aspires to be a famous singer, dancer, performer and actress. “I want to be known all across the globe.”

While at Claflin, Cook involved herself in Concert Choir and the HBCU National Concert Choir, and performed at banquets, pageants and other events.

Cook also had the honor of opening for R&B group SWV at Claflin's Presidential Scholarship Gala in November.

Cook knew she wanted to be a singer when she started singing in her church at the age of 6. She said it was in church when she found out she could sing and since then, she has participated in musicals, choirs, talent shows and basically everything and anything that had to do with singing.

In high school she was in the performing arts program for music, with a focus in voice. She also  participated in competitive show choir, which is where her love for performing developed.  “I absolutely loved show choir.”

She revels in preparing for the show, getting on the stage, hearing the crowd scream, seeing the crowd smile, and all that comes with a performance.

“The entire process was super fun,” Cook said. This is her happy place.

“People always talk about choosing a career that you love so much that you don’t mind not being paid for it. Performing is my career,” Cook said.

She said she just started making commercials, one of which was with Project Yellow Light encouraging people to not text and drive. It aired on television, in Times Square, and got her booked for interviews on the radio and a news network.

A second commercial is in the works. “We are going to see where that takes me,” Cook said.

“I love the rush of performing,” Cook said.

She highlighted that the nerves, the preparation and hard work before the show add to the beauty of seeing the show all come together.

“It’s just so cool! I love it,” Cook said.

Cook said when she is on stage, it gives her great joy to see the audience jamming along with her. “I like making people smile.”

She wants to make a difference through her actions and music. “I want to be a great leader,” Cook said.