Self_Esteem_Curriculum_For_Young_Black_Girls_Lovely_Hoffman_2017
Lovely Hoffman is a New England Urban Music Award Winner, IRNE Award recipient, and a respected, multi-talented performer.
Born in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, Lovely was raised in the church as both of her parents were ministers. It was here that she was first introduced to singing and performing. Lovely says, “When I was young, adults would tell me that God gave me a voice that I needed to share with the world, so I want to use my gift to touch and inspire people, especially for social change. That’s the impact I want to make with my music.”
Growing up, music was an important part of Lovely’s identity. She used every opportunity to showcase her talent. A defining moment for Lovely came when she performed “The National Anthem” at the world-renowned Fenway Park, in front of over 20,000 people. Lovely recounts, “It was at that moment I knew music had my heart and I wanted to become a performer.”
Lovely credits her father and uncle for introducing her to world music. Lovely says, “My dad is from Liberia and I was raised listening to him and my uncle play the Djembe, a percussion from the West African family of drums; so I have a deep appreciation and interest for world music and other cultures. I love learning about different parts of the world.”
Lovely’s musical influences include a mix of icons including Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Brandy, India Arie and Nina Simone. Her taste and influences date back to gospel, encompassing everything from Fred Hammond to smooth 70’s Soul, even a little New Edition.
In the wake of the death of Michael Brown and Eric Garner in 2014, Lovely felt compelled to write a song entitled, Black Lives Matter, to stand in solidarity with families who were victims of injustice. The song received national attention and positive reviews, and during that time of national unrest, Lovely reflected on her purpose as an artist and stated, “For me, art must reflect the feelings and experiences of the people and the time, and I hope my music accomplishes this goal.” In May 2015, Lovely’s music video for Black Lives Matter won First Place at the San Francisco Black Film Festival. The video was also the opening night film at the Chicago International Social Change Film Festival and was an Official Selection of the Roxbury International Film Festival and the Reel Sisters of the African Diaspora Film Festival in Harlem, New York.
Lovely’s passion for music extends beyond singing and writing. Lovely is also a well-respected musical theatre performer. In 2015, Lovely Hoffman won an IRNE Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Celie in the New England premier of “The Color Purple.” Additionally, Lovely Hoffman has received rave reviews from theatre critics for her performance in Kiss Me, Kate, Doubt: A Parable, Hairspray, Ain’t Misbehavin, Little Shop of Horrors, Avenue Q, Hair and Ragtime.
Lovely’s mantra, “Creativity takes Courage,” inspires her to write music that encompasses the wide spectrum of the human experience. From love to pain, to hope and justice, people are captivated by Lovely because they connect her musical stories, which not only inspire, but also empower and heal.