KILLEEN, Texas — Toni Ringgold is known to do it all: Singing, song writing, acting, hosting radio shows and more.
For many years, Ringgold has shared her talents with the community through music shows and plays, all while passing the gift along to others through voice lessons at her school, Premiere Music Academy.
Thanks to her latest project, the Central Texas entertainer is preparing to take those talents worldwide.
Ringgold released her new song "Shine" and its music video at the end of September.
Ringgold said she long struggled with self-esteem issues but learned to embrace herself and uplift others. She said she hopes the song can help others can learn to do the same.
"The song says that there's enough sun in the sky for everyone to shine and that is exactly it," Ringgold said. "We all have different paths and walks in life. We go through different things, but we can still get up in the morning whether you're feeding that baby or signing a check. You can shine in whatever capacity."
Ringgold's message and music is quickly gaining traction overseas. The song is currently charting at No. 30 on Amazon's hot new releases in the UK.
She's getting ready to travel to the UK next year to perform in festivals and shows. For Ringgold, it's a dream come true.
"I'm happy. I haven't been this happy in a long time, and it feels good because I believe in myself," Ringgold said. "When you've been knocked down a lot and you've gone through a lot to finally have those moments of happiness...you just treasure them differently."
Amelia Rabroker, one of Ringgold's close friends who participated in the music video said the song is now her morning anthem. She said she's never felt more empowered.
"I love the message. I love everything about the message, and that's just who Miss Toni is she wants everyone to shine and she makes me feel invincible most of the time," Rabroker said.
Ultimately, that's Ringgold's greatest hope for her music.
"You are enough. You are beautiful. You are amazing," Ringgold said.
Ringgold said she hopes everyone who listens to "Shine" walks away with the urge to make their dreams a reality, just like this song has done for her.
"I've always wanted to be a singer, and I've always wanted to be a teacher," Ringgold said. "I teach everyday as a vocal coach and piano teacher. Now, I get to live that second dream that I had when I was five years old in Mrs. Blang's class...I get to be a singer too. So it touches me deeply...and I'm very grateful," Ringgold said.
Ringgold will be releasing an album focused on hindsight next year. The album's title will be "2020."
Anyone wanting to see Toni perform live can catch her at Chief's Sports Bar and Grill in Killeen on Oct. 18.
"Shine" is available for download online.
If you know of someone Emani should spotlight in the future email her at epayne@kcentv.com
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