Season 7 of BET’s hit show “Sunday Best” was a showcase of thorough-bred New York gospel talent. In the last issue we told you about Rochester native Serena Young, who made it all the way to the top five in the singing competition. But the spotlight also shined in the direction of Buffalo, New York as DaMarka Wheeler wowed audiences with her vocal ability that was celebrated consistently from her first audition. Her suave, golden soprano voice impressed show judges Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams and Kierra Sheard from the start. Her elimination from the show brought much disappointment, but even without a win this western New York songbird is making a name for herself – a name that won’t be easily forgotten. In an interview with Upstate NY Gospel Magazine, DaMarka talks about her beginnings, the “Sunday Best” journey and her gratitude through it all.
Q: Tell me about yourself. What’s your background? Where did you grow up? When did you start singing? What kind of family did you come from?
A: I started off singing since the age 4, born & raised in Buffalo, New York. I’ve been in church all my life. I’m a C.O.G.I.C. [Church of God in Christ] baby. My aunt Cynthia & aunt Iris kept me in church. At the age [of] 12 my uncle Samuel White formed a group with me & my cousins and we were “the Spiritualettes.” [I was] raised by my mom. She was a single parent; very good [and] strict mother. Love her. I have an amazing family. I’m their star. My son DeMarkus is the best son in the world. He’s my only; my heart, my love.
Q: When did you realize that singing was what you wanted to do?
A: I realized I wanted to sing when I was in high school. I took up chorus. I learned so many different songs that I’ve never heard before. I learned so many Different notes, changes & ways of breathing so that I can hit each note properly. People would often say “when you sing DaMarka I get chills through my body”; and tears would fall down their face. I also received Best Singer of the School Award. The one thing I would always say is “thank you God.”
Q: Of course all of western New York rejoiced to see you on “Sunday Best.” Why did you decide to do it?
A: Ooooooh I love western New York. Well I never wanted to do Sunday Best. So many would encourage me to do it but I said “oh no.” But Pashard, Houston , Annetta & my friend JeeMell really encouraged me. I still said no. I thought about it and said ok. I went to the D.C. auditions and said “God if this is meant, let everything workout for me.” It did [and] I’m very grateful.
Q: Many people were disappointed to see you eliminated. What were some of the biggest takeaways/lessons from the “Sunday Best” experience?
A: Everyone was so hurt about the elimination. I was shocked at first. I said “whoa. I thought I sung.” [laughs] They wanted more stage presence from me, and yes I agree. I could have given a little more. [I learned that] when doing shows [that include] competition, [you have to] give your all. But sometimes I [wonder if I] should I give this much or hold back some, because you never know what the judges might say. [They could say] that’s too much or not enough. It can be so much pressure at times. [laughs] [But] in all you do, never take the constructive criticism personal.
Q: What is it that you feel God has called you to do with your gift/voice?
A: God has called me to be a blessing to the world with my voice. I had surgery on my left lung years ago and it’s still not as strong as the right lung. So for me to be able to sing and hit every note means so much to me. I’m very thankful.
Q: What are the struggles/challenges that come with being gifted the way you are?
A: Well some struggles I face or have faced would be sickness. I mentioned lung surgery. I’ve suffered for years. I’ve had 13 surgeries [and] so much pain. It’s been very rough to pursue my music career at times, but God has made a way for me. These last two years I have been good; very healthy. I’m very grateful.
Q: How do you manage going from being a small-city singer to someone on a huge national platform? Does the prospect of new doors opening scare you? Excite you?
A: Well it’s very exciting. I will say I’ve been singing for a very long time. I lived in Georgia for many years. I’ve backed up so many major artists, recorded with many groups and choirs but [I’ve] never been on a platform alone. It’s very different. I’m ready to enjoy this music journey and see everything God has for me. I also want to be so successful to the point I can pull a lot of my fellow artists here in Buffalo [and] western New York along with me; [just] help anyway I can.
Q: What’s next for DaMarka Wheeler?
A: The next thing for Ms. DaMarka is traveling, networking, and working on my amazing album. [I’m] trusting God to connect me with great producers and [to] have favor with a great label to sign me. Please keep me up lifted. God has great things in store for me!’
To book DaMarka Wheeler, call 803-956-9786 or e-mail dwministries@yahoo.com
Brenden Hobbs
