From Home to Homecoming: Discover What Makes an Artist Great with Naärai, Vocalist and Actor

How does an independent artist go from finding her way in a new city, to performing with not one, but TWO of the biggest stars in the world?

Singer, actor and songwriter Naärai Jacobs’ incredible story reveals the possibilities when you maintain your faith in God, prioritize your goals and work hard to pursue your dreams as a creative.

Born into a musical family in Sarasota, FL, Naärai grew up surrounded by artists, and watched intently as her father ran a successful regional musical theater troupe. However, her musical path was not yet set in motion, and she felt called to other pursuits until her talents overtook her and guided her into a new path.

After graduating magna cum laude from Howard University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. She quickly discovered the tough side of the entertainment industry as she struggled to establish herself as an independent artist in a new arena.

Her tenacity paid off, and since that leap of faith she has had the incredible opportunity to perform behind superstar Beyonce at her iconic Coachella performance “Homecoming.” If that weren’t enough, she then found herself auditioning for, and receiving a position as one of singers in the Kanye West Sunday Service choir, better known as “The Samples.”

Throughout her many accomplishments, Naärai maintains a keen sense of purpose that sees a higher goal than simply performing with A-list artists. Her goal remains to achieve great things for God and to reveal His character by creating exceptional art and music.

Key Takeaways from our talk with Naärai

• How her background of musical theater and growing up in a family of artists helped her find her own creative path

• How she learned through tough times when she first moved to Los Angeles

• The importance of building relationships while beginning your creative journey

• What she learned from working with Beyonce as she performed for her iconic Coachella performance in 2018.

• How a chance call and audition resulted in her singing with Kanye West and the Sunday Service choir “The Samples”

• The importance of keeping her faith as she built her independent career

Stay in Touch with Naärai

• Email: naaraimichele@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnaarai/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamNAARAI/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamNAARAI

More About the God and Gigs Show

Welcome to The God and Gigs Show, the podcast for Christian creators who want to build a creator lifestyle that honors God and gives you the joy and satisfaction you've always wanted.

This isn't a show about hustle culture or chasing the next algorithm trick. We go beyond surface-level tips to talk about what it actually looks like to create from a place of faith — practical strategies for podcasting, content creation, and growing a creative business that lasts. You'll hear conversations about staying consistent without burning out. We also dig into finding your creative voice along the way, even when ministry, family, and work are all pulling at the same hours.

Whether you're just exploring your creative gifts, or you've been creating professionally for years, this show gives Christian creators practical tools and spiritual encouragement to fully embrace God's creative calling - at any level of skill or vocational ability. The goal is to help you create consistently and embrace God's will for your creative life without sacrificing your calling.

Your host and founder is Allen C. Paul — podcaster, musician, author, and speaker based in South Florida.  We started this show to help creators thrive in faith, business, and creativity through simple, practical solutions.

We'll cover questions like:

• How do I work in secular arts and entertainment without losing my faith focus?
• What does it actually look like to build a creative business as a Christian?
• How can I stay consistent with content creation without burning out?
• What's the difference between hustle culture and sustainable creative work?
• How do I find my voice as a faith-driven or creator?
• How can I balance ministry, family, and creative work?
• What are practical first steps to working as a Christian creator?

If you've been searching for honest conversations about faith and creativity,  keeping your family and relationships as your first priority, or how to build a business that honors your calling, you're in the right place. Join us every week as we help you become the creator you were created to be.

Connect with us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/godandgigs and learn more about the God and Gigs 360 community at https://godandgigs.com/membership.

Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page on The God and Gigs Show