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If there is one artist whose story perfectly sums up what God can do with an artist with a heart for Him, it’s Teja Veal.
From her first days of discovering the bass, to playing in the White House and meeting President Obama, this uber-talented bass player, vocalist, songwriter and musical director has radiated joy and humility in every opportunity she’s been given as a musician, songwriter and creative.
Tejá Veal, has worked with top jazz, pop and R&B artists for years and has graced many of the biggest stages in the world. Starting as a teen playing bass in her school band, she has since worked with artists like Frank McComb and Musiq Soulchild, and has been the bass player for Grammy winner Janelle Monae since 2013. Her skill has allowed her to travel to six continents, yet she remains humble and gracious at every step.
From the moment that she fought to play bass when a teacher thought she was more suited to play violin because she was a girl, Teja has exemplified the role that a strong, talented woman can and should play in the music industry. Not only that, her strong belief in God permeates everything she does, and she shares in this heart-felt conversation how that faith has directed her on every stage - from playing for the Grammys, to the White House, to becoming the first African-American woman to serve as a campus musical director in NorthPoint Ministries in Atlanta, GA.
In this episode, Teja reveals:
- Why she refused to be relegated to a certain instrument simply because of her gender
- How she received a prophetic call to play for a major ministry in the middle of a service
- How she fought through discouragement and depression when she moved and was having no major success
- How being faithful in small opportunities became a catalyst for big ones
- Why she gives credit to God for all of her opportunities
- The amazing story of her face-to-face meeting with Prince
- Why attitude and character are more important than talent at the highest level
- How a vision from her mom of her playing at Essence Festival came true
- Why humility and character have allowed her to keep the opportunities she’s received
- How she ended up playing bass for Musiq Soulchild in an all-women band
- How she became the first African-American women musical director in an Atlanta mega-church
Quotable:
“Even if I don’t trust myself, I trust God.”
"God has given me every opportunity that I've had, most times when I didn't think was ready for it."
"Always honor every opportunity, big or small."
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
Theme Music
Performed by our guest , from "The Hopeless Romantic EP”
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.
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