My singing teacher once said something that cut deep. Upon spying a younger artist walking into the studio, she told me we were passing the baton to the next generation. In that instant, I didn’t picture Mustafa blessing his young son on the Pride Rock in the ‘circle of life’. Instead, I found my fist closing over an imaginary stick and tucked it hard against my chest. I thought to myself: Nope. No way.
At 49, I’ve only just established my grip on the baton. To be fair, I’m not even that used to having a baton. What are you talking about?, I wanted to shout. I’ve waited so long for my turn, and now I have to hand it over? I haven’t even reached my full potential yet. I’m still in the middle of my story – raising a daughter, chasing dreams, discovering new things about myself every day, learning how to sing, play, dance and live. Why would I hand over the baton right when I’m reaching my prime?
PUBLISHED ON SBS VOICES, 26 APRIL 2023