Community Corner

Arlington Composer And Musical Artist Sharing Her Dream With The World

Damoyee Janai's love of music began at a young age. But she wasn't just listening — she was creating.

Artist Damoyee Janai
Artist Damoyee Janai (City of Arlington)

November 05, 2020

"It was around the age of 8 when I started composing my own music instrumentally. Around age 10, 11, I started writing lyrics to some of my compositions," Janai said.

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That work led to her first EP, released when she was just 13 years old, and a performance at Arlington's Levitt Pavilion.

"That was probably one of the most nerve-wracking performances," Janai said. "I even forgot the words to my own song. But it was such a cool experience."

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That performance only fueled Janai's passion for music, eventually landing her a full scholarship at Boston's Berklee College of Music. She says the diversity on campus is reminiscent of her hometown.

"Just like Arlington, it's such a supporting community," Janai said. "I have so many friends not only from here, the United States, but also worldwide, coming from different styles."

Janai has been able to share her work in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth and beyond. But she says her roots in Arlington showed her what the American dream really means.

"It keeps me hungry to pursue not only my career as an artist but help other communities, help other people," Janai said. "I'm so grateful."


This press release was produced by the City of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.