The UB Interview: Syleena Johnson Talks ‘The Making of a Woman’

The Making of a Woman chronicles the journey of Syleena Johnson as she creates and completes her 11th studio album, “Woman.” An empowering story of hope, drive and determination, centered around music that highlights the challenges all women face in their quest for growth, happiness and success.

Aries from UB spoke to Syleena this week about the docu-series. Syleena also talks about her performance at this years Black Music Honors, airing in syndication starting today – check local listings.

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UrbanBridgez.com: How did the idea and concept come about for “The Making of a Woman?”
Syleena Johnson: It started in 2018, we wanted to really show what goes on. Not in a reality TV series format, but in a docu-series format of a woman in the music business. Who has multiple jobs and responsibilities and kind of highlight what we deal with in this industry, as women. In the work place, as women, you know just really show the full behind the scenes of what goes on in this industry in terms of women. Being a talk show host, I was privy to a lot of information, that I wasn’t as an artist. It kind of triggered me to want to show that, R&B Divas was suppose to show that.. but it didn’t. So I really wanted to focus on the music and the artistry of what was really going on behind the scenes.

UrbanBridgez.com: I love the different stories from people like your sister and I love the whole concept of it, and how we get the behind the scenes. Tell us why it was important for you to really showcase women with this series?
Syleena Johnson: Thank you! Not just as an entertainer, but when God gives us gifts, it’s a sin not to use them. So when God gives you anything like challenges or whatever, the one thing we all try to figure out is how did God want us to use it? What are you using it for? What are you a “celebrity” for? What are you being celebrated for? So I chose to use my gift, my voice which you have known for many years. I write about women, the roles, the ups and downs of a women. I come straight from my heart, knowing that most women–if not all, are going through the same things. I don’t make it for women, I make it for everybody to understand. So that’s what I use my platform for and that’s what this docu-series is about. Just another element, another in-depth look and understanding of who we are. With the things we deal with, specially in today’s society and what we’re up against.

UrbanBridgez.com: Tell everyone why they should tune into “The Making of a Woman?”
Syleena Johnson: Because we should be supporting black women. Because we’re the least supported. You educate a man, you educate a person, you educate a woman, you educate a village. So we have to support black women, because we’re not being supported and there’s an imbalance. So if nothing else, that’s number one. For number two, we have to be understanding of what black women are going through. Now I’m just one black women, my sister is in the doc and she gets diagnosed with cancer, my assistants are in it and other black women are in it. I’m just one black women, but I’m sure any woman can look at this documentary and say, Oh my god, I can understand that. I know what that’s like, I know what it’s like to leave my kids, I know what it’s like to have to leave my husband for work. Oh my god, my sister was diagnosed with cancer too, or my mother was. Not only that, but my sister loss a baby in the middle of a project. And still had to keep going! Through all of this trouble, through all of this drama. So is the black man, don’t get it twisted. But I’m a black women, so I’m just telling my story. My hope is that, people get a better understanding of our culture and women in our culture and what we’re dealing with.

UrbanBridgez.com: Congratulations on your recent Unsung, were you happy with it and what did you enjoy most?
Syleena Johnson: I saw it before it aired and I was really happy. So what I saw on TV, was what I saw before it hit the TV. Watching it the only thing I felt, was I needed two hours. There was so much stuff, that could of been seen. But with the time, only so much could go in. But I think it was perfect and it was really good. What did you think, did you think it was good?

UrbanBridgez.com: I enjoyed it a lot! So much was covered, so I can only image what wasn’t. But agreed, great job! We love Unsung!
Syleena Johnson: Thank you! Yeah we could only get 42 minutes in, with the commercials (laughs).

UrbanBridgez.com: What can you tell us about your performance for Black Music Honors this year?
Syleena Johnson: I’m helping honor Angie Stone. With Avery*Sunshine, Chrisette Michele and Bahamadia. It was awesome, Angie is dope, she’s a legend. It was so befitting for her and it was great to be apart of it. Especially since I share so many experiences with Angie, throughout my career. It’s always great to be celebrated, by something called black music. You know what I’m saying, it’s just like me being on Aspire and being celebrated during Black Music Month. It’s privilege and a blessing.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s next for Syleena Johnson?
Syleena Johnson: Really I’m trying to be low-key. They’re a lot of things coming, but I’m just trying to chill and enjoy life. 2020 stole a lot of it.

The Making of a Woman is executive produced, produced and edited by an all-woman team: Syleena Johnson (SJ Entertainment), Dr. Syleecia Thompson (Dr.Syleecia Productions) and Shari Nycole (Shari Nycole Media).

The Making of a Woman Episode 1- Saturday, June 5 at 8 p.m. ET
EPISODE TITLE: “YEAR OF THE WOMAN”
As the fight for women’s rights takes front and center in America, R&B diva and talk show host, Syleena Johnson, begins work on her 11th studio album, “Woman,” to highlight the struggles women face and the power they possess. Between flights back and forth from her home in Atlanta to Chicago to work on the album, press runs and concerts, Syleena and her team must make the most of her studio sessions and find a way to complete a music video for her debut single, “Woman.” To make matters more complicated, Syleena’s sister and manager, Dr. Syleecia, is diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer, and Syleena is tasked with traveling for a tour in South Africa without her.

The Making of a Woman Episode 2 – Saturday, June 12 at 8 p.m. ET
EPISODE TITLE: “A DIVA DEFINED”
In this episode, Syleena Johnson continues her tour run in South Africa while her sister and manager, Dr. Syleecia, undergoes surgery and begins radiation treatment for Stage 1 breast cancer. When Syleena comes back from South Africa, she returns to the studio to finish the second single on the Woman album called, “Freelance Lover.” With a really creative concept in mind, Syleena is very excited about bringing her vision for the “Freelance Lover” music video to life, but her excitement is almost stripped when the video director doesn’t live up to her expectations.

The Making of a Woman Episode 3 – Saturday, June 19 at 8 p.m. ET
EPISODE TITLE: “BODY PARTY”
In this episode, Syleena Johnson hits the weight room with her trainer to ready her body for stage performances of her sensual single, “Come Inside My House.” With her health and fitness intact, Syleena signs a major record deal with Entertainment One Nashville, travels to Chicago to perform at the Bantu Fest and hosts a listening event for her fans. As work on her album wraps, Syleena tries to shake off her nerves to take the stage in Atlanta and Nashville and give fans a show laced with a little sex appeal.

“The Making of a Woman” Marathon of all episodes, will air Saturday, June 26th.