Temica Key
Performing Arts: Music, Performing Arts, Spoken Word, Vocal
Temica Shree’ Key was born in Chicago, IL on October 26, 1981 to a family full of musicians and vocalists. She was first exposed to music as a small child by her mother who at that time was the lead singer of multiple local bands and girl groups. Temica made her singing debut at the age of 4 during her preschool graduation. Her small frame, but mighty voice belted out Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All” for all to hear.
Later in her youth, Temica along with her immediate family moved to South Bend, IN where she continued to perform in local talent shows. Later, she joined the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir under the direction of Reverend Morris Flannigan. As a member of the choir she served as one of the main soloist and was most known for her rendition of Darryl Coley’s “More Like Jesus.”
In the fall of 1999 Temica began he collegiate career at Indiana University Bloomington. Once settled in Bloomington, she wasted no time taking to the stage and began performing at local coffeehouses and student sponsored events. Her dynamic stage presence, energetic delivery and intricate writing style quickly caught the eye of classmates and founders of local spoken word group S.O.N., Shaunette Beyers-Parker and Naz Khalid. Temica became a member of S.O.N. shortly thereafter along with Amir Khan, Noble LaVarr Woods and Ian Dunlap bringing the group total to 6.
In the Spring of 2002, the group released their debut album, S.O.N. a Band of Poets. In the fall of 2003 the group disbanded. In addition to performing with S.O.N., Temica also sang with the IU African American Chorale Ensemble (AACE) under the direction of Dr. James E. Mumford. As a member of AACE, Temica starred in the ensembles production of Gospel at Colonus in the Spring 2003. While performing with the AACE, Temica also sang in the gospel group, God’s Progress which was comprised of 3 males and 6 females. The group sang under the direction of Alphonso Cherry and Carmund White.
Upon graduation Temica returned to South Bend and began hosting various open mic and spoke word events. Missing the artistic expression of the big city, Temica moved to Indianapolis in May of 2007. Since being in Indianapolis, Temica has competed in, judged, won and hosted several karaoke contests. In February 2009, Temica joined acoustic rock group Soul Patch. The following year the group disbanded leading Temica to her current home, R&B band, Blue Soul Band. In addition to being one of the lead singers of this 8 piece band, Temica also performs with local acoustic act Temica Key Unplugged and with The Temica Key Project a 4 piece band featuring her as the sole singer.
