EXCLUSIVE: Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, actress and author Fantasia Barrino (The Color Purple) is launching Rock Soul Productions, an entertainment company formed in partnership with live event producer and artist manager Yvonne McNair. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Rock Soul is a full-service operation with divisions centered in the areas of management, production and entertainment ventures.
With Fantasia serving as CEO and McNair as president, Rock Soul seeks to be “the intersection where creativity and excellence in entertainment meet.” Offering comprehensive management services — from strategic career planning to brand development and beyond tailored to each artist’s unique vision and goals — Rock Soul is committed to investing in talent and becoming the ultimate resource in discovering, developing and elevating artists to new heights in their careers. The company will also focus on creating audience-driven experiences through live events, film and TV opportunities, and digital content.
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As this year marks Fantasia’s 20th anniversary in the entertainment industry, Rock Soul is a milestone next step. The artist-owned and -run company further extends her star power and established success in music, film and TV and will allow her and McNair to empower other artists and creatives in the ever-evolving music and entertainment landscape.
“The formation of Rock Soul feels like a natural progression for me personally. It is the manifestation of my evolution as an artist, a creative and a businesswoman,” said Fantasia. “After 20 years, you can’t help but to take stock and look back at all the things you have done, and I wanted to use those experiences to inform my opportunities going forward. Advocating for myself and other artists to become the change agents in telling their own stories and taking the reins in shaping their own narrative and success is what I’m passionate about. I am also so excited to control and shape the art and entertainment experiences that we will be sharing with the world.
“Yvonne is the perfect partner for me to embark on this journey with as I quickly realized that she is a real dynamo, and I knew that I wanted that kind of visionary thinking at the table with me. With Rock Soul Productions, we are creating something powerful, and we aim to touch each and every facet of entertainment.”
After initially crossing paths more than 12 years ago, Fantasia and McNair connected when they joined Sigma Gamma Rho as line sisters in November 2022. The pair further synced over their respective experiences in the entertainment industry.
“Fantasia is not only a once-in-a-lifetime kind of talent, but she is also an incredibly savvy businesswoman,” said McNair. “As an artist at the top of her craft, she brings a singularly unique perspective to Rock Soul Productions that truly sets us apart. For me, as a live event producer and entrepreneur for over 20 years, this is the dream realized. Rock Soul presents an opportunity for us to build something new and innovative that breaks up the traditional models and industry standards. We are committed to making a positive impact through our work, upholding the highest standards of integrity in everything we do and ensuring that each creation leaves a lasting impression on our audiences. With this company, we will continue to push boundaries, ignite imaginations, and shape the future of entertainment. I am incredibly proud to partner with Fantasia to bring the Rock Soul experience to life.”
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