Lt. Sunnie’s ‘Who She Think She Is?’: A One-of-a-Kind EP Release Party

“This performance is a culmination of my artistic journey and a testament to the power of bold individuality!” Lt. Sunnie says.

We are talking about her upcoming EP release show, “Who She Think She Is?” The show, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 12 at 7 p.m., will be at Black Business Enterprises downtown Minneapolis, sponsored by Nancy Korsah. Lt. Sunnie is excited to be bringing “Who She Think She Is?” to this historic, Black-owned venue.

“I hope ‘Who She Think She Is?’ will inspire and uplift our community by creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard and valued,” Lt. Sunnie says.

 The night promises to be a fun one. Instead of only featuring musical acts, Lt. Sunnie will preface her headlining set with a comedy improv team called “Docta, Brotha, Mista” in a skit called Mid-Husbands and a Double Dutch experience (yes, it is interactive) by Rondo Double Dutch.

The acts that Lt. Sunnie chose to be at this event were carefully selected. They reflect the same values and sensibilities of her own music.

“I will be joined by talented acts as we amplify the message of empowerment,” Lt. Sunnie says. “I am so excited to collaborate with local artists that will join me for the night, adding richness and diversity to the event. The core message encourages women to embark on self-discovery, embrace their true selves and challenge societal norms.”

She continues, “I also seek out hidden gems in the city that honor these identities, as well. These experiences have deeply influenced my music and performances, allowing me to explore themes of identity, love and resilience. Being part of this artistic scene has opened doors for collaboration with other talented artists and contributing to a growing movement of inclusivity and representation in the arts.”

In the past, Lt. Sunnie has expressed surprise that she found her way to music, having prioritized dancing as her main creative outlet when she was young. Over the years, though, Lt. Sunnie has found many creative outlets, including spending three years on her podcast.

All that to say, Lt. Sunnie has been building her career as an artist in the Twin Cities for quite some time now — a journey that she describes as “entrepreneurial and vibrant.” Although music has always been the undercurrent of her craft, it is now her main focus.

This Rondo-native is a singer, rapper and Krump dancer with a penchant for making art with an impact. “My goal is to spark conversations about identity, acceptance and empowerment that lead to tangible action and change in policies, wealth distribution and industries,” she says.

“Who She Think She Is?” is the eagerly-awaited follow-up to Lt. Sunnie’s 2023 album “Big Feelings,” which featured several other favorite local acts like Nur-D, Herb Johnson III and Mpls Drew. She is an alumna of FairPlay Entertainment and was the opening act on a recent Nur-D tour.

The EP release show for “Who She Think She Is?” is an exciting step forward in Lt. Sunnie’s career. “I will debut my new 6-track EP ‘Who She Think She Is?’ with a live band, offering a raw artistic experience through rap, monologue, singing and dance,” Lt. Sunnie says. “[You] can expect a powerful mix of laughter, tears, cheers and dancing!”

The upcoming EP sounds inspiring. “My music is rooted in bold self-expression and authenticity. Facing challenges in the arts community, I leaned on self-belief, consistency and a supportive circle to succeed,” Lt. Sunnie explains. “This perseverance led to releasing over three original works, becoming lead vocalist for an 11-piece band and completing my first national tour.”

She pauses for a moment before continuing: “Each milestone highlights the importance of staying true to oneself. I embrace my intersectional identities as a queer, Black, woman and big-bodied artist. Navigating the Twin Cities, I celebrate these layers and create spaces like ‘Who She Think She Is?’ when they aren’t readily available.”

Tickets can be found through Lt. Sunnie’s website, listed below. You can also search for her show directly on Eventbrite. For keeping up to date on all other things Lt. Sunnie (and to catch some fun behind-the-scenes content), make sure you follow her on Instagram or TikTok, both of which are also listed below.

Lt. Sunnie’s enthusiasm for this show is catching — she has clearly put her heart and soul into it. “This event is more than a performance; it is an invitation to unite, celebrate diversity and drive meaningful change in big spaces, especially as it relates to the current political climate!” she says.

This evening of multimedia entertainment will be a great way to celebrate Lt. Sunnie’s new EP. “I invite everyone to join me on this journey, promising an evening of music, inspiration and community connection,” Lt. Sunnie says. “Whether you are a long-time supporter or new to my music, ‘Who She Think She Is?’ offers something special for everyone.”

Lt. Sunnie
www.ellteesunnie.com
Instagram: @ellteesunnie