Divinity Roxx: From Secret Bass Player to World Stage
Categoria: Musica
"I want to make music kids enjoy but also music that adults can connect with too," says Beyoncé's onetime bassist.
Por Billboard | 20/07/2026
Divinity Roxx secretly taught herself to play bass guitar. Years later, she was onstage at the BET Awards performing with Beyoncé in front of millions of people. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, Roxx loved music, wrote rap lyrics and practiced constantly. Her passion led her to work with legendary bassist Victor Wooten and tour the world as part of an all-female band. The group showed audiences around the world that women belong at the center of the music scene. Today, Roxx creates music full of rhythm, confidence and positivity for kids and families, earning two best children’s music album Grammy nominations for her work. Related Meet the 2025 Grammy Nominees for Best Children’s Music Album Darius Rucker Says He's Considering Retiring From Touring in Two Years Ariana Grande Sings Decade-Old Hit for the First Time in Years During Tech Difficulty at NYC Show Finding Her Sound You’ve toured with Beyoncé and earned Grammy nominations. Did you always know you wanted to make music? Not really — it just happened. I’ve always loved music. I started on clarinet in third grade, then moved into writing raps as a teenager. In college I was recording with other artists but wasn’t allowed to help create the music — only the raps. That frustrated me. I realized I needed to play an instrument to be taken seriously, so I picked up the bass. From there, I just kept going. What was it like being in a high school rap group? I had something to say. My first rap was about respect. As a young girl, you start to notice how people treat you and how you see yourself. It was about believing that I matter and that I have control over my own choices. The Big Break How did you start touring with the legendary bass player Victor Wooten? I was secretly practicing bass while performing as a rapper. When I first heard Victor, I was amazed and wanted to learn everything I could about his playing. I attended his bass camp and introduced myself by rapping and playing bass, but I didn’t think it stood out. Months later, he called and asked me to tour. What did touring teach you? Touring is about working together. It’s not all glamour — it’s showing up prepared and supporting the people around you. Being someone others can count on matters. I was part of an incredible group of women, and we were breaking barriers. Seeing young girls watch us play instruments was powerful. When did you realize your music career was working out? It was the first show with Beyoncé. I had been working for years. I was thinking about giving up music altogether. Then suddenly, I was onstage at the BET Awards, with lights, a big crowd, and millions watching on TV. I thought: My family can see this. It meant a lot to me. Beyoncé Knowles (L) performs the song “Irreplaceable” with guitarist Bibi McGill (C) and bassist Divinity Roxx (R) at the 2006 American Music Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on November 21, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. Ethan Miller/Getty Images How did you