FWM: Describe the secret to managing your roles as wife, mother, first lady, gospel recording artist and CEO?
LRB: I think the secret is to not get hung up on any title or role. I take each of them one day at a time. I’ve learned how to combine them but I also understand that they are all individual roles, so I do my best to balance them out . When I am at church I am in full First Lady mode. When I am at home I am mommy and wife until the phone rings and I have to do some type of counseling. Then, I’m back in First Lady mode.
Now, the fact that I’m a gospel recording artist simply ties right into my ministry because I am a licensed minister, also. So, to be able to minister to people with my music is part of my DNA. As the CEO of Buboni, fashion, styling and beauty, all go along with being a First Lady, as well as an artist. Everyone knows that First Ladies love to dress well so they all seem to work together.
FWM: As a gospel recording artist, what best describes your sound?
LRB: I’m definitely a praise and worship singer but also a soulful and anointed artist. If I had to compare my sound to someone, I would say I have a soulful sound like what Mary J Blige is to R&B, but as a soulful gospel singer. I also enjoy listening to and singing songs from Tamela Mann, Yolanda Adams, Maverick City, Jonathan McReynolds, Bishop Marvin Sapp and Koryn Hawthorne, just to name a few.
I also admire First Lady Erica Campbell as well. I have a little bit of her style in me, beauty style in artistry. “I love God, you don’t Love God?…what’s wrong with you?” (Laughs)
I choose the lyrics that I write wisely. I try to make sure that my lyrics are received by both the lost and the found. I really want to captivate the lost with my lyrics and sound. It’s very important to me that once they hear my music and I have their attention, I’m able to minister to them and they are like, “Oh, wow, I didn’t know that gospel could sound or make me feel like this.”
I try to make sure that my lyrics are received by both the lost and the found.
FWM: Who inspired you to launch Buboni and is there any significant meaning behind the name?
LRB: Well, during the first year that COVID hit, I made myself a jacket that said First Lady on it. To my surprise, my husband Pastor Michael Barrett was like, “You should’ve made me one.” Not knowing I was one step ahead of him and had already made him one that read “Pastor” for Christmas. I was happy to know that men could appreciate Bling. So, once I started blinging out items one day my husband said we should take this to the next level. I agreed, so, while trying to come up with a name, he reminded me of the name Buboni which was a name he came up with many years ago. My 1st question was, “what does BUBONI stand for?” He then explained that it meant:
B Black
U Unity
B Brings
O Our
N Nation
I Independence = BUBONI…
I fell in love with the meaning. So, we did a test run and ordered a few items, had BUBONI placed on them AND BOOM! We then started wearing only BUBONI and low and behold people would ask us where we got our outfits. And I was happy to tell them it was our New Clothing Line and the orders just started rolling in.
Anybody who knows me knows that I’m Known as the “Bling Queen.” I truly believe that the name and the whole concept just mirrors what my husband and I are….Life partners, business partners, a great team….He came up with the name. I came up with a concept and together we have Buboni.
FWM: What is it really like being the First Lady?
LRB: It’s amazing and I’m shocked all at the same time. I say this because growing up my grandfather was a Preacher, so I’m a PK grandkid. I never imagined myself being a First Lady. It has a lot of highs and lows, as well as responsibilities, but I actually love all of it because I am a people person. I’m a social butterfly. I love people and I love to both give and receive love. So, being the First Lady of Do Right Christian Church allows me to do what I now know I was called to do–which is love on people and it allows for people to love on me back. Most importantly, it definitely allows for me to introduce people to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Hey…what can I say? In the words of my song What You Got For Me is For Me! Ha Ha. No, but really, I understand my assignment now and that is to bring The Lord’s people closer to God. I’m forever grateful that The Lord chose me, a little ole girl from Kansas City, Missouri, to be a blessing by allowing me to utilize my gifts and talents that The Good Lord has bestowed upon my life in the highest way possible. To God be The Glory!!!
FWM: Please share a glimpse of what we can expect from La’Kesia Rambo Barrett in 2023?
LRB: Well, the world can expect a fews new things from LRB/La’Kesia Rambo Barrett in 2023. You can definitely expect for #1-My album to drop. #2-An autobiography book along with my More Than A Trophy Women’s Conference, just to name a few. Lastly, I want to thank Dr. Shekina Farr for this amazing opportunity to be featured in FORMIDABLE WOMAN MAGAZINE. She has truly inspired me and so many others–both men and women–to “Dream Big, Stay the Course and Never Give Up!”
