Q&A: Demetria McKinney
- Iesha M.
- Oct 14, 2015
- 3 min read

Demetria McKinney is best known for her work as Janine Shelton-Payne on the TBS comedy sitcom Tyler Perry’s House of Payne ,and the 7th season of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta. However, she has recently introduced us to a soothing and powerful voice that will soon be on top of the charts. SoulTrain.com spoke with the actress and singer to get the scoop on the direction of her career.
SoulTrain.com: This season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta will not feature you as an “official” peach holder; however, your presence will be there. From last season, what are two lessons that you have learned from filming the reality show?
Demetria McKinney: Season 7 of RHOA was a whirlwind of shade, shenanigans, and crazy. I’ve filmed a couple of times as it pertains to music. No shady moments for me! That leads to the 2 things I learned from the experience: Use the platform while it utilizes you. I never wanted to be trapped in reality world. The platform is undeniable and can be a good tool if u use it as such. Secondly, shade is the name of the game in reality, but I learned that all that talk is possibly the cheapest thing about it. I said I wanted to sing, tour, get signed, mission accomplished! Success is the best shade.
SoulTrain.com: Rumor has it that there is an upcoming reality show with you and Claudia Jordan. Is this true? What will the show be about? When does it debut?
Demetria McKinney: Claudia and I have become really good friends. She is real. I don’t think reality [TV] showed any of the other colors she has to offer. If we did a reality show, it would show us for real—our real life issues, successes, trials, support, and passions. If we did that, I’d love to have it out soon!
SoulTrain.com: Everyone knows and loves you as a serious actress with Tyler Perry. Are you working on any new films or projects?
Demetria McKinney: I am forever grateful for my Tyler Perry days! That laid such a strong foundation for me to branch out from. Since then I’ve worked on Necessary Roughness, Devious Maids, played Deena opposite Jennifer Holiday as Effie—I mean, it’s been awesome! I did a movie called Sons to the Grave co-starring Darren Henson and Atlantic recording artist Trevor Jackson, and directed by Mykal T. Williams. It was a riveting, honest story that looks into our community and choices and calls us to change our children’s futures. I also shot a pilot with Essence Atkins, Vivica A. Fox, Lamman Rucker, Tony Rock, and Carl Payne. This one is a grown and sexy comedy and I cannot wait for it to come out!
SoulTrain.com: Which is your preferred trade, music or film? Why?
Demetria McKinney: My preferred trade is music. It’s always been with me. Through all life has thrown at me, it’s been there. And although I love acting and telling people’s stories, there’s nothing like you telling the story of you. My music is my way of giving people a true insight into who I am and letting them know dreams come true!
SoulTrain.com: What was the inspiration behind your upcoming single and new music video “Unnecessary Trouble” featuring Kandi Burress? What was it like working with her musically?
Demetria McKinney: Some may remember me asking Kandi to work together and she was leery, understandably so. However, we came together and made some great music! “Unnecessarily Trouble” came from a real place among women. We offer advice out of concern, but our lives aren’t all the way together. This situation happens so often, and Kandi has always had a knack for writing reality. It was awesome to work with her and doing a duet was so unexpected, and I am thankful for it!
SoulTrain.com: When can we expect an album from you? Who will be featured on the project?
Demetria McKinney: Kandi and I worked so well, she is the executive producer of my upcoming album, Officially Yours. The album will be out through eOne Music in early 2016. Kandi and Lyfe Jennings make an appearance on the album, but I wanted people to really get to know my story. This album features mainly my vocals, but I look forward to collaborations in the near future!
SoulTrain.com: What is something that you want (or wish) that your fans knew about you?
Demetria McKinney: The one thing I want people to know about me is that life happens to me but I don’t dwell in it. I believe in the power of choice and I choose to be happy.
Article/Interview by: Jamillah Rahmaad
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