Rising Stars: Meet Trenice Atkinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Trenice Atkinson.

Hi Trenice, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from a small town called Grifton. So small there’s only one traffic light. I started performing at the young age of 7 in the church choir and pageants.

Then I started singing at a local karaoke restaurant and performing cover songs at many local festivals, fashion shows, weddings, and other community events.

My first time acting was for a stage play “Behind The Pulpit” by the late David Payton. Then at the age of 10, I started singing with a community college jazz band under Mr. Michael Stephenson.

Then I began writing and recording my own music at 12 years old. Someone told me I wasn’t good enough to win a pageant, so I co-wrote a tune called Born To Win. So, I have been writing ever since and just continued to pursue every opportunity that has been presented to me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road for me. Some of the most difficult struggles I have been through were bullying, losing my dad, and grandmother, homelessness, and doubting myself.

First, I was bullied most of the middle school up until like 9th grade. I also had a classmate that committed suicide due to bullying. So I sat down with my mom and wrote my first original song called “Speak Out!!!” So, instead of falling into depression, I began to believe in myself and started to get into music as a way of escape. You can find the music video “Speak Out” by Trenice on Youtube.

Then, in 2015 just before my 13th birthday, my world changed forever, I lost my dad (Tamaka J. Atkinson). I was definitely a “Daddy’s Girl”. Not having him here to see me graduate high school, and all the positive things that I have accomplished has been a real struggle for me.

It has been 7 years now but seems as if it was just yesterday. I wish he could see that his daughter has made it on national TV and made a name for herself as an artist, actress, and model. But I carry him in my heart and I know he would be very proud.

Then there’s my grandmother (Shernice Brock Plymouth) who I watched suffer from stage 4 ovarian cancer. There were days and nights when I sat at the hospital with her and saw her pain. Anytime I achieved a goal, I’d always run to her first to tell or show her what I’d done. And it never failed, she would burst into tears!

That always let me know how proud she was of me! But, even in her struggles, she still continued to root for me. She, unfortunately, passed away in 2021. Also, back in 2017 when I won my first Carolina Music Award, my family was homeless. When I received a nomination, I was sitting on the hotel steps making videos asking people to vote for me. So, when my name was announced as the 2017 Youth Hip Hop & R&B Artist of the Year, I was shocked.

It was a very big accomplishment and I’m extremely grateful. Finally, sometimes I struggle with doubting myself. I have a lot of moments when I don’t think I have what it takes. Especially when it comes to finances. There’s so much that goes into creating a brand. I don’t have the means to honestly support everything I do, but I try not to give up.

For example, I record all my music at home. My mom helps me write and my stepdad (Ira Ikeyz Clark Jr.) produces. I have never been to an actual recording studio, can’t afford to. But it has worked for me thus far. Also, when I finish filming (background/stand-in actress), there are so many times when I cannot afford a room for the night, I will sleep in a hotel lobby until daybreak and drive home in the morning!

I’m 19 from a small town called Grifton, but I have been on national tv and have had my music played on the radio! So for me, I’ll just keep pushing the best way that I know how. I try to take every opportunity I can to shine. If I never make it, no one can say I didn’t try. What God has for me, It is for me!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a singer, actress, and model! I am very proud of myself for all of the accomplishments I have achieved over the past 12 years or so. I began writing and recording my own tunes at the age of 12. One of my first original songs called “Speak Out” was written due to my personal experiences with bullying, starting in middle school.

But, instead of falling into depression, I began to believe in myself and started to follow and pursue my dreams. At 14, I shot a music video for my first single “Been In Love” in 2016! In 2017, I was nominated for and won the Carolina Music Awards Youth Hip-Hop & RnB Artist of the Year! In July 2018 I had the honor of opening up for Dru Hill and Ginuwine.

In 2019, I brought home another win as the Carolina Music Award Youth Hip-Hop & RnB Artist of the year. I am currently nominated for 2022 Female R&B Artist of the Year. Next, I entered the radio station contest and was the Local Artist Spotlight winner. My singles, “CRUSH” and “I FOUND U aired on WIKS 101.9 KISS FM! The video for my single “I FOUND U” was shot in Times Square in New York City, which can be seen on youtube or Facebook under TRENICE.

Then, I became a regular National Anthem singer for The DownEast Wood Ducks Baseball Team at the Grainger Stadium in Kinston, N.C. I released my first self-titled album “TRENICE” in 2021 which can be found on all streaming platforms such as Spotify, Google, iTunes, Apple Music, Tidal, etc. “Touching On Me and “Creepin” by me Trenice ft. Chynna Vonne and Venomiss, are two of my favorite on the album. I have recently started working on my second album.

I am also a model and have been in many fashion shows from Greenville to Raleigh. I am also an actress (aspiring) as well! I have been doing background work on multiple films and TV shows, such as “Adrenaline (2015), Under The Dome, Swamp Thing (2019), “One True Love”, “Along for The Ride”, “Echoes”, and featured in “Breakwater”, and “Hightown (season 3) (2022)”.

I filmed with the Fox TV series “Our Kind Of People” for 6 months (2021) for the entire first season. I got to meet many great actors such as Morris Chestnut, Nadine Ellis, Lance Gross, Yaya Dacosta, Joe Morton, Debbie Morgan and so many other guest appearance legendary actors and actresses!! It was such an amazing experience working with and meeting so many stars and new people.

I wouldn’t say anything that sets me apart from others. Everyone has something great about them. I just always try to be the best me that I can be. I have a good work ethic and I know somewhat what it takes to get the job done. I try to have a positive attitude when I get involved in anything.

Everything doesn’t always go right or as planned. But it’s a learning experience and process. You win some, You lose some.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can follow or reach me for bookings, appearances, features, and performances on social media at:

Instagram: @iamtrenice02
Facebook: @Trenicemuzic
YouTube: Trenice
Twitter: @Trenicemuzik16
Email: [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/Trenice02/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtrenice02/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TreniceMuzic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/trenicemuzic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=trenice

Image Credits
GP Productions, Gary Corata Photography, and Trenice