If asked to describe 20-year-old Raffinae Keyes, I would probably have to say: big hair, even bigger voice. Though Raffinae may only stand at about 5 feet tall, she has a knack for all things “big,” including her win at Columbia’s “Biggest Mouth” competition back in 2010 that brought out some of the best talent not just at Columbia, but in the city of Chicago.
She won singing with a group called “Fighter” and wowed the house with a dazzling performance complete with a full band and back-up dancers. And while they looked quite polished and prepared to claim victory that night, Raffinae explains that they were anything but.
“We were ripping and running around trying to find a drummer, guitarist and DJ for me literally days before the show. They found a guitarist, but he dropped out saying that we were not prepared enough for him. The day before, they got in contact with a drummer and DJ and we had one rehearsal before the show,” she explains.
But with clear talent and maybe even pure luck they went on to win the whole showcase, which included a pretty hefty cash prize.
“Too bad for that guitarist,” she says with a laugh.
Currently, Raffinae is a part of the music/production group “Golden Heights” with her soon-to-be husband, Damon, a former Columbia student. Together, they write music for different artists the group produces for. Personally, she cites artists like Brandy, Beyonce, Imogen Heap and Foo Fighters as musical inspiration for her sound, showing her versatility and range.
In a few years, she hopes to see “Golden Heights” writing and producing for huge names in the industry. She also wishes to get into acting for film.
“By then, I will definitely have the ability to take care of both of our [Damon] families, as well as other families through charities,” she says.
So we can add “big heart” to the list of things that Raffinae does big and in a few years, we’ll probably be able to also include “big star.”
“Music is the first and only thing that comes to mind as far as career-wise. I’m already working towards my career in song-writing, producing and arranging, so I know by the time I graduate God will show and make a way.”