Interview: Queen City Award Recipient Nitara Reaves Talks Cosmetic Line and Inspiring Influences
Nitara “Songstress” Reaves has written songs and performed for over 20 years. As a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Nitara got her start at the age of 5, learning Broadway and show tunes at Ms. Donna’s School of Dance. From 8 until today, Nitara has been the leader in more than 20 praise and worship teams, including the New Jersey Mass Choir, Greg Hoover & the Charlotte Community Singers and many others. Nitara currently performs regularly at area venues such as The Blumenthal Performing Arts, Core and The Harvey B Gantt Center, where she opened for Lenny Williams, Ann Nesby and Next. Nitara also teaches vocal lessons in Charlotte and hosts her own radio show called Nitara’s Love Notes. Just this past week, Nitara won the 2016 Queen City Award for Best Female R&B vocals
Below, RESPECT. speaks to Nitara about her musical influences, cosmetic line, helping other artists and more.
RESPECT.: If you could be on the phone with someone that is inspiring to you for five seconds what would you say to him or her?
Thank you for inspiring me and being a ray of sunshine!
RESPECT.: Who would the individual be?
Chaka Khan and if he was still alive I would say, Gerald Levert. Opera Winfrey is an individual that inspires me with her drive and willingness to keep overcoming barriers in her way. Finally, Stevie J inspires me with just the way these individuals have been able to put themselves in positions to help others become great.
RESPECT.: Who were some of the musicians you looked up to growing up?
Artists like Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Janet Jackson because of their showmanship and that part of show business isn’t around anymore.
RESPECT.: You have your own cosmetic line…where do see it headed in the next two years?
I see my cosmetic line being featured worldwide.
RESPECT.: What companies are you looking to partner with to feature your products?
I would like to partner with companies like Macy’s, JC Penny’s, Target, Walmart, and Nordstrom.
RESPECT.: Do you plan on adding an accessory or a clothing line to products in the future?
I do have plans to add more things to my product line and at this point, we are trying to figure out what accessories that I want to start off with and we will go from there. So stay tuned for future updates.
RESPECT.: Have you thought about organizing events that provide artists a platform to showcase their talents?
Absolutely, every time I hear of an opportunity being that I am a music teacher as well, I try to give people opportunities to open for me at local church shows. When I receive inquiries from managers and promoters, I give them my opinion of who they should be a part of their shows.
RESPECT.: What is an app you can’t live without currently?
Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and Pinterest.
RESPECT.: As an artist and an instructor, where do you see your career headed in the next couple of years?
I see being able to do music full time and I also see myself being a vocal coach. I like helping other artists being able to reach their full potential as well as travel and being able to perform allows me to do some of these things.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
