BelleAime Robinson

Delacreme Scholar Spotlight: Class of 2021

By Bragard Kizenga

Could you introduce yourself. Where you went to school, and got your degree(s) in?

Hi! My name is BelleAime Robinson. I’m a 22 year old, Houston native, currently living in Chicago. I graduated in May 2023 from Columbia College Chicago with a B.A. in Music Business with a concentration in Recorded Music and Publishing. 

How did you find out about the scholarship?

Instagram and fate! I was on Instagram one day and the scholarship post was either reposted on someone’s story or popped up on my “for you” page. One of the two. At the time, I was planning to study music abroad and was looking for financial help to get there so I took a chance on submitting an application. I think I only had a day or two before the application was closed so I stayed up that night to turn it in. 

How would you explain the art that you do?

I make music! I am a vocalist, songwriter, recording artist and…working on… becoming a producer. A lot of my music is based on feeling so it tends to genre hop. At the time of submitting my Delacreme application, I wasn’t fully confident in my abilities as an artist but I have grown a lot since then. Once I got the scholarship, doors opened for me that challenged my perception of myself, music, and art, and forced me to use my creativity in the way I’ve always wanted to. Now, I have my first EP coming out!! Upon reflection, I’ve accomplished the goals I had set for myself when I was first applying for this scholarship so all of this feels very full circle. 

You informed us awhile ago the scholarship helped you go overseas? Would you tell us about that experience? (We were geeked to hear it LOL so happy for you!)

YES! The Delacreme scholarship helped me achieve  one of my life bucket list level goals and financially assisted me in getting to Manchester, United Kingdom. This was my first time going abroad and it impacted me so much. The people I met were so open and kind and took me in with open arms. They  motivated me to take myself seriously as an artist just by the way they were showing up for themselves. We are all still friends and talk often. While studying, I took courses that had great resources that helped me advance my craft and enabled me to produce my EP. I joined an ensemble that broadened my vocal skills and taste in music and helped me learn a lot of musical history across different cultures. In general, the plethora of cultures and backgrounds in the UK my was so great to be around, it got me out of my bubble. 

I spent about 3 months over there so I had the opportunity to travel to a few places in Europe and made a DIY music video to one of my songs “Strange Blue Amsterdam” in Amsterdam. It was the most creative and invested in myself I’ve ever been! Truthfully, I wanted to stay over and live in the UK but it was so hard to get a work visa on such short notice!! #Soon

How does it feel to have graduated again?

I won’t lie, it’s kind of scary! I feel like I’m stepping into adulthood and a “new chapter of my life” but it’s super refreshing. I feel open and ready for it. 

Any advice for future scholars?

Be patient. Always have faith that everything is working out in your favor. Keep your eye on the prize but be open to change. Be okay with plans not going as planned.