Divinity Roxx secretly taught herself to play bass guitar. Years later, she was onstage at the BET Awards performing with Beyoncé in front of millions of people.
Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, Roxx loved music, wrote rap lyrics and practiced constantly. Her passion led her to work with legendary bassist Victor Wooten and tour the world as part of an all-female band. The group showed audiences around the world that women belong at the center of the music scene. Today, Roxx creates music full of rhythm, confidence and positivity for kids and families, earning two best children’s music album Grammy nominations for her work.
Finding Her Sound
You’ve toured with Beyoncé and earned Grammy nominations. Did you always know you wanted to make music?
Not really — it just happened. I’ve always loved music. I started on clarinet in third grade, then moved into writing raps as a teenager. In college I was recording with other artists but wasn’t allowed to help create the music — only the raps. That frustrated me. I realized I needed to play an instrument to be taken seriously, so I picked up the bass. From there, I just kept going.
What was it like being in a high school rap group?
I had something to say. My first rap was about respect. As a young girl, you start to notice how people treat you and how you see yourself. It was about believing that I matter and that I have control over my own choices.
The Big Break
How did you start touring with the legendary bass player Victor Wooten?
I was secretly practicing bass while performing as a rapper. When I first heard Victor, I was amazed and wanted to learn everything I could about his playing. I attended his bass camp and introduced myself by rapping and playing bass, but I didn’t think it stood out. Months later, he called and asked me to tour.
What did touring teach you?
Touring is about working together. It’s not all glamour — it’s showing up prepared and supporting the people around you. Being someone others can count on matters. I was part of an incredible group of women, and we were breaking barriers. Seeing young girls watch us play instruments was powerful.
When did you realize your music career was working out?
It was the first show with Beyoncé. I had been working for years. I was thinking about giving up music altogether. Then suddenly, I was onstage at the BET Awards, with lights, a big crowd, and millions watching on TV. I thought: My family can see this. It meant a lot to me.
Beyoncé Knowles (L) performs the song “Irreplaceable” with guitarist Bibi McGill (C) and bassist Divinity Roxx (R) at the 2006 American Music Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on November 21, 2006 in Los Angeles, California.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
How did you develop your own sound?
Hip-hop was my foundation, but I explored funk, rock and more once I started playing bass. As a songwriter, I bring those influences together to create something that feels true to me.
Making Music for Kids
How did you start creating music for children?
I had an opportunity to write songs for the publisher Scholastic, and two of them were turned into books. That experience showed me that songwriting could reach kids in a powerful way, and that’s when I decided to make a children’s album.
How do you write songs for kids and families?
I focus on creating music that feels good and says something positive. I want to make music kids enjoy but also music that adults can connect with too.
What makes kids a special audience?
Kids might be the most thoughtful audience. They are very honest. When they connect with music, you can see it right away. It’s not easy to get their attention, but when you do, it’s special.
Making music for children has given me a strong sense of purpose. It also allows me to be a positive example — especially as a Black woman — for kids who may not see themselves represented.
Her Message
What would you say to someone who thinks they aren’t musical?
Everyone is musical. People naturally feel rhythm and know what they like. They just may not realize how connected they already are to music.
Why does music matter so much?
Music is everything — the rhythm of a train, the sounds around us, the way things move and flow. It connects us, even when we don’t have the same words. Music can make you feel something right away, deep inside.
This article was originally written by Bethany Boles and published in Cricket July/August 2026. Explore Cricket Media’s full line of award-winning magazines for curious kids.
text © 2026 by Cricket Media, Inc.
