The idea that Solange Piaget Knowles, an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model, doesn’t get her due because she is Beyoncé’s sister is a common perception and a valid point of discussion. I would say she doesn’t get her due; others would say she does, and it has nothing to do with Beyoncé being her sister or stealing her shine.
While Solange has achieved significant recognition for her own work, her sister’s monumental fame can sometimes overshadow her accomplishments in the public eye, and I agree. If you look up the definition of a ‘hidden gem,” you will discover it is a place, person, or thing that is extremely valuable, special, or excellent, but is not widely known or popular. Technically, this does not match, but please stay with me.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Solange is taking her decades of expertise to the University of Southern California (USC) Thornton School of Music for a three-year scholar-in-residence position. She will join the Dean’s Creative Vanguard Program to enrich the school through “masterclasses, workshops, private instruction, public discussions, and more.” Her class is titled “Records of Discovery: Methodologies for Music and Cultural Curatorial Practices.” She is the first to hold the role, and the class will debut in the fall of 2027. The program’s description on the website makes me wish I could go back to college and take her class.
Did you know Solange holds several awards? Let’s take a look.
- 3 Grammy Awards – One for Best R&B Performance for “Cranes in the Sky,” my all-time favorite song of hers
- BET Award
- Webby Award
- Billboard Women in Music Impact Award.
- ASCAP Award for co-writing Beyoncé’s “Get Me Bodied”
- Harvard Foundation Artist of the Year Award
- Soul Train Music Awards
- MTV Europe Music Award
- Black Girls Rock Award
- Clio Award
- UK Music Video Award
Solange began her music career in 2001. She was a backup dancer for her sister’s group Destiny Child, but she took center stage as a vocalist when she sang the theme song for the animated television series The Proud Family.
The following year, in 2002, she released her debut album, “Solo Star,” and has since released several critically acclaimed albums. Beyond her music career, Knowles has appeared in four films. Just when I thought I couldn’t love her even more, I find out she is a DJ and has performed at various high–profile events, including an Oscar party and fashion shows, for Brands like Rimmel and Tiffany & Co. Her DJing is considered a lucrative and recognizable part of her multi-disciplinary career.
In my opinion, despite her individual success, her connection to Beyoncé sometimes leads to her work being viewed through the lens of her sister’s fame. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a Beehive member, but I adore Beyoncé too.
Solange considers her sister as one of her role models. Their mother, Tina Knowles, denies that sibling rivalry was an issue with her daughters and insists that they have a close and supportive relationship.
Solange Knowles has been described as a fashion icon known for bold colors, mixed prints, and retro styles. She has been photographed wearing several major apparel brands and recognized as a fashion guru. She was also an activist for the Black Lives Matter movement.
This is not all that Solange has accomplished; it is just a glimpse into a life that is overshadowed because her big sis is famous. I am glad she did not go into the shadows and hide, instead she continues to share her talents with the world. Thank You, Solange!!
