Local singer signs record deal

After years of hard work, Iyuana Childs is poised for success

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

A local artist from West Memphis is making waves in the music industry after signing a major record deal with an Atlanta-based label. Iyuana Patrice Childs, just weeks before turning 44, is proving that dreams don’t come with expiration dates.

Iyuana, a mother of four, grandmother of one, and wife of 20 years, has always had music in her soul. “Music and the arts have always been a part of my life, singing, dancing, acting,” she said. From the time she was three years old, belting out Whitney Houston’s The Greatest Love of All in front of her church, she knew music was her calling.. But her journey hasn’t been without challenges. At the end of January, she lost her mother, whom she had been caring for. To honor her legacy, she recently started a culinary scholarship, celebrating her mother’s love for cooking. “She was amazing, and I want to keep her legacy alive,” she said.

For years, Childs balanced her passions, working as a licensed cosmetologist since 2005, staying active in her church and embracing life. But in less than a year since releasing her _rst single, she found herself signing a deal with WayNorth Music, an independent powerhouse in gospel music. Led by CEO Allundria Genise, WayNorth Music focuses on music publishing, distrbution and merchandising. What makes Childs’ signing historicc is that she’s thhe _rst Southern Soul artist to join the label – and the _rst Arkansas woman to release a song speci_cally about the state, the aptly titled Arkansas Woman.

Despite her many talents, music remained at the core of her identity. A self-described free spirit, Iyuana always believed in integrity, positivity, and surrounding herself with good energy. She likens herself to a buttery; someone who has gone through life’s challenges and transformed, emerging stronger on the other side.

Unlike a traditional genre, according to Iyauna, Southern Soul is more of a movement, blending gospel, rhythm, and blues with a deep-rooted Southern authenticity. “It’s music that penetrates the soul, conveys a message of positivity and healing,,” she explains. “It’s not just singing, it’s about empowerment and leaving a lasting impression.”

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After recently signing a major record deal, local West Memphis artist Iyuana Childs is looking to spread her music to a wider audience.

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Iyuana admits she was initially hesitant about signing with a label. “I’ve heard so many horror stories. I was doing my thing independently, and this deal ki nd of fell into my lap. I didn’t want to be tied down or miss out on my family obligations.” But after consulting with her attorney and praying on it, she found peace in the decision. “The contract is favorable to me, it allows me to build and progress. It’s not some rinky-dink deal. I won’t be a broke artist,” she says with a laugh.

With two singles already streaming,“Side Chick” and “Arkansas Woman,” released in October, she’s making waves in the industry. “Arkansas Woman” holds a special place in her heart, as she is the _rst woman from Arkansas to have a song about the state. She also features on “Pray About It,” another track released in 2024. Her journey has been nothing short of remarkable and she’s already checked some major accomplishments off her list. Within a year of releasing her _rst single, she landed a record deal and had the honor of opening for the legendary Bobby Rush at the Backyard Blues and Soul Food Fest in Proctor.

Now, with more structure and bigger platforms at her disposal, she’s ready to take her music to a wider audience. She’s heading to Atlanta soon for a photo shoot and possibly to record a new single. And she’s got a clear vision for the future. “By 50, your girl is gonna be out there,” she declares con_dently. Looking back, Iyuana remembers how she used to entertain guests at her parents’ house as a little girl, singing Betty Wright’s “No Pain No Gain.” Decades later, she’s proving that every note she ever sang, every challenge she ever faced, was leading her right to this moment. And she’s just getting started.