April 14, 2016 

By Shonassee Shaver 

Contributing Writer 

 

Reality star Sasha Gates gave fans an intimate performance while unveiling new music at the Games Sports Bar Restaurant and Lounge (G/S Lounge) at 5630 West Manchester Ave. LA, CA 90045 on April 8. As cameras were rolling for the upcoming season of WAGS (Wives and Girlfriends) on E! network, the model, entrepreneur and philanthropist performed her first single, “Oh Yeah My Hitta,” which features a classic, soulful R&B sound combined with fresh pop lyrics. Performing more than one single, she ventured into an inspirational track, “Go Hard.”  On the message behind the single, “Its about me, I have been going hard,” the singer states.  From having a family to doing the show, “I’ve been working on my music and pursing my dream. It’s not about where you are in life, you can go hard to achieve whatever you want, whether you have money or you don’t, you can follow your dreams.”

 

Gates who stars on the hit reality series, chronicles both the professional and personal lives of several WAGs (of high-profile sportspersons). She is married to 5x All Pro, San Diego Chargers Tight End, Antonio Gates. The reality star turned singer has Trinidadian roots. She was born and raised in Canada and now resides in Southern California. “I’m inspired by all types of music and sounds.” I’m Canadian and my family is from Trinidad. I’m have a lot of Caribbean influences. I love reggae, soul, rock, country and jazz,” she said.

 

Gates, who wears many hats, including that of mother and wife, finds motherhood to be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling gifts in her life, however she yearns to return to her musical roots. The songstress recently picked up her guitar and started playing again for the first time in a while, and that was all it took to reignite her creative passion. “I play [guitar] a little bit. “I’ve been trying to be like Dolly Parton with these nails,” she jokes. “I’ve always loved music. My father is a musician; he has been doing music his whole life since he was a child.” In high school, she would record in her friend’s basement studio. “It’s in my blood and makes me happy. Even if I could not sing and people hated my music, I would still do it.” The singer wants people to see that her music comes from the heart.

 

Aside from her music career, she is gearing up for the second season of WAGS premiering on June 26 at 10pm on E!  Gates, dubbed as the “Queen WAG” has quickly become a fan and media favorite. She will be joined by returning cast members, Barbie Blank, Autumn Ajirotutu, Nicole Williams, Natalie Halcro and Olivia Pierson. Style and Beauty Expert Sophia Pierson and Model Tia Shipman join the cast this season. In Season one, the cameras followed Sasha as she faced complications with their youngest child, Aven, who was born on Father’s Day, two months premature. The young mother openly discussed the frightening situation and her fight to have the healthiest baby possible. This season follows the rivalry between the wives and girlfriends, tensions run high as the dynamic within the group continues to evolve. WAGS puts the spotlight on Sasha, the “Queen WAG” of the group as a dedicated wife to her husband and mother of their two children, 2 years-old daughter Ayla and 7 month-old son Aven while balancing her music career. 

 

When she is not in the studio or filming, she is giving back to the community through her charity, The Dolling Foundation. Her foundation provides high quality wigs to women surviving hair loss from catastrophic illness. They hope to inspire women to maintain a strong sense of self by enhancing their natural beauty that was compromised by tragedy. Sasha is currently focusing on completing her debut self-titled album, due to release in 2016.

 

For more information, follow Sasha Gates @thesashaway and @sashagatesmusic. Her music is available on iTunes.

Category: Arts & Culture