At the center of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’s beloved (and reimagined) theme song is R&B singer-songwriter Joyce Wrice.
At the center of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’s beloved (and reimagined) theme song is R&B singer-songwriter Joyce Wrice, who the show’s executive producers felt could’ve been a cast member herself—the grown-up, popstar version of Penny Proud. She released her debut album, Overgrown—featuring KAYTRANADA, Masego, Lucky Daye, and UMI—in March 2021 and made it her goal to spend 2022 performing Overgrown domestically and internationally. With new music on the way and a habit of writing down her dreams for each new year, Wrice is spending the spring opening for Lucky Daye’s US tour before heading out for the festival circuit and a European tour run.
“I'm currently developing my live shows. I love incorporating choreography and this time I'm bringing out the heels! I've been a sneaker girl for a minute and I'm ready to switch it up,” Wrice says. “Performing and putting my set together with my band and choreographer, Brian Drake, is so fulfilling for me. It is an opportunity to get creative and give the audience a new experience with my music.”
Below, check out Wrice’s debut, Overgrown, and her take on the Youth Questionnaire.
Question 9: What is your favorite memory in nature?
During the height of the pandemic, my three friends and I went camping a couple hours north of LA and went on a 14 mile hike in Big Pine. During this hike, we saw three gorgeous lakes and played in the snow while basking in the sun. It was the most adventurous hiking and camping trip I have ever been on and was a very much needed reset. It really brought me peace and reminded me that there’s so much more to discover in this vast world. I’m a very curious and adventurous person and love to learn and experience new things.
Question 15: What is your personal goal for this year, month, or day?
My personal goal this year is to be the most creative I’ve ever been! I’m taking some classes right now and studying artists and art that excites me. By doing so, I wish to develop my own artistry and create art that the world needs!
Question 18: Which is richer: your inner life or outer? Why?
My inner life is richer. I’ve learned from my mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, that building an unshakable foundation of happiness internally will always protect me from being negatively swayed by my environment and circumstances, which is my greatest treasure. Money and material things are fleeting and can be taken away at any moment.
Question 20: What does it mean to you to dream beyond?
To me, to dream beyond means to be determined to make all that seems impossible, possible.
Images courtesy of Dirk Mai, Christian Smiley, Mark Peaced, + Danika Magdelena
