As a kid, Destiny's Child was my En Vogue (IYKYK). From the moment I heard the first beat of "No, No, No Part 2," I became an instant fan. And if Destiny's Child raised you, too, this is your sign!
The enduring legacy of the hit 90s group takes center stage in Destiny's Child: Iconic Reimagined Tour. "Say My Name," "Survivor," "Independent Women," and more are played in a bold, candlelit concert experience celebrating one of the music industry's greatest groups — as played by a live string quarter.
I sat down with Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé and Solange's father, to discuss the upcoming show and the significant impact of Destiny's Child.
Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière: Take us back to 1990. Did you have any idea how massive Destiny's Child would become?
Mathew Knowles: I became involved when Destiny's Child, then known as Girl's Tyme, lost on Star Search. That's when I went back to school to learn more about the music industry. Coming from corporate America, I realized that success is not based solely on talent, but on passion, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence. With those ingredients, along with exceptional talent and the right team, Destiny's Child could be the number-one female group of all time. That was always the goal, which was achieved.
What did "success" look like to you back then?
Success back then began with failure and the realization that those failures were opportunities to grow and improve.
When did you first realize Destiny's Child was more than just a talented group but a global phenomenon?
They worked very hard and became better with practice and performance. No gig was too small at the beginning, and I could see they wanted success.
Tell us more about the upcoming tour.
The Destiny's Child Iconic Reimagined Tribute celebrates the hits of Destiny's Child through the elegance of a string quintet, surrounded by thousands of candles, and pays a powerful homage to empowerment, harmony, and legacy. It becomes a moment to reimagine and to feel.
If you could pick one Destiny's Child song that best represents the group's message of empowerment and unity, which is it and why?
"Survivor," because it speaks about the journey of life and not the destination. It speaks to not giving up when others may not believe, to surviving life's obstacles and outcomes, and to overcoming challenges.
Beyoncé becoming a billionaire is a milestone. When you think back to her early years, what do you remember doing or teaching that helped plant the seeds for that level of cultural impact?
Find your passion, work hard, reach for the stars, treat others with kindness, and never forget where you've come from.
Destiny's Child: Iconic Reimagined Tribute kicks off its nationwide tour on January 9th with performances in Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami, with additional cities to be announced. For tickets and more information, visit: DestinysChild.com.
