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Ariel Fitz-Patrick is a Motown Gospel recording artist, songwriter, and digital content creator who is souled-out for Jesus. A native of Montreal, Canada, the 28-year-old is known for her engaging and viral skits on social media. She has captivated a worldwide audience of over 3 million followers through her creative storytelling as she makes the Bible more relatable and entertaining.
In this exclusive interview with MadameNoire, Ariel discusses her journey from gospel music to content creation, the role of faith in her career, and how she balances both passions.
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MadameNoire: How did you get started with singing gospel and land on one of the hottest gospel labels, Motown Gospel? And how did you transition into becoming a content creator?
Ariel Fitz-Patrick: My journey started in church because my parents are pastors. In church, you don’t get asked to join the choir—you’re just in it. I grew up singing in Sunday school and church choirs. My dad is a musician, and my mom was the praise and worship leader, so music was ingrained in me from a young age. Initially, it felt like an obligation, but over time, I fell in love with it. By the time I was 10, I knew I wanted to be a singer.
I started performing with my older sister, singing as a duet and traveling to different churches. Around that time, I discovered social media. I was never into it as a teenager, but in college, I became inspired by YouTubers and media content. I launched a YouTube channel with my sister, which sparked my interest in content creation. My main focus was always music, but social media became a significant interest.
God led me down an unexpected path—content creation, comedy, and even hair videos—before I found my niche in faith-based storytelling. It wasn’t until 2020–2021 that my funny skits took off. That success reignited my passion for music, leading me back into the studio to write and release my song “God Love.” Eventually, a label heard my music and wanted to work with me, and everything took off from there.
Would you say singing came naturally to you, or was it something you had to work at?
Singing came very naturally to me. I wasn’t exposed to structured vocal training growing up. In church, you just sing! But as I got older, I realized music is something you can train for and improve at. That’s when I decided I wanted to refine my skills and get even better at it.
What about social media? You started with hair videos and later transitioned to comedy. Were you naturally funny, or did you discover it along the way?
It was a bit of both. I never saw myself as a funny person, but people around me did. A music industry colleague told me he always saw that comedic side in me. My parents said the same. It wasn’t something I intentionally pursued—it just naturally surfaced. Once I leaned into it and put it out there, it resonated with people.
You are performing at the All-Star Gospel Celebration during NBA All-Star Weekend in the Bay Area. Tell us about it. How does it feel to perform on a faith-based platform and kick off such a major event?
It feels amazing! I didn’t even know a faith-based platform existed during such an iconic weekend, so just knowing that is exciting. On top of that, I have the honor of being part of it—one of my first trips to San Francisco. I feel so humbled and grateful. Anytime God opens a door, I know there’s a purpose behind it. Even if I don’t see it yet, I trust that He has placed something in me that needs to come out. Whoever I’m meant to reach that weekend, I’m just honored to be there. This experience is something I will never forget.
And it’s only going to get bigger from here! This year’s theme is A Love Letter to the Bay. What does that mean to you?
It feels like confirmation of divine timing. Over the past year, I’ve been writing a lot about love—God’s love specifically. I kept wondering why that was the recurring theme in my music. Then I realized God was taking me through a journey of understanding His love—what it truly means, how it heals, and how it never fails, even when other forms of love do.
A Love Letter to the Bay resonates with me because God Love was my love letter to Him, and now, performing it, it becomes my love letter to the audience and the city. I just pray that God’s message of love reaches those who need it.
Do you have any upcoming music you can tease for us?
Yes! I have a whole project coming this spring. I’ll be releasing singles leading up to it, and I’m really excited for everyone to hear what I’ve been working on. I’ve been in the studio nonstop, and I love the process and the music that’s coming from it.
You’re also a songwriter. Will we hear your writing on this project?
Absolutely! I’ve written on pretty much all the songs, so I’ve been involved in every part of the process.
For aspiring songwriters, what advice would you give them about pursuing their dreams?
Don’t be afraid, and don’t doubt yourself. Sometimes people—or even your own thoughts—will make you feel like you’re not good enough. But my mom always tells me that what I write is what God put inside of me. It’s not about me—it’s about being a vessel for His message. Keep writing. It’s like a muscle—the more you do it, the stronger you get. That’s why I push myself to keep writing, learning, and collaborating with other writers.
If you could collaborate with any artist—gospel, secular, rock—who would it be and why?
I’ve been saying for a while that I’d love to collaborate with Jonathan McReynolds. I love his music, the way he writes—it’s so poetic and beautiful. His music helped me through a time when I was dealing with a lot of anxiety. The only thing that would calm me down was listening to his album. I don’t know what it was, but I was so thankful for it. I’d love to work with someone who has that kind of impact.
You’re young, talented, writing, doing skits, singing, and clearly have a strong foundation. How do you manage being a social media influencer, musician, and content creator while staying true to your faith?
I have a great support system. My mom is my rock. God is my everything, but I know He gave me my mother to keep me grounded and focused. She watches over me, and if I ever feel overwhelmed, she’s the one who tells me to focus, take a break, or get back to work. She actually got me back into writing around the time I did God Love. She told me, “It’s time to start writing again.”
My dad and siblings are also always looking out for me, praying for me, and supporting me. Knowing they have my back gives me peace. My family is truly God’s gift to me, and they help keep me sane.
We appreciate your time. Drop your handles! Where can we follow you? And when is your new music dropping?
The release date is tentative, but it’s coming soon. As soon as I have a solid date, I’ll share it. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook at Ariel Fitzpatrick or Ariel Fitz. Just type in my name, and you’ll find me!
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