Donyai Heartfelt
Donyai Heartfelt (born September 17, 1997) is an American gospel hip hop artist from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Raised primarily in Atlanta, Georgia, she later returned to Baldwin, Michigan. Heartfelt is known for blending scripture and faith-based themes with hip hop and urban music.[1][2]
Early life and education
Heartfelt was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended a total of 18 schools during her childhood.[2] She was involved in church from an early age, attending First Baptist Church of Woodland Park, where her grandmother, Denise Suttles, served as pastor, and Atlanta Church of Christ.[1] As a middle school student, she often attended church independently, taking the church van to services on her own.[2]
As a child, Heartfelt participated in Camp Superstars in Atlanta, where she met rappers T.I. and Soulja Boy and won a dance competition.[2] Inspired by Soulja Boy’s website SODMG.com, she created her own site called Krumpkidz.com.[2]
During her teenage years, she relocated to Baldwin, Michigan, and reconnected with her grandmother’s church, First Baptist of Woodland Park. She sang in the church choir and participated in praise dance ministry.[1] Throughout high school, she played basketball, track, volleyball, and dance, eventually earning a college basketball scholarship.[2]
Career
Heartfelt began creating urban music in 2022 under the stage name Yaidadon, performing as an opening act for artists such as Rocky Badd and Vae Vanilla.[2] She later adopted the stage name Kush Cooley.[2]
In 2025, after rededicating her life fully to Christianity, she began performing under the name Donyai Heartfelt. That year, she released the single "Adonai", a gospel hip hop track whose title references one of the biblical names of God meaning "Master".[1] The song was later re-released as a remix featuring gospel artist Briana Shanae.[2] Heartfelt also released the single "Heaven" in 2025.[2]
Her song "Adonai" was included on Vonza’s 50 Best Songs list in 2025.[3]
In April 2025, she returned to Baldwin to film the video for "Adonai", a project that doubled as a personal homecoming and involved collaboration with her grandmother, Pastor Denise Suttles.[1]
Other work
Outside of music, Heartfelt has worked in the field of information technology, including roles in social media management, digital marketing, and cybersecurity.[2]
Musical style and influences
Heartfelt’s music incorporates gospel, hip hop, urban, country, and alternative pop influences.[1] She has cited Kirk Franklin’s song "Victory" as an early inspiration and names gospel rapper Chosen Jigg as an artist she hopes to collaborate with.[2]
Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”), which she identifies as a guiding principle in her career.[1]
Personal life
Heartfelt is married to motivational speaker Afeez Yekēen, who is based in Lagos, Nigeria. Together, they share a joint social media presence under the name "Yekeen and Yai".[2]
She is also the mother of two children who run the YouTube channel Brilliant Kidz TV, which focuses on family-friendly content, including travel, learning, food, and faith.[2]
Discography
Singles
- "Adonai" (2025)
- "Adonai (Remix)" ft. Briana Shanae (2025)
- "Heaven" (2025)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Schwartz, Dylan (April 3, 2025). "Baldwin artist Donyai Heartfelt brings the gospel home". Big Rapids News. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 "Conversations with Donyai Heartfelt". Voyage Michigan. May 14, 2025. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
- ↑ "50 Best Songs". Vonza. 2025. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
External links
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