Actress & Singer Toy Connor Talks Fitness, Music & Lots More!

Namita Nayyar (WF Team)

5 years ago

Toy Connor, the Caribbean-American musician and actress caught the ear of Motown legend Berry Gordy with her unique Caribbean dancehall sound, and feature her new single “They Don’t Even Know.” Toy’s last single “Be in Love Tonight” was featured on Gordy’s hit compilation “NOW That’s What I Call Music” alongside Britney Spears, Diana Ross and R. Kelly. Another record is influenced by some of music’s most notable pioneers including Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Tina Turner, giving her a distinct sound all her own that mixes the unconventional feel of Urban Pop with the seductive and moody authenticity of Caribbean Reggae.

Women Fitness President joins the singing sensation for a conversation about her love for music and what the drives her through.

Namita Nayyar:

Walk us through your journey into the world of music and acting.

Toy Connor:

Well its simpler than you think. I’ve been attracted to music since I was a baby. Particularly, I am in love with the sound of the acoustic guitar, because my father played guitar and always sang to me. I started singing when I was 3 and never stopped. I began writing poetry and short stories when I was like 8 or 9 years old, and ultimately asked God for the gift of melody so I could write songs. I began acting when I was a kid as well, and ended up on a hit HBO Television show, because my mother encouraged me to mail a Hollywood Casting director my very 1^st screenplay ever, and she actually called a meeting, which led to me ultimately auditioning for “The Corner”. It really was a shot in the dark, that became a storybook dream come true. It amazed me and my parents, even though my mom still says she felt I was put on this earth to write and she can always see my stories so vividly when she reads them.

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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.

Namita Nayyar:

You are world leading media personality, Recording Artist, Songwriter, DJ and Actress. Introduce us to a day in your remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle.

Toy Connor:

Wow you really made that sound amazing, lol. I’m a prankster sometimes. Hmm… Well makeup and hair are a big part of it, mostly because I do photo shoots almost daily to ensure I have enough up to date content. Outside of that, music ideas just hit me at any time of the day (kinda like a good sex flashback) it just comes out of nowhere. I do sing like most people during my daily showers, which is where I naturally create melodies and sometimes in the middle of the night, I just wake up with what I like to think are brilliant ideas and I write them down or sing them into my iPhone recorder.

Acting is something I’ve always done since childhood. It is also a career that came to me organically, and when I have to prepare for a role, I read the script, take a moment to absorb my character, then I link with one of my actor friends or coach to run my scenes and work out the kinks before shooting ever begins.

DJing is an extension of my love for music. It is usually a scheduled event (in the USA or abroad) and booked through my team at Blackskirt Entertainment. It’s that thing that drives me and keeps me sewn into pop and urban culture, and enables me to identify and create relevant music as a Recording Artist. As DJ “ILL NANA”, I have to listen to and play the hottest music, which enables me to see first handedly what moves people and test my own records while I’m at it. That is a powerful realization. Once you figure that out, you can win over the masses, and from there, one DJ performance begets a Stage performance, and so on and so forth. At least in my life, thankfully to the highest above.

Namita Nayyar:

What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine?

Toy Connor:

I like to work out early in the morning before the sun comes up. I start out with cardio, doing 1 minute intervals of Jogging vs. Sprinting around the park for about 45mins to an hour. I do 3 sets of front and side crunches for my abs 3 times a day (I exercise my stomach every day because it’s a large muscle), I love the stairs for my legs and butt muscles and do it for 30 mins, as well as the adductor and abductor machine to tone my thighs. For my arms, I use free weights for my biceps, triceps, shoulders, and back. At this time, I am currently trying to build up my pushup game, lol.

Namita Nayyar:

Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?

Toy Connor:

Though many may call it a special diet, I call it a Vegan lifestyle. I was raised vegetarian my whole life and have been Vegan for the last 10 years. Within the last year, I seem to be naturally leaning toward a RAW diet, which may be a result of me being on the go, so it’s faster to grab some almonds, fruit, blend up a smoothie, or buy cold-pressed juice and a salad while I’m out in the world. With all of that said, as a vegetarian or vegan, always make sure you also take a multi-vitamin supplement pack to ensure your body does not become nutritionally deficient, due to being a non-meat eater. Personally, I take GNC Whole Body vitamins for Women.

Namita Nayyar:

You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your haircare and skincare secrets.

Toy Connor:

My skin quality may be due to my vegan diet and I try to drink a gallon of water a day. I am convinced my healthy hair is hereditary, because as an Artist, it takes a beating with me coloring, cutting, bleaching, and changing colors so often. I’m really surprised it hasn’t all fallen out. It’s probably the GNC whole body vitamins I take, I also use TRESemmé Shampoo for dry or damaged hair and I also use their hair Conditioner.

Namita Nayyar:

Share with us your Top 5 Must-Do Exercises to stay fit and healthy while on the go?

Toy Connor:

If I’m on the go or miss my work out for some reason, I walk fast, take stairs if it’s an option, distribute the weight of whatever I’m carrying and do curls for my biceps. I contract my stomach muscles a lot throughout the day and twist my waist while standing in place, and last but not least, squat opposed to bending over. You’d be surprised how often you bend over each day. Replace that with squatting and you will feel it. Additionally, though not quite an exercise, I stretch my limbs (arms & legs) throughout the day. But I said my top five, so we Gucci.

Namita Nayyar:

You featured as ‘Tyreeka Freamon’ in HBO’s Emmy-Award winning mini drama series, “The Corner.” Share with us your experience of doing the show?

Toy Connor:

The experience was amazing for me and my parents. Imagine being a kid, and booking your first principal role on a legit HBO TV Show, no less. It was mind blowing and opened so many more doors in Hollywood. It was an Epic moment in my life that I will never ever forget, thanks to Jaki Brown-Karman, who gave me the opportunity to audition for the powers that be.

Namita Nayyar:

You are all set to unleash your own brand of music into the world this July with the release of the highly-anticipated EP, “They Don’t Even Know”. Tell us more about it.

Toy Connor:

Man, I am so excited and nervous at the same damn time.

“They Don’t Even Know” is the 1^st Single to be released from my five (5) Song EP.

It’s an Urban Pop record. I am a singer but this record leans more toward the hip-hop genre.

It’s about excelling no matter what naysayers (aka haters or non-supporters) have to say about it. Personally for me, the naysayers were low-key competitors disguised as friends, lovers, and even so-called managers, who claimed to have my back, but their actions proved to be contradicting, as they discouraged me, used my talents to help their own cause or needs, then attempted to write me off when I decide to get focused and really push my music career, at which point they downplayed my abilities to my face and to others in an attempt to disillusion and create road blocks. But THEM DON’T KNOW, God brought all of their trickery to the light, and the record represents the sentiment that I will supersede my oppressors and God will prepare a table for me and those same people will watch me eat despite their negative intent.

The sad part is that I am a lover and would love for us too all be at that table together. Eating. Smiling. And saying WE DID IT TOGETHER. And regarding those short-sighted people, I say “THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW” that’s my inner drive, my work ethic, and my Passion will continue to manifest great things.

“They Don’t Even Know” sums up the concept of the EP. It is the beginning of my revelation that the people I had around me, meant me no good and the evolution that took place within me to get back in touch with myself, to not be afraid to lose those people, and to be ok with the concept that I must let go and let God, and be ok if people walk out of my life who were holding me back and manipulating me in the first place, which births the “WALK” record, and from there just replenishing my soul with positive energy and waking up my senses to dream again and aspire to be great, if only for a day, which births my “BILLIONAIRE” record, and then there is the necessary release after being restricted for so long where you just want to let down your hair, and just dance like no one is watching, and be irresponsible for a day, which births my “FREAKS” record, and after all of that much needed diffusion, reel it back in to pay homage to beautiful hardworking women with my “BASS DROP” record, and remind them that they house and own the power, and for them not to just give it away so easily.

My debut EP, introduces A new sound to the Universe. My own sound. Imagine if Nicki Minaj & Rihanna had a Baby, what it would sound like? That’s what I am presenting to the world at the end of July 2017, so like I said, I am both excited and nervous. It’s my own thing.

It’s URBAN POP, and It’s mainstream music with a hint of island vibes. So all those who are feeling this interview and feeling my vibes, please pre-order my “THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW” EP today, and receive an instant copy of my 1^st single “They Don’t Even Know”.

Additionally, 10% of the sales will go to Breast Cancer Research in an effort to support finding the cure for breast cancer (motivated by my dear friend Coki Tai who unfortunately, did not win the fight).

Namita Nayyar:

Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding musicians, who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to the ladder of success in this field?

Toy Connor:

Create your own lane, meaning do not duplicate what’s already on the radio or playing in clubs. Be inspired by what you hear on the radio or in clubs, but go with and cultivate your OWN sound using your innate instincts. I also advise all Artist to make time to learn to produce and record yourselves, so no one can prevent you from being creative or stump the growth of your potential. Also, as annoying as it may sound, let everyone know you’re an Artist, and be ready to Perform at any given time, because you never know who will be in your company that can take you to the next level. Lastly, invest in yourself (from your image, to booking a studio, to putting yourself on tour). Be and Stay inspired. There are over 7 Billion people in the world. All you have to do is write a song that less than 1% can relate too. Blessings and Respect!

Namita Nayyar:

What do you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?

Toy Connor:

I love and respect the whole concept of Womenfitness.net for its dedication to educate, support, inspire and encourage the healthy well-being of women of all ages and walks of life. It really is a dope mission. Thank you for allowing me to contribute.

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This interview is exclusively taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.