Birgundi Baker brings love and authenticity to her role as Keisha Williams on The Chi. Inspired by her own journey, she strives to be the role model she once searched for, using her platform to empower young women. With a passion for acting, dance, and music, Baker continues to tell powerful stories, from upcoming musical projects to the new season of The Chi.

Dress by Redemption
Necklace by Erickson Beamon
Small Oval Earrings by Christina Caruso

The Chi is a coming-of-age drama, what is one thing you wish you could go back and tell your younger self when you were growing up?
One thing I would go back and tell my younger self is to get to the point of not caring quicker. As women, I think we all get to the point where other people’s opinion of us do not matter. I am not fully there yet but I am well on my way. The progress I have made so far feels good. I would tell my younger self to care less!

What has been your favorite part of filming The Chi?
My favorite part of filming The Chi is that I get to represent for black women. I get to voice our true experiences through the show. I am so honored when viewers tell me they see themselves in my character.

Dance is a big part of your life, what aspects of dance do you think blend in with acting? Is there an intersection where dance, music, and acting meet for you?
Dance has taught me discipline, comfort with body, body language, breath support and how to communicate silently. All the things, I use for acting. In 2023, I starred in “Praise This” on Peacock, a musical movie. It was an absolute dream intersecting dance, music and acting for this movie!

Dress by Redemption
Long Diamond Earrings by ALI WEISS JEWELRY
Shoes by Larroudé

You have been playing the character of Keisha Williams for a few years now; in what aspects are the character and the real Birgundi Baker alike?
Keisha and I are very similar. First and foremost, we are both young mothers and very passionate about motherhood. I feel so connected to Keisha because she is resilient and stern. But even through her sternness, there is always an underlining of love. Everything stems from love for her. I would say I am the same way.

You graduated Howard University with a musical theatre degree! What inspired you to pursue a career in the arts?
I come from a family full of entertainers. It is really all I have ever known. I always knew I would be a performer. The hardest part was deciding which type of performer I would be because I love music, acting and dance. Musical theatre allowed me to study all three at once, so it was perfect for me!

Peacock’s Praise This shows some of your musical talents. What is your favorite song from the soundtrack and why?
My favorite song from Praise This is “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” In the personal music that I make, I use my lower register which is very sultry. The song on Praise This allowed me to be quirky and display a sound I normally wouldn’t.

**Left:**
Outfit by Bettyvonchic
Shoes by K A T M A C O N I E
Gold Earrings by MAM
**Right:**
Dress by Falguni Shane Peacock
Shoes by ALLSAINTS
Luna Ring by Wyld Box
Faceted Gold Jewel Stud Earring by Alexis Bittar

With your solo music career, where do you draw inspiration from? What does your songwriting process look like?
In my music, I draw inspiration from my real-life experiences. I strive to make music I think women will love. On my first solo project that rolls out next month, I worked with an incredible team of writers. For a week we set up camp in an Airbnb. Each day I presented a concept, they presented a beat, we collaborated with lyrics and melodies, and we made magic.

On your website you mention that growing up, you were the only dark-skinned person in your family, which made you struggle with confidence. Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you overcame when it comes to self-image and how they led you to become the confident, empowered version of yourself we see today?
Growing up, I didn’t necessarily struggle with my confidence. My family instilled confidence in me because they know that it is so hard for dark skin women to have confidence in this world. I struggled to find other dark skin women in this industry. Which was very discouraging. But because I did not have many dark skin role models, I made it a goal to become one. This in return, led me to find the empowerment I sought from other dark skin actresses, through myself.

How have the arts helped you in finding this confidence?
There is no way to be successful in the arts without confidence. Confidence is a part of the foundation of performing. The journey sort of forces you to be confident. Art has given me an avenue to show who I am and what I am capable of. Art has given me a platform to use my voice. When you are given the opportunity to be your full self, you bloom into confidence.

You are very involved with female empowerment and mental health, consistently supporting the organization SAGE. Can you tell us a bit more about why this is such an important cause to you and how you advocate for it in your personal life?
I advocate for Saving Adolescent Girls Everywhere because the girls today will be the women who hold our future. If they are not loved and supported, what does that mean for their future? In result of that, what does that mean for the future of this world? I am where I am because of so many women. I want to pass that love and support down. And it’s so hard being a girl, we can never have too much support.

The Chi Season 7 will focus on women reclaiming their power, why do you think this is an important topic to be highlighted by the media in today’s world?
Politics and social issues show us the disadvantages that women have every day. It is time we highlight women in power!

You have played very different, complex characters in various tv-shows and films. How do you continue to make each character special in your own way?
I make each character special by trying my best to stay authentic to their world. I consider everything about the character (age, family, location, desires, etc.) and I try to embody all those things.

What can you tell us about your upcoming music? What kind of sounds and genres are you leaning into?
I am so excited to share my music! My sound is heavily R&B based but my full project includes a pop song I think everyone will love!

What do you hope to accomplish moving forward career-wise? Will you continue to focus on acting, or can we expect some changes?
I hope to bring more characters to life on the screen all my life. Eventually I would like to find my place behind the camera as well, producing and directing. Releasing my music this fall will not be a one-time thing. Moving forward, you can expect lots of music!

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Birgundi Baker
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Paul Westlake
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: Edris
Makeup: Renee Garnes at OPUS Beauty using Danessa Myricks Beauty
Assistant Fashion Stylist: Moises Nunez
Fashion Stylist Intern: Saya Skarbinski
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Sabine Obermoller, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: Blonde Studios

Birgundi Baker Finds Confidence in Art