It was overcast and unusually cool when Ciara and I spoke on a recent weekday morning, but she was in full glam mode—sunglasses and all. And for good reason: The superstar was racing around New York promoting her eighth studio album, CiCi (out today), which marks a true return to form for the undisputed queen of what she playfully calls “ghetto pop”—her signature dance floor-ready style. Take her infectious single “This Right Here,” featuring Latto, which echoes the hits like “Goodies” and “1, 2 Step” that first made her a star 21 years ago, when she was still a teenager.
Here, the proudly independent artist—and devoted mother of four—catches up with Vogue to talk about her new album, her family with New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson, and the lasting lessons from her incredible early success.
Vogue: CiCi is your first album in six years. What took so long?
Ciara: Oh my gosh. Honestly, I compare it to giving birth. With your first child, you always hear it takes nine months, but pregnancy can actually last ten months. And when you reach that point, you just know it’s time for the baby to come out! I’ve been working hard on this for a while. I’ve been lucky to share some music along the way, but I decided it was time to give my fans a complete body of work instead of just individual songs. I call them my Day 21s because it’s been 21 years since my first album, Goodies, came out. So it’s finally time for them to have this full project, and I couldn’t be more excited.
Vogue: What made you choose such a personal title for the album? I know “CiCi” was your childhood nickname.
Ciara: Yeah, and my fans call me CiCi too. Sometimes when I’m on stage, they chant, “Go CiCi, Go CiCi!” and when they do, it gets real—something extra comes out. It feels very personal. This album is me reflecting on the journey. After 21 years, I feel so blessed to still love what I do and have the same passion I had as a little girl starting out. Living your dream is the best feeling in the world, but having the best fans supporting you along the way makes it even better—especially as an independent artist, which is not for the weak. It’s definitely not easy. So this project is really a thank you to my fans.
Vogue: The single “This Right Here” sounds so much like you. From your perspective, what defines a Ciara song? What are you trying to capture?
Ciara: I’d say there’s always gotta be some bass in it. You need good drums. Not every song is super hard-hitting, but I always like a little attitude in what I do. Even with a ballad, I can make it soft and sweet, but there’s usually an underlying tone of attitude or a touch of bass, and definitely some good urban chords. Urban chords and melodies are key for me. I call it “ghetto pop” or “urban pop.”
Vogue: Your music is so danceable, which isn’t as common these days. Is it a conscious choice to make music you can move to?
Ciara: I appreciate you saying that, because that’s always my goal. I always say I want to make the world dance. Dancing is a big part of my identity and how I have fun with music. It’s a staple that brings me joy as a performer. To me, dance is one of the strongest languages we can speak. Even if you’re not the best dancer, I think everyone likes to find their groove through dance. It’s a universal language that connects us all.
Vogue: When you’re working on music, do you play new songs for your kids?
Ciara: Absolutely. My kids know almost all my music, though if it’s a bit more adult, I try to hold back.They ended up hearing those songs. For example, I never played “Ecstasy” for my kids, but they still found it somehow. Kids are honest—they tell you exactly what they think, and I love that. There’s nothing better than a child’s honesty because it comes from such a sincere place. When you get a kid’s approval, you know you’ve made something good.
Has having kids changed your perspective on the music industry, especially in terms of how things work?
Absolutely, 100%. I always say my kids gave me the “P” in purpose. Becoming a mother has been a game-changer. It’s not easy being a woman with big ambitions and goals, but I’m so grateful. When I look at my four precious children, I feel proud knowing I can still chase my dreams while raising them. They keep me grounded. Having them in my life gives me so much more to live for—it’s a true blessing. When I first started in the industry, having a child was almost taboo. People would label you as older or unfocused. But having my kids while pursuing my goals has been one of the coolest parts of my journey. When you’re driven to succeed, you want to give your all, but you also have to remember to live. For me, being a mom is a huge part of that. I hope one day my kids look up and feel inspired to chase their own dreams, just like their mom did.
You’ve had two really meaningful days recently. First, Atlanta honored you with your own day on July 28, which also marked the opening of a dance studio for local kids through your and Russell Wilson’s Why Not You Foundation. What was that like?
It was definitely a significant and surreal day for me. I was on tour with Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes last year when they surprised me with the news. My dear friend and former manager, Ana Williams, who now works for the city of Atlanta, brought everyone together—including the mayor—to give me this incredible honor, naming July 28th Ciara Day. It meant a lot to both Russell and me. Through our foundation, we’ve been working to create centers like this around the world. Our first was in Pittsburgh, and Atlanta was our second. There was nothing better than opening one in my hometown, especially on a day dedicated to me. It filled my heart. I believe a big part of my purpose is to give back and make an impact. It brought me so much joy, and now I’m motivated to return to the city every year on Ciara Day and do even more for the place that shaped me.
You’ve always been involved in various initiatives and your foundation. What inspired you to get into charity work?
It’s always been in my heart. Even as a kid, when I saw those infomercials asking for donations to help children, I wanted to contribute. I’ve always been touched and inspired by ways to help people. There’s something so gratifying about putting a smile on someone’s face or making a positive impact on their day. Making a difference in someone’s life is an amazing feeling. I think having a spirit of service is really important, and my heart has always leaned toward helping others.
You were one of the first public figures granted citizenship in Benin under a new law, and you shared on Instagram that you felt “indescribable joy.” Why was that important to you?
I’ve always had a deep love for Africa—it’s been a natural part of who I am for as long as I can remember. Whether creatively or through performing there, I’ve always been drawn to the beauty and spirit of the people.The talent and energy there were incredible. It was an indescribable joy, thanks to the warmth and love everyone showed me—I spent the whole day just smiling.
It was fascinating to hear people speak, especially the talented individuals who shared how they sometimes feel invisible and how hard they work to be seen. Hearing their passion and learning about their history was really special. That’s the best way I can sum up my experience—it was one of the coolest moments of my life.
Your album Goodies broke records when it came out 21 years ago. What do you remember from that time in your career?
Oh, man, that was such a special period—it was the beginning for me. There’s nothing like being a young girl with a big dream and actually making it happen. It’s surreal and amazing. It’s all about having that “why not me?” attitude. They say if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life, and I felt that—just overwhelming joy, excitement, and gratitude.
But I was young and pretty naive back then. Jumping into the music industry so early meant I had to grow up fast. Everything moved quickly—one hit after another, songs topping charts around the world. When you’re always looking ahead to the next thing, it’s easy to forget to be present. Even though I was living my dream, I was also just going through the motions sometimes. That era really taught me the importance of staying in the moment.
This conversation has been edited and condensed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Ciara is embracing the present designed to sound natural and provide clear direct answers
General Beginner Questions
Q What does embracing the present actually mean
A It means consciously focusing your attention on the current momentwhat youre doing feeling and experiencing right nowinstead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future
Q Why is this concept associated with Ciara
A Singer Ciara has spoken publicly about her personal journey with mindfulness and gratitude often sharing how focusing on the now has improved her happiness and outlook on life
Q Is this just another term for mindfulness
A Yes essentially Embracing the present is a core principle of mindfulness and meditation practices
Q Whats the main benefit of doing this
A The biggest benefit is reduced stress and anxiety It helps quiet the noise of regrets and worries allowing you to feel more calm and peaceful
Q Do I need to meditate to embrace the present
A Not necessarily While meditation is a powerful tool you can practice being present through simple everyday activities like mindful walking or eating
Practical Application Tips
Q How can I start practicing this in my daily life
A Start small Pick one routine activity like drinking your morning coffee or brushing your teeth and try to do it with your full attention noticing the sights sounds and sensations
Q I keep getting distracted by thoughts Am I doing it wrong
A No thats completely normal The practice isnt to stop thoughts but to notice when your mind has wandered and gently guide your attention back to the present without judging yourself
Q Can you give me a simple exercise to try right now
A Sure Take three deep breaths As you breathe in notice the air filling your lungs As you breathe out notice the feeling of release Thats you being present for a few seconds
Q How is this different from ignoring my problems or responsibilities
A Its the opposite Embracing the present allows you to address your current situation with a clearer calmer mind Youre not ignoring future tasks youre focusing on the specific action you can take right now to move forward
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