Gold Rose Lace and Crystal Corset Dress by THE BLONDS
Earrings by Laruicci
Rings Laruicci and Randy Luna
Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Chain Necklace on male model by Laruicci

Kandi Burruss is an American producer, television personality, singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. You may know her from the Showtime coming-of-age drama series “The Chi” or the hit Bravo reality TV series, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” in which she starred for the past 14 seasons. A founding member of the chart-topping girl group Xscape and a Grammy Award winner, Kandi has also written hit songs for icons such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and more. In addition to her remarkable musical career, Kandi has also focused on shining a light on Black narratives through Broadway shows. She and her husband were nominated for a Tony for producing the hit Broadway show, “The Piano Lesson,” a revival of an August Wilson play, starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and Danielle Brooks. Previously, Kandi and her husband produced the critically-acclaimed Broadway show, “Thoughts of a Colored Man,” and are currently producing the Broadway revival of “The Wiz.” In addition to a Tony nomination, Kandi is also nominated for an Emmy for producing the TV series “La Musica de La Familia.” You can watch her on season 15 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta '' on Bravo, as well as “The Chi,” which debuted August 4 on Paramount with Showtime. Kandi’s latest project is producing “The Wiz” revival, which premiered on Broadway April 17th.

Dress by Ramy Brook
Necklace by Laurel DeWitt

You have starred on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” for 14 seasons. What have you learned about yourself from being on a reality TV show for so many years?
That I work great under pressure. During the time of show, I have learned how to place myself on unrealistic timelines to make things happen so that we can give the fans the finished product.

How has your experience on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” been?
Well, there have definitely been times when it has been fun and exciting and other times when it has been extremely stressful, but, overall, I have enjoyed the process.

Do you prefer acting or being on reality TV?
Definitely acting.

**Left:**
The Mckay Gown by AMANDA UPRICHARD
Earrings by Laruicci
Shoes by Jimmy Choo
**Right:**
Gold Plated Leather Trench Coat by Nadeem Waheed at
Daniel’s Leather
Harness by Laruicci

Tell us about the coming-of-age drama series “The Chi” and your experience as a cast member.
The cast and crew of “The Chi” is like a family. This was my first recurring role in a scripted series so I was so nervous. Everyone was so helpful and welcoming, making sure that I was comfortable and asking me if they could help. I loved being a part of the show. There was a family bond among everyone. I love that Lena Waithe gives great opportunities to new directors. The only thing that I will never get used to is filming in Chicago in the winter.

Tell us about the TV series “La Musica de La Familia” for which you are Emmy-nominated.
It’s about Tony Succar a Peruvian American Jazz composer that goes back and helps his mother live her dream of becoming a successful jazz artist. Answer

In 2018, you starred on Broadway as “Mama” Morton in Chicago. How was the experience of acting on a Broadway stage?
It was awesome. I was extremely nervous in the beginning but with the show, it's like you get to do it better than the last show. I had my New York experience for a couple months while working on the show. But I also got to see how tough Broadway is. We would have eight shows a week versus one or two shows while touring, which I’m normally used to.

**Left:**
Dress by Ramy Brook
Necklace by Laurel DeWitt
**Right:**
Jacket at AlessandraGrimoldi at The Confessional Showroom
Belt by Laurel DeWitt
Shoes by Jessica Rich
Gloves by Laurel DeWitt
Power Kiss earrings with removable dagger ornament
by AMATOSTYLE by Nicole Amato
Gold Crystal Panty by THE BLONDS

You have both starred in a Broadway show and produced hit Broadway shows. Do you enjoy acting on stage or producing more?
I absolutely like acting on stage more than producing.

Would you want to act on stage in a Broadway show again in the future?
I would love to be on another Broadway stage, but Broadway can be a big commitment with eight shows a week.

You and your husband produced “The Piano Lesson,” a revival of an August Wilson play, which was nominated for a Tony in the “Best Revival of a Play” category. How was the experience of producing this hit Broadway show?
It was an amazing experience. We had a great cast and crew, and we were so grateful to have amazing talent.

Gold Plated Leather Trench Coat by Nadeem Waheed at
Daniel’s Leather
Harness by Laruicci

Why is it important for you to shine a light on Black narratives in the Broadway shows you produce?
We need more opportunities for Black creativity both in front of and behind the camera. Unfortunately, many Black creatives don’t get the same investments as some mainstream projects so we end up with these great shows that don't get the exposure that they should and end up shutting down. That is why I try to do my part to make sure that people come out and support these Black shows.

What was it like being part of the girl group Xscape, and how did this influence the trajectory of your career?
Our group has so much talent and we have accomplished so much together. It always drives me to reach for that next version of myself that is to come.

In addition to producing Broadway shows and starring in “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and “The Chi,” you also have a wide range of businesses as well as your own foundation, “Kandi Cares,” which supports single parents and kids who are the product of single-parent homes. How do you balance all of these projects?
With an amazing team. Everybody starts out by themselves but as you start to grow you have to realize that you cannot do everything by yourself. It is best to spend that money on a salary for the help.

Who inspires and motivates you the most?
When I look at people who have been successful in multiple lanes, like Queen Latifah started out as a rapper or Steve Harvey started out as a comedian. They have both done so many things and continue to succeed.

The Mckay Gown by AMANDA UPRICHARD
Earrings by Laruicci
Shoes by Jimmy Choo

You have had an incredible career in many sectors of the entertainment industry, ranging from singing and acting, to producing. What advice would you give to a person who wants to work in the entertainment industry?
Collaboration is key. Networking and collaborating will put you in contact with the creative circle you are looking for.

Is there anything you haven’t done that you would still like to do?
We are still shooting for the EGOT.

Social Media.
Instagram: @kandi Twitter: @Kandi

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Videographer: Zapman Creative Haus
Talent: Kandi Burruss
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: Jodie Rowlands
Makeup: George Miguel Arnone
Body Painter: Dmitry Potapov
Model: Marco Cortez
Fashion Stylist Intern: Chloe Orscheln
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Mariana Apostolatos, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine