When people describe Walter Boston as only a drummer, I already know they’ve never seen
him perform live. Because what Walter does is far more than keep rhythm—he commands
energy. He’s a DJ, producer, percussionist, and pure showman whose performances feel less
like a set and more like an experience.

During our conversation, Walter told me about a turning point in his journey: a spontaneous
performance on the beach during a family vacation. He had a creative nudge he couldn’t
shake—so he packed up his drum kit and set up on the sand as the sun began to dip. Then,
something unexpected happened: a college band staying at a nearby hotel heard his beats, felt
the energy, and showed up with their own instruments. While Walter extended the offer to
collaborate, that synergy never materialized. Whether it was competition or just timing, the
magic didn’t spark between them—but it didn’t need to. The next day, Walter’s video from that
beach performance started going viral, and everything changed.

Raised in the small town of Ahoskie, NC, Walter’s musical roots run deep. At just five years old,
he felt a spark watching a drummer at his father’s church. That moment lit a fire that’s never
gone out. He thought he’d follow that beat all the way to Greensboro and join Cold Steel—the
famed drumline at North Carolina A&T State University—but destiny had other plans, leading
him to Charlotte instead. Over time, Walter’s artistry evolved—shaped by gospel roots, refined
through choir and chamber ensembles, and sharpened by Charlotte’s unique music scene.
Along the way, he taught himself piano, began producing his own music, and started carving out
a lane that’s completely his own.

While his setlist for Got Soul is still in the works, one thing’s certain: expect the unexpected. “I
might make a playlist and not use any of it,” he laughs. “I just read the crowd and go.” Whether
it’s hip-hop, house, rock, or top 40, Walter is ready to shift the vibe and turn up the energy. His
high-impact performances are built on crowd connection and improvisation, creating a moment
that’s as unforgettable as it is unrepeatable.

Offstage, Walter is a creative force with a long-term vision. He draws inspiration from the raw
power of Travis Barker, the soulful depth of Questlove, the curatorial genius of DJ Drama, the
strategic independence of Ryan Leslie, and the catalog-building hustle of Russ. His ultimate
goal? To build a platform that inspires people to be themselves, stay consistent, and chase their
dreams with everything they’ve got.

Walter Boston hits the Got Soul stage at 4:00 PM sharp—and trust me, you’re going to
want to catch the whole set. “Come slap my hand. Come jump with me. Throw some water on
me—I don’t care,” he says. “Just be ready, because I’m ready.”

​I’ve interviewed a lot of people—authors, fashion icons, entrepreneurs, even a few music
legends—but let me tell you something. From the moment Charnel Allen, also known as
CHARNALIEN, opened her mouth, I felt it. Goosebumps. I was scrolling through her videos
preparing for our conversation and immediately said to myself, “Oh, homegirl can sing sing.” Not
the "I sing in the shower" kind (which I do), but the “I was born to do this and heaven gave me lungs to prove it” kind of singing.

When we connected, her energy was just as magnetic as her voice—bubbly, grounded, and full
of heart. By the end of our convo, she was doing riffs with my name just for fun. She’s that kind
of dope.
​
Charnel’s story begins in Chester, Pennsylvania, shaped deeply by the musical legacy of her
late mother, Lena Allen—a powerhouse herself who sang throughout the tri-state area and
became Charnel’s first vocal coach, mentor, and biggest inspiration. Her mother’s influence
shows up in every note Charnel sings. “She made sure I was exposed to everything,” Charnel
told me, explaining how she learned to harmonize with the hum of a vacuum cleaner and
compose melodies to the ticking of a clock.
​
Now based in Charlotte, NC, Charnel’s voice has taken her around the world. She had the
opportunity to sing background vocals during the Super Bowl XXIV and Super Bowl XXV
performances of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”—also known as the Black National Anthem. She’s
also sung background vocals for Fantasia at the TIME Magazine Awards, worked with K.
Michelle, Mindless Behavior, and lent her voice to campaigns for BET, AT&T, ESPN, and more.
But even with the accolades, she remains rooted.

On April 26, Charnel will hit the Got Soul stage backed by The Darrin Jackson Encounter, her
go-to band for creating magic. Expect festival anthems and yes—maybe even a line dance with
your boots and fans. “I want people to feel love, connection, freedom,” she told me. “I want it to
feel like the best parts of home.”

And trust me: it will.

Charnel Allen’s performance at Got Soul is sponsored by Michael Londyn Realty Group.