FAMU Alumna Rae’Kwan Bostic’s Journey From Auditions to Princess Tiana
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University alumna Rae’Kwan Bostic is turning her passion for music into a dynamic career in entertainment, proving that persistence and preparation can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
A graduate of FAMU’s College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (CSSAH), Bostic has taken her talents from the classroom to the stage, most recently stepping into the role of Princess Tiana aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship — a pivotal moment in her journey as a performer.
Raised in a family deeply rooted in FAMU tradition, Bostic was immersed in music from an early age. As one of eight children in a family of 10, she grew up in a household where discipline and performance were part of daily life, shaped by two FAMU alumni parents connected to the Marching “100.”
“My dad taught me how to play saxophone originally,” Bostic said. “We’d wake up some summers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. just playing our instruments… no TV. Then after that, nap time, lunch, go outside, and practice the instrument again.”
Florida A&M University student Rae’Kwan Bostic poses with her saxophone as a member
of the Marching 100. (Photo Courtesy: Rae’Kwan Bostic)
That structured upbringing shaped her work ethic and prepared her for the demands of college life. At FAMU, Bostic balanced a rigorous schedule as a member of the FAMU Jazz Band, a song leader for the Marching “100,” and a songbird for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
“It takes discipline and practice,” Bostic said. “I would be singing for about six to seven hours a day. That was my routine, even during college.”
Her sister, Jada Bostic, a current member of the Marching “100,” said Bostic’s presence extends far beyond the stage.
“If you haven’t met Rae’Kwan, you’d think she is very shy and quiet but that’s only at first glance,” Jada Bostic said. “Her reserved nature balances out her huge personality that she showcases on stage. She is the most kind and gentle spirit, with a standard of excellence that doesn’t falter for anyone.”
Florida A&M University alumna Rae’Kwan Bostic poses in front of the Disney Cruise
Line emblem, where she brings the character of Princess Tiana to life as part of her
growing career in entertainment. (Photo Courtesy: Rae’Kwan Bostic)
Now performing as Princess Tiana, Bostic has expanded beyond her musical training into theatrical performance, embracing the challenge of fully embodying a character both vocally and physically.
“I’m not much of a theater kid,” Bostic said. “It was my professor, Dr. Kilgore, who really challenged me. Disney came to campus, and she encouraged me to audition, even though she knew I wasn’t initially interested in musical theater. I loved the music and the acting part was new for me.”
That willingness to step outside of her comfort zone ultimately led her to new opportunities and growth as a performer.
“I think something like Disney helps get me out of my shell,” Bostic said. “It’s not just singing, it’s feeling the moment, being in character and really living in the performance.”
Bostic’s portrayal of Princess Tiana also connects her to a broader legacy. FAMU alumna Anika Noni Rose originally voiced Tiana in Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” making the role especially meaningful.
“Continuing the legacy in all parts is just an honor,” Bostic said. “It’s been very humbling and rewarding.”
Her journey to that moment, however, was not without challenges. After graduating from FAMU, Bostic moved to Atlanta, where she worked in regional theater before relocating to New York City to pursue performance opportunities. For months, she auditioned relentlessly before finally receiving the call that would change her career.
Florida A&M University alumna Rae’Kwan Bostic poses in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc. attire, representing sisterhood, scholarship and service as part of her continued
journey beyond FAMU. (Photo Courtesy: Rae’Kwan Bostic)
“I auditioned all last year… about 43 auditions from January to September,” Bostic
said. “It was a constant ‘no, no, no.’ But if you love what you do, you’ll keep going.”
Bostic credits her inspiration to legendary artists such as Whitney Houston and Beyoncé, as well as the support of her family especially her older sister, Cori Renee Bostic, FAMU’s first female drum major.
“Watching my sister maneuver through life has been really influential,” Bostic said. “It’s like we switched personality traits and now I’m the extroverted one because I speak to kids all day.”
Jada Bostic said her sister’s journey has been a powerful example for their entire family.
“She teaches us that we really can do whatever our heart desires,” Jada Bostic said. “Her path wasn’t traditional, and people doubted her when it came to music, but she never doubted herself. Now she’s working full-time as Princess Tiana. That shows what hard work and consistency can do.”
Beyond her performance career, Bostic also holds a special place within her family dynamic. As the second oldest of eight siblings, she is known not only for her talent, but for preserving family traditions.
“She’s the keeper of our family recipes,” Jada Bostic said. “She learned from our grandmother and grand aunt before they passed, and she plays a part in how we eat, what we eat and when. I don’t know what a family function would be like if Rae’Kwan wasn’t there.”
With her career continuing to evolve, Bostic hopes her story encourages others, especially young women to remain steadfast in their goals.
“I want people to be fearless and go after what they want, no matter how long the process is or how difficult it may get,” Bostic said. “If you see it down the road, keep chasing it and don’t give up.”
Jada Bostic describes her sister as a quiet and humble superstar.
“She never let her ‘late’ start stop her. People need to see that everyone’s journey is different, and if you stay focused, you’ll find your path,” she said.
Bostic’s journey reflects the power of perseverance and the courage to trust one’s path. From long hours of practice to countless auditions, her story is a reminder that purpose does not always arrive on time, but when it does, it is undeniable.
Florida A&M University alumna Rae’Kwan Bostic appears as Gamora alongside Groot, bringing
iconic characters to life through her work in themed entertainment. (Photo Courtesy:
Rae’Kwan Bostic)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
