Demetria Mckinney

Demetria McKinney is a triple threat in the truest sense of the term. She is an award-winning actress who has played diverse roles on the big and small screens as well as the stage. She is a gifted singer with a rich voice requiring zero studio enhancements. And she is a skillful songwriting who thoughtfully expresses emotions in a way that instantly connects with listeners.

Widely known for her role as “Janine Payne” on the hit TBS sitcom “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne,” which has taped over 254 episodes and received five NAACP Image Awards for Best Sitcom, Demetria can currently be seen on ABC Family in a recurring “Devious Maids” role, and on TV One as a primary character on “The Rickey Smiley Show.”

Demetria is now currently the newest cast member on Bravo TV’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 7.

Even though her acting career keeps her very busy, Demetria always makes time for her first love: music. Over the past few years she has recorded and performed with artists such as Musiq Soulchild and Anthony David. Demetria has also opened for Anthony David as well as such R&B mainstays as Dwele and Tank

Recently Demetria released her club and radio hit single titled “100.” which is currently in the top 50 on the iTunes R & B charts. "100" is a hip hop infused women’s anthem featuring one of the genre’s first ladies - Da Brat.

Her newest single "Trade It All,” which is currently on the top 50 urban AC charts, is a song about taking your relationship to the next level," says McKinney. "When you’re in the best relationship, the love is definitely there but the commitment isn’t, would you trade it all for love" states McKinney. Demetria’s forthcoming EP "Officially Yours," is scheduled for release later this year. The soulful ballad was written by McKinney, The Good Guys, and was also produced by The Good Guys.

All of the songs on “Officially Yours” emanate from a place within Demetria that up until now she has only expressed through the characters that she’s played. The spectrum of a woman’s life lived out loud - with love, resilience and courage – is represented on “Officially Yours.”






“As a recording artist, this is where the most truthful, transparent side of me will be seen and heard,” Demetria says. “People mostly know me for the roles I have played, and they are all roles that I chose specifically for the lessons that I would learn from each character. Personally, I never wanted to show vulnerability because I thought it was a sign of weakness. I didn’t want to talk about situations I’ve endured and I would shut off opportunities that would make me connect with any past pain. I always hid behind my characters, and allowed them to overshadow Demetria. But the reason I call this EP ‘Officially Yours’ is because the music represents the ‘official’ Demetria McKinney.”

“Music has always been a big part of my life, and helped me get through the most difficult times of my life,” adds Demetria. “It feels good and it is very natural for me to express myself through music, and I hope that fans can connect with me as someone who – through the good times and the bad times – not only survived but got over some very painful situations and still thrived.”


McKinney first worked with Tyler Perry on his stage play, “Meet the Browns” and she went on to star in several other of his plays including “What’s Done In The Dark;” “Why Did I Get Married,” and “Madea’s Family Christmas.” Her additional stage work includes leading roles in the plays “The Mountaintop;” “Church Girl;” the musical “I Dream,” in which she portrayed Mrs. Coretta Scott King, and “Dreamgirls” where she performed alongside the legendary Jenifer Holliday. Her numerous film and television credits include the films “Daddy’s Little Girls;” “Breaking Up is Hard to Do;” “Necessary Roughness;” “Let’s Stay Together;” Drop Dead Diva’s and many more.
Demetria has 2 new films coming out in 2015 “Let The Church Say Amen” on BET, directed Regina King starring Demetria, Naturi Naughton, Lela Rochon & Hosea Chanchez and “Sons To The Grave” Directed by Mykelti Williamson starring Demetria, Trevor Jackson & Darrin Henson.

McKinney currently co-stars on the TV One sitcom “The Rickey Smiley Show” and has a recurring role on the Lifetime breakout hit “Devious Maids.”