By Marion Filler
Haniyah Iman Hill, a 7th grader at the Frelinghuysen Middle School, is back for her second appearance at Morristown Onstage.
Looking a little taller and sporting a new hair style, Hill is ready to try her luck again when she sings I’m Here from the show The Color Purple at the Mayo Performing Arts Center on March 4, 2025.
“My style is still the same, but my skills have gotten better since last year,” says Hill. Normally soft spoken, her voice shifts dramatically into a big, bold emotional mode during the song.
Hill is among 16 amateur acts competing for cash prizes and local fame in the 18th annual edition of the Morris Educational Foundation’s contest to benefit programs in the Morris School District.
Her parents, vocalist Nailah Taylor-Hill and Rex Hill, a professional musician, competed in Morristown Onstage years ago.
“We did it twice. We didn’t win, but we did well,” says Rex Hill. “I accompanied Nailah and I’m doing the same thing for Haniyah. I’m pretty much like a music coach.”
Speaking of his daughter, he adds with a smile: “She’s not that quiet. When she gets comfortable around people, she’s loud.”
Over the last year, Haniyah has matured as a singer, according to her father. “That means her approach to the music and the song is more mature, her breathing technique is a whole lot better and she takes the time to really dissect the song.”
As a finalist last year, Haniyah Hill sang the Whitney Houston hit, The Greatest Love of All.
I’m Here is performed at the climax of The Color Purple, and symbolizes the triumph of self-love over adversity. As one critic said, “The song is not meant to be sung, but roared. It’s not meant to be heard but felt.”
Hill intends to make it happen.
“My mom chose this song when her sister passed years ago, and I wanted to memorialize and recognize her. It’s not a sad song, it’s inspirational,” she says.
She also is inspired by Fantasia Barrino. As the first American Idol winner to sing on Broadway, his version of I’m Here routinely brought the house down.
As the youngest of nine children, Hill is surrounded by a musical family. Her grandfather sings, and her dad’s side of the family are all musicians. “They sing and play everything except woodwinds,” her mom told Morristown Green in 2024.
With of plenty of support and enthusiasm to guide her, Hill is motivated to be a success.
Is singing a big part of her life?
“Yes, very!”
Does she plan to continue and get really famous?
“Yes, I do!”
The Morris Educational Foundation presents the 18th annual Morristown Onstage on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. Sixteen amateur acts from Greater Morristown will compete for $2,500 in prizes, in a benefit for the Morris School District. Tickets are $43-$95, available online or at MPAC, 100 South St., 973-539-8008.