Not afraid to experiment and not shackled by what is considered mainstream, artist/producer/writer/arranger/singer/executive, Shadiya, brings to the stage sultry, smooth jazz sounds and collectively represents every music style imaginable.
Shadiya's music career began while singing in the church choir when the music director discovered her talent. Wanting to see that talent blossom, the director took her under her wing and paid for her vocal and piano lessons. From then on, with her mother and godmother as her managers, Shadiya was auditioning and singing for benefits such as the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Dogwood Arts Festival, Dollywood (formally known as Silver Dollar City) and political and church groups.
At age 13, she was challenged to audition for the Miss Tennessee Talented Teen contest. Winning the contest with her rendition of "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess, she went on to represent her state in the Hal Jackson's International Talented Teens Pageant held at the Coconut Grove in Hollywood, California. This one experience was a turning point in Shadiya's life. It opened many doors to building her self-esteem, to offering opportunities to interact and perform with some of the hottest stars such as
Janet Jackson,
Johnny Gill, [a=Jeffrey Osbourne],
Ready For The World,
Bobby Brown, and
DeBarge.
In high school she auditioned and won a place in the All-East and then All-State Chorus. Shadiya also enjoyed acting in highschool and tore the house down when she played Queenie in ShowBoat. Showing her versatility, she tried her hand at modeling and had various modeling jobs for Sears and other companies and organizations. At age 14, she recorded her first Gospel cassette titled, "Rise Again". After attending a year of college, she joined the Army as a medical specialist, paratrooper and served in the Persian Gulf War. She has appeared on World Monitor Special Broadcast, Montel Williams Show and CBS/Boston Children's Hospital Telethon. In 1989 she appeared in the movie, My Mother Wears Combat Boots with Barbara Eden (who played I Dream of Jeanie). Showcasing her writing skills, she co-authored a coloring book about children's cancer titled How My Life Changed. Independently released in 1997 was her first R&B single titled, "Love is the Answer". In 1998 her first R&B CD was titled "Songs of Love". In the year 2000, she wrote and released the Jamilia Cancer Fund CD with a beautiful track titled Miracles.
The album, The Heart of a Woman, showcases all of her titles as songwriter, producer, arranger, and vocalist. This album incorporates easy listening, smooth jazz, gospel and a little R&B. Her influences include
Minnie Riperton,
Gladys Knight,
Aretha Franklin,
Natalie Cole, [a=Patti Labelle],
Angela Winbush,
Dolly Parton, and
Prince.
Shadiya's "Share My World" album cover is the poster child for Superdups advertisement all over the country.
Shadiya was one of the top 12 DIY picks in the Sept/Oct 2004 Performing Songwriter magazine.
She was also chosen as one of the artists to be heard on XM radio. Solar Radio has been great with playing Shadiya's music. Shadiya's albums are available at retail stores.
New Jersey has been pumping her up at the Hip Hop Cafe, Cache, Casablanca, Mobile, Sambuca, Tribecca, Lace, Platinum as she incorporates more dance tunes.
Shadiya was on the 46th Annual Grammy Awards entry list for her "Heart of a Woman" album and the 47th Annual Grammy Awards entry list for her "Share My World" album. Entered in the categories of Record of the Year, Best R&B Album, Best R&B Song, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
