Artist Information Biography "I’m An African has an appeal that is greater than the subset of people that actively search out African music" -Neufutur Magazine "Rhythmic, hypnotic, and hard-hitting is what best describes the album I’m an African by singer-songwriter Janelia. Sounds of reggae, neo-African, and world fusion music not only makes you want to dance, but also inspires you to stand up and fight for what is right" - Feminist Review "While the African-centric/positive movement in popular music has petered off since the days of Arrested Development and Erykah Badu, Janelia’s ability to link together pop rhythms with an awakened consciousness builds off the work of these earlier artists" - Neufutur Magazine "Janelia is to be commended for bringing her spiritual messages to the groove so succinctly. Definitely worth a listen" -Eat Sleep Drink Music BIOGRAPHY The daughter of an American father and Nigerian mother who was born in Houston and raised in Nigeria, singer-songwriter Janelia brings a unique multi-cultural vibe to her exotic, highly rhythmic mix of reggae, neo-African and world fusion music. Living in Baltimore and nominated for the 2006 Nigerian Entertainment Award as Artist of the Year, the multi-faceted artist conveys her dual citizenship, musical and otherwise, in the hard-hitting autobiographical lyrics to the title track of her new recording I’m An African. Over a hypnotic reggae and African flavored rhythm track, she sings “I’m an African/Born and bred in the USA/Second generation immigrant/Want to be myself in this hip-hop world.” Throughout the United States, Janelia and her band (collectively known as JaneliaSoul Afrique and featuring her husband, half Nigerian, half Ghanian bassist, vocalist and percussionist Femi Sanya) have performed in recent years at numerous colleges, concert series, theatres and festivals including Artscape, Baltimore’s biggest music festival, in 2007. She’s also performed as a featured opening act for well-known artists such as Bongo Muffin, Habib Koite, Raheem DeVaughn, and King Sunny Ade, and has played benefits such as Africa Malaria Day concert in Washington, DC, to help raise funds and awareness for malaria treatment and prevention in Africa. Throughout her career as an independent artist, Janelia has remained true to her consciousness of poverty and other social, economic and political issues in Africa and addresses it with her music.  While she’s well established in the U.S., Janelia finally had the chance to conquer the hearts of the people of her homeland when she released a disc featuring three mixes of “This Is The Life” and “Get On Down” on Nigeria’s Tema Sounds in 2007. This Is The Life is Janelia’s heartfelt reflection on the magic we can find in everyday life and not taking it for granted, was an instant hit, selling over 100,000 copies and, perhaps more importantly, forging a deep connection with the Nigerian culture. Prior to that, she had released her full-length debut, I’ll Be Waiting, in 2004 Set for U.S. release in early July and in Nigeria in September, I’m An African chronicles Janelia’s spiritual and musical quest to discover who she is and where she fits in the world as a citizen of two fascinating but distinctive cultures so distant from each other. Singing in English and Yoruba, the language native to Southern Nigeria but which is also spoken in Brazil, Cuba and other South American countries, the singer finds a compelling and entertaining way to give voice to those who also find themselves at a cultural crossroads. The title track is an anthem not just for Africans but also for anyone who holds a connection to the cultures of that continent where human beings originated. “Just Kala” laments the old fashioned way people once fell in love and asks why couples’ fear of commitment prevents love from being as free as it once was; “Baba Wa,” a combination of spoken word and Afro beat, is a pointed political song asking essential questions about why Africa is in the state it is in today—i.e. why don’t people love each other, why are leaders so corrupt and why are they squandering their rich natural resources? Throughout the journey of making the recording, Janelia realized that not only is she a part of two unique worlds, she has had the opportunity to experience the best of both of them. When she traveled back to Nigeria, she wondered if she would be fully accepted by Nigerians; it turns out that many natives are so enamored by American culture and hip hop music that they’re trying hard to be like Americans. Americans are therefore held in very high esteem. Instrumentation Janelia: Lead Vocals/Percussion Gwen: Backup Vocals/Dancer Femi: Bass Guitar/ Talking drums Chris: Percussion Frank: Guitar/Vocals Michael: Drums Sam: Talking Drum/ Percussion Discography 1. I'm an African ( JaneliaSoul inc. July 3, 2008) 2. This is the Life (Nigeria. 2007) 3. I'll Be Waiting (M.M.E 2004) Links http://myspace.com/janeliasoul