Biography
MASIA ONE is true to her name sake - the first female to be nominated for a Much Music Video Award (Rap), winner of the CCNC PIONEER accolade and constantly
redefining the sound and cultural boundaries of Hip hop music.
Born in Singapore, Masia One became an early fan of Hip Hop after stumbling upon a bootleg copy of Public Enemy’s It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back at the age of 8. A move to Vancouver Canada marked a period where Masia became active in the culture, as a graffiti artist and b-girl. It was not until her time at the University of Toronto pursuing an Architecture degree, that she took scribbled rhymes to the stage, and began her fast-pace journey into the life of an emcee. Masia One’s butter smooth flow debuted in 2003 with her independent release Mississauga.
Four videos, international bookings and countless media appearances later, the emcee is ready to release the story of her journey: PULAU.
The double disc album, titled after the Malaysian word for “The Islands”, reflects influences including the culture of SE Asia, heated dance hall tempos of
Jamaica and the feel good vibe of California’s West coast. During her most recent Tokyo Hustle Tour (March - April 2008), Masia One debuted songs off her upcoming release PULAU, traveling through Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, sharing stages with artists like The Roots, Diplomats & DJ Cream. Joining her DJ, DJ SARASA in Tokyo, the duo gained major attention in the Tokyo music scene, commandeering dance floors from Shibuya NUTS, Yellow Club and live in store appearances at BALS Tokyo, a first for the high end lifestyle store. The end of the tour was marked by Masia One signing to label Kratez, with major distribution through AVEX Japan.
Masia One is a mainstay of International Hip hop, working with producers & artist from Europe (Nicolay, DJ Vadim), North America (Apani B Fly, BBA Muzik), Asia (DJ Sarasa) and the Caribbean (Jubba; Mighty Diamonds). Respected for creating a universal sound, look for her sophomore album PULAU to be released in the September 2008.
One Love.
*Keep up to date at Masia One's Website*
WWW.MASIAONE.COM
Instrumentation
Basic Set
Masia One: Emcee
BBA Music or DJ SARASA (WWW.DJSARASA.COM): Serrato Scratch
Dance Crew: Armaghetto (breakdance), Tiff Mak (street ballet), KayAnn (reggae)
Live Set: MayJAH 1 & The Red Stripes II
Masia One - Mic
AFFILIATES
DJ SARASA www.djsarasa.com
The Battle Boys
www.battle-boys.com
Mobile Jam Fest
www.mobilejamfest.com
The Academy: www.myspace.com/theacademyofsound
Discography
MUSIC / VIDEO release
*Sept 09. 2008: LP PULAU album release*
Nov 2007 RETURN OF THE BGIRL Video Release
more info here:
http://www.thecyberkrib.com/Promotions/masiaone_returnofthebgirl_wrapup.html
May 2005: Split Second Time nominated for Much Music Video Award (1st time a female has been nominated in the category of Rap Music)
October 2004: The Hazing video
May 01. 2004: Split Second Time video
November 21. 2003: Halfway Through the City Video
August 28. 2003 : LP Mississauga release (indie)
August 11: Filmed video for first single "Return of the Bgirl" for release Sept. 2007
TELEVISION
July 2005 28th Annual Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF)
March 2005 CBC "nerve" Masia One commercial aired Famous Player Theatres Nationwide (trailer)
July 2004 Much Vibe host
Jan 22. 2004 CBC Zed TV live performance
Dec 01. 2003 BPM TV
May 11. 2001 Teen TVO
July 2001 Much Vibe Commercial
RADIO
May 2006 CBC Radio 1 Global Village
March 2005 CBC Slam National Poetry
March 2005 CBC Radio 1 Here and Now
January 2005 CBC Radio 3 In Session
August 2003 CBC Radio 1 and 2
June 2003 CKLN / CHRY / CIUT
June 2005 America Magazine, Fall Issue
Aug/Sept. 2003 Jasmine Magazine Fly Girl
August 2003 Toronto Star Not your usual rapper chick Raju Mudhar, A&E
August 23. 03 EYE Magazine Denise Benson / Extended Play
April 2002 The Neksis Interview by Kid Hyper
AWARDS
April 2006 Ontario Arts Council Popular Music Grant for songwriting
June 2005 PROMOfact! Grant for www.masiaone.com website
Nov.25. 2003 Chinese Canadian National Council Pioneer Award
June 2003 Graduated with an Honors B.A. specializing in Architecture from The University of Toronto
Links
| http://www.masiaone.com |
| MASIA ONE WEBSITE |
| Masia One YOUTUBE VIDEOS |
| Masia One Myspace |
| Masia One Reverb Nation |
| Masia One IMEEM |