Yemi Marie

Yemi Marie: Teen Singer on A Mission

Chicago teen singer Yemi Marie already is demonstrating that she has the talent and determination it takes to conquer the world of entertainment – and win the hearts of music lovers. The 16-year-old makes her debut with the CD 12/11/12 (Prize Music), which was inspired by her goal to finish her first album at the age of 15. The disc, which boasts a blend of mature vocalized R&B along with a youthful, upbeat hip-hop-infused style, has launched Yemi Marie into the hearts of music lovers of all ages while setting her apart from her teen peers.

On her first music video and single, “Draw the Line,” Yemi draws it down by offering a unique perspective of a strong independent young woman who encourages listeners to make positive decisions. On “Old Fashioned Love,” she offers a lyrical ballad that shares the endearing magic of a special relationship. The breezy “Saturday” is a fresh, throbbing beat with an uplifting lyrical melody. Yemi Marie’s music is not solely an urban sound, but a blend of rhythmic soul melded from various genres of musical influences.

Yemi’s singles have been in rotation on several radio stations, including WVAZ/V103, Power 92, WKKC 89.3 FM, Sirius XM, and iHeart. In October, she traveled to Orlando, Fla., to perform on the nationally syndicated television show Upbeat Dancers.

To encourage her fellow youth to shun violence and bullying, Yemi Marie launched her Draw The Line Anti-Violence, Anti-Bullying Campaign in Chicago schools. The campaign features Yemi Marie speaking on the importance of mutual respect for others, a special performance for the students, and a seasoned social worker who can answer tough questions from young people as well as advise school administrators and teachers. Since spring 2013, Yemi Marie has presented or participated in dozens of anti-bullying programs and concerts.

“As youth we must understand that what we do, good and bad, might greatly affect others,” says Yemi Marie. “We are not too young to learn the importance of taking a stand and drawing the line. We all must do what we can to stop the violence.”

During the three-day 2013 Black Women’s Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago, Yemi Marie performed before thousands on the Main Stage. She was thrilled to share the stage with recording stars that included Tamela Mann and Faith Evans. In total, Yemi impacted 40,000 people during the three-day event. At the historic DuSable Museum, Yemi headlined her first concert and won abundant praise. Also making the summer of 2013 exciting for Yemi Marie was the opportunity to open for superstar Chaka Khan at a concert at Wolf Lake Pavilion in Indiana.

The teen also headlined an Arie Crown Theatre concert for thousands of middle-school students who “earned” this special treat based on school attendance and overall academic performance. In addition, Yemi was invited to participate in a “Pitch It To Me” networking event hosted by the National Association of Black Journalists Chicago. The teen artist sang her pitch to a panel of media experts from print and broadcast outlets, and received an enthusiastic and positive response. That led to Yemi being interviewed the next morning on the Perri Small Show on historic WVON Radio. She has been invited to participate on WVON five times since then.

In 2012, the Talent Shines International Talent Convention named Yemi Marie Top Talent. Her performances, for which she earned top scores against thousands of contestants, were broadcast live around the globe from Disney World in Orlando.

In her grammar school’s talent show, Yemi wowed students and teachers with her take on “A Song for Mama,” made famous by Boyz II Men. Although influenced by Jennifer Hudson, as well as Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé and Whitney Houston, the teen has developed her own style while learning to play the piano and fine-tuning her song-writing skills. Yemi Marie’s inherent gifts extend far beyond her vocals. A true entertainer, she is trained in several forms of dance – Hawaiian, African, modern, hip-hop and tap. She strives to inspire others through her love of song and dance.

Yemi Marie’s hit singles “Draw The Line” and “Saturday” can be found on iTunes and other digital music sites.