Saturday Big Up: Keishera

With a voice that can only be described as a cross between Anita Baker and Sade, singer/songwriter Keishera James ("Keishera") exudes originality. With her raspy alto pipes and an infusion of her Jamaican heritage and R&B/Neo-soul melodies, her voice is unmistakably sultry.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn, Keishera has always been fond of the Arts. At the age of 16 Keishera pursued a career in modeling and has appeared in publications such as Essence and Heart & Soul Magazine. She also did runway and appeared in an Ad for Iman cosmetics. While modeling paid the bills, it was not her passion. Her dream of being a singer was realized when she ran into influential icons Patti LaBelle, Maya Angelou and Ahmert Ertegun, who encouraged her to focus on her dreams.

After that chance encounter Keishera had a brief stint with the New York based Burnt Sugar Band which was founded by Village Voice journalist Greg Tate. In 1999, under the management of David Passick (who has managed the careers of Maxwell and Herbie Hancock), Keishera formed her own band and performed at venues such as CB's Gallery, Joe's Pub and S.O.B.'s.

A year later the band was dismantled and Keishera moved to Paris and London where she recorded several songs. Thereafter she returned to Jamaica where she recorded the acoustic tune "So Good" produced by Mr. G. The song received airplay on radio stations in Jamaica. Keishera went on to collaborate with Reggae Superstar Shaggy to produce the hit single "Feels Right" which was an instant hit in Europe and Jamaica. This was followed by the single "Cry No More," an anti-domestic abuse tribute Keishera wrote with Jamaican hit-maker Christopher Birch. She has also worked with producers such as Nottz and Michael K. Success.

Keishera has gained experience by performing at local music venues doing open mics, talent shows and artist showcases. Hard at work on her untitled debut album, Keishera has been busy in the studio with notable hit- maker/producers GoldenChyl a.k.a GC, Sydney Mills and Andre Lloyd. Listen to Interview here

For more artist information, visit www.myspace.com/keishera.and an infusion of her Jamaican heritage and R&B/Neo-soul melodies, her voice is unmistakably sultry.