| Najiyah: Voice of a New Generation Najiyah is like most 12-year old girls. She enjoys doing her little sister’s hair, playing in the park and riding her scooter. One thing sets her apart from her peers is that she is a gifted vocalist who has performed in front of millions of people. This sixth grader is musical veteran, who has performed at the Apollo, sang at Patti La Belle’s 60th birthday party and performed on BET’s gospel show “Bobby Jones Gospel”. She recently released her debut CD, It’s Just Me, on independent label, Rhythmbank Entertainment, which was co-founded by Nona Hendrix. Hendrix discovered her at a movie audition. “I don’t think I picked Najiyah.”, Hendrix stated “I think I was picked by life to take part in her evolution into one of our future vocal stars. I feel that Najiyah is an exceptionally gifted young singer who sings beyond her years. I can only feel she has the vocal abilities of someone like Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin or Whitney Houston when they were her age.” TRUE ARTIST ENTERTAINMENT: How did you feel when you found out you received a record deal? NAJIYAH: I felt that I was very blessed. TAE: How long did it take to record your debut CD? NAJIYAH: It took almost a year. TAE: What is your favorite song on the CD? NAJIYAH: “Through the Storm” with Jennifer Holiday! TAE: Who are some your musical influences? NAJIYAH: My father he sings and plays piano. Yolanda Adams and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. TAE: What do you enjoy about singing and performing? NAJIYAH: I enjoy when people are touched by the message I give them. I like that God is real! TAE: How do you balance school and performing? NAJIYAH: Most of my performances are on weekends or days I don’t have school. TAE: You performed at Patti La Belle’s birthday party when you were 11. What was that like? NAJIYAH: Exciting. I met a lot of celebrities like Ashford and Simpson and other great people and producers.. TAE: What is your favorite subject in school? NAJIYAH: Social Studies. I like learning about African American heroes who have helped African American people. TAE: Who would you like to perform with in the future? NAJIYAH: Yolanda Adams. She is my favorite. I the way she carries herself as a person. She has a great voice. |