Artists
Our 2010 artists represent the who’s-who in entertainment. From international Bachata performers and hands-clapping gospel artists, to award-winning R&B soloists and cultural performers, our line-up will excite the rhythms within your soul.
Headliners
En Vogue
Since En Vogue’s 1990 debut, the ladies set a standard for female R&B and pop acts like Destiny’s Child and the Pussy Cat Dolls. While En Vogue may have been trendsetters for those who followed them, the group itself began receiving comparisons to The Supremes. But unlike The Supremes, En Vogue never disbands. Instead, the group exemplified the fortitude of Motown veterans the Temptations and continued to record and perform.
Lyfe Jennings
With his authentic, soulful voice, innovative lyrical style, and undeniable talent, Lyfe is ready to establish an even deeper connection with his fans and garner new ones with his latest effort.
The platinum selling soul singer/songwriter/producer is poised for success with his anticipated album Lyfe Change. Highlights on the 14-track album include collaborations with Wyclef Jean, Snoop Dogg and T.I. “I’m considered to be an R&B cat because I'm a soul singer, but I also enjoy rock, jazz, and all kinds of music,” Lyfe admits. “My music has always been positive, touching people socially and emotionally,” he says.
Chester "Lyfe" Jennings, a native of Toledo, Ohio, transformed the music world in 2004 after the release of his critically acclaimed debut Lyfe 268-192. The album created devoted fans everywhere and sold over a million copies.
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise
JJ Hairston is the Director of Youthful Praise. He is a member of Turner's Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C., Int'l. in Bridgeport CT. JJ is a native of Brooklyn, NY. His love for gospel music began at his current church when his friend asked him to come to choir rehearsal. It was then that James gave his heart, as well as his voice, talent, and his feet to the Lord. James began writing his own songs. Since then, James has been called upon to write and direct for many well-known artists. JJ's ultimate desire is that young people would see him as an active young man, yet as a servant of the Lord.
The dynamic voices of Youthful Praise have been wowing audiences for over sixteen years. They have grown within their home church of Turner's Faith Temple (Bridgeport, CT), into an effective ministry that dazzles and delights through the gift of song.
Gyptian
Born Windel Beneto Edwards in the King Weston District of St. Andrew to a Seventh Day Adventist mother and Rastafarian father, Gyptian received his musical calling at the age of 7, when he began singing in the church. Recognizing his God-given talent, his parents soon introduced the resistant youngster to Mr. Wong, a producer from Portmore in St. Catherine.
Under the guidance of Mr. Wong and Earl Chinna Smith, Gyptian honed his unique sound, winning the 2004 Star Search talent competition at Kens Wild Flower Lounge in Portmore, earning him a spot at Sting 2004, dubbed the greatest one night reggae show on earth.
Nicknamed from his habit of tying a shirt around his head and twisting his chin hair like an Egyptian pharaoh, the young, gifted, and conscious singer is very protective of keeping his sound 100% Gyptian.
Nominated for Best New Entertainer at the 2006 International Reggae and World Music Awards, the twenty-three year old velvet-voiced singer has been dominating the charts with a slew of hit singles including, “Is There a Place”, “Beautiful Lady”, and the chart-topping ballad “Mama, Don’t Cry”.
Huey Dunbar
Toby Love
Toby Love is a bachata musician from The Bronx, New York, USA. His hip-hop-influenced music has been referred to as "crunkchata". Love was a backup singer for the bachata band Aventura before beginning a solo career with his 2006 LP, Toby Love, released on Sony Records.
Marsha Ambrosius
Marsha Ambrosius (the songtress) is one half of the neo-soul duo Floetry. Ambrosius and Nat alie Stewart emerged in the mid-'90s as songwriters in demand. They're behind some of the new millennium's biggest hits. The pair has written tracks for Michael Jackson, Jill Scott, Glenn Lewis, and Bilal. In 1997, Ambrosius and Stewart began writing songs and playing shows in and around London. Floetic appeared in October 2002, and its follow-up, Flo'Ology, reached the Top Ten upon release three years later.
As a solo musician/song-writer/producer Ambrosius was signed to Dr. Dre's record label, Aftermath Entertainment. Parting ways with the label early 2009, Ambrosius pursued her song-writing/production career landing her placements with the some of the best in R&B and Hip Hop ranging from Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx and Mario to Fabulous, Slum Village and Wale. December 2009, Ambrosius signed to J Records and her solo debut "Late Nights & Early Mornings" will be released Summer 2010.
Host
Dance Acts
Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble
Sponsored by The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, is the longest-lived African dance company in the city of Philadelphia, inspired by the voices of our ancestors, Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble preserves, presents and builds upon the dance and music of Africa and the African Diaspora.
Remix Theatre
A theater company of Philadelphia that has been praised by CBS 3, KYW News Radio and many local magazines and newspapers, for its creative ability to transform classic fables, dramatic plays, and musicals by “remixing” them into a dynamic mix of drama, music and urban dance, bridging the generational gap between theater goers.
Zen One
Sponsored by The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, is nationally and internationally known founder of Zen One Dance Collective; a theater based hip hop Dance Company that combines dance, martial arts and music. The movement of ZODC is a fusion of House, B-boyin’ and Capoeira (Afro-Brazilian).
Urban Acts
Bajah + The Dry Eye Crew
After packing the national stadium for performances in their home country of Sierra Leone and contributing music to the Academy Award–nominated film Blood Diamond, African superstars Bajah + the Dry Eye Crew are poised to conquer the global airwaves with their international debut album and their unique sound, which blends the swagger and funk of hip-hop, the passion and energy of dancehall, and the socially conscious vibe of reggae. The group has generated so much buzz in the hip-hop world that major stars including ?uestlove and Black Thought of the Roots, Talib Kweli, K'Naan, Res, and El-P have contributed their vocal and/or production talents to the upcoming release, helmed by the production team Fyre Department (whose credits include 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, GZA, Talib Kweli, Justin Timberlake). With this great collection of creatives, Bajah's own star is rising as the Sean Paul of West Africa with the social conscience of Bob Marley and Fela Kuti.
Bump Jay
Reppin’ North Philly, Bump Jay got his first record deal at the age of 16 signing to Tommy Boy Records. Soon after, he formed Major Figgas with a few of his childhood friends. Major Figgas signed to Ruff Nation/Warner Brother Records releasing their smash hit, “Yeah That’s Us”. Their debut single reached Number 2 on Billboard’s Top 100 for 16 weeks and was awarded ASCAP’s Song of the Year. In 2008, Bump released his independent single, “VIP (Pretty Girls)” which reached #1 in Philadelphia following his feature on the remix of Gillie da Kid’s number one single, “Get Down on the Ground”.
Bunjii
The name Bunjii (Bun-gee) implies adrenaline rush, thrill seeker, and risk taker. After listening to their daring and edgy CD, it is clear why they chose such an appropriate name to represent their band. The Bunjii front men consist of Big Yount (lead vocalist & producer) and Mercury (producer & lyricist). Hailing from Willingboro, NJ these friends have come together in harmony to form a new sound that embodies Hip-Hop and Rock Music. Their powerful rock influenced beats coupled with undeniably hard-hitting rap lyrics result in musical perfection.
Gillie da Kid
You may remember Gillie Da Kid as one of the founding members of the group “Major Figgas” who smashed onto the music scene with their single “Yeah That’s Us” but make no mistake about it, Gillie Da Kid IS the King of Philly (K.O.P). No stranger to hip hop, the King of Philly has been holding it down for the Philly Hip Hop Movement for quite some time and has no intention of letting go of his crown anytime soon.
Meek Mill
Raised in the North Philadelphia section of the city, Meek Mill’s desire to rap grew after watching his uncle Philly hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Nell. While hanging out in his neighborhood, Meek met three guys and formed the group, “BloodHoundz. With a solo career in tow, Meek became one of Philadelphia’s hottest underground rap artists on an independent label. In 2007, Meek debuted his Flamerz series, which stands for hottest songs
In 2008, Meek debuted the highly anticipated Flamerz 2 –“Hottest In The City,” which showcased more of his lyrical abilities with the singles, “I'm So Fly,” “Prolli,” and “Hottest In The City.” In June of 2009, Meek began immediately working on his freshman album – Flamerz 3, “Hottest In America – Gangster Grill Edition,” hosted by DJ Drama and featuring the songs: “Baby Girl,” “Hottest In America,” and “I’m Killinem.” The highly anticipated cd was released on January 19, 2010.
Peedi
The North Philly African American/Puerto Rican MC first signed to Roc-a-Fella Records in 2001 In 2002, Peedi's debut single, "One for Peedi Crakk," charted in the R&B/hip-hop Top 40. In 2006, Peedi was featured on Game Theory the first Def Jam release by fellow rap group The Roots on its single "Long Time". Shortly afterwards, Roots drummer and leader offered Peedi a provisional spot with the group.
Tiago
At age 17, Tiago was noticed by Bonafide Entertainment. He’s performed in many events internationally in countries such as Italy, Australia, Puerto Rico, Montreal, Punta Cana, as well as throughout the United States. Staying true to his culture and heritage, he now masters the art of salsa dancing.Tiago also made his first big singing debut in 2008, at the Philadelphia Hispanic Choice Awards held at the Kimmel Center. He mesmerized the audience with his ability to sing in both English and Spanish.
He’s been recording at the legendary Gamble & Huff recording studio, where the “Sound of Philadelphia” was built with such artists as Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, Hall & Oates, The O’Jays, Chubby Checker, and many more.
