“Artist Spotlight!”
Their enchanting voices can be heard on radio, online, and multiple platforms. Their performances have mesmerized audiences at weddings, church gatherings, and gala events everywhere. Their enchanted sound has rocked clubs, venues, and stadiums… and captivated crowds whether on the block or at festivals! Regardless of the scene… these Queens have brought their melodic magic to fans around the world, and we proudly feature them in the Women Who Jam Artist Spotlight!
Castella is a proud native of Long Beach, CA with a style that exudes strength and courage. Singing has been her passion since she was young, participating in church choirs, music groups, and performing solo shows. Castella's voice is unique and can be both powerful and soothing. She chose her name as a tribute to her grandmother, who was called Ms. Castella in their hometown. Castella takes pride in her name and embodies its strength and respect for a new generation. Her musical influences include prominent singers like Phyllis Hyman, Sarah Vaughn, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Mikki Howard, and many more. Castella was also influenced by the smooth and sensitive styles of artists like Luther Vandross, Natalie Cole, and Dionne Warwick. All of these artists have contributed to the unique Castella voice that we enjoy today. "Intoxicated Love" continues to blaze the charts, is available on all streaming platforms, and is a mainstay at Women Who Jam Radio!
Shirley Lites has a mesmerizing voice that can light up any room. Her vocal range is unique and her rhythmic delivery is powerful. Once she starts singing, her smooth melodies and high-tone vocal riffs capture the audience's attention. An international recording artist, world traveler, songwriter, producer, and a musician's musician... Shirley also serves on the NABFEME Executive Board.
Formerly the band leader and background vocalist for the late and great Billy Paul for over sixteen years, Shirley has shared the stage with many famous artists like Angela Bofil, Melba Moore, Gladys Knight, Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, and many others. Her first single, "Heat You Up/Melt You Down," was a hit on West End Records and set the stage for her future success. Shirley has always collaborated with producers who enhanced her unique signature sound. She covered Teena Marie's "Déjà Vu" as a high-energy house track, produced by Steve Mason of Philly's WDAS-FM! Her latest CD project, "Strong Woman," includes the hit dance single "Every Side of Me."
Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Elisa began her singing career as a teenager in her brother's band, touring regionally and performing at schools, festivals, and on riverboats. Growing up with a diverse array of musical influences, she quickly developed a versatile repertoire. Today, Elisa continues to perform at various events, corporate functions, and private gatherings. She has captivated audiences in Latin America and Europe, singing in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Recently, she received the Jazz Living Legend Award from the City of Los Angeles, and in 2023, she was honored with the Los Angeles Black Music People's Choice Award. Additionally, Elisa composed the music and lyrics for “Galaxika Roots,” which was featured in the opening dance competition of the Miss Black California USA Pageant.
Sharnette is a lyricist in the Southern Soul market who produces raw, soulful music that reflects her true attitude. She is an artist with a no-holds-barred approach, blending a new-millennium Etta James delivery with a mature Mary J Blige sound. She is a talented singer-songwriter who brings together young and old soul music audiences. Sharnette says, "There's a natural high, a rush of adrenaline I get when I'm writing, recording, and producing." She is a native of Dallas, TX and has been performing and recording professionally since the mid-nineties. Her soulful music is a reflection of her life experiences and love relationships. Sharnette has performed with various entertainers and her performances are always heartfelt. Sharnette says she believes in working with people who understand where she's coming from!
Houston native formerly signed to Platinum Atlanta Records... Donyale Renee was the co-writer of the campaign song for former Atlanta Mayor, Shirley Franklin. She has blazed the stage and held down the backing vocals for Mariah Carey, Monifa, Michael Henderson, and Maxi Priest to name a few. She has opened for Smokie Robinson, The Manhattans, Betty Wright, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Adina Howard, Marvin Cease and many others. Donyale has performed throughout Europe and mainland China; her vocal charisma is often matched to that of many great R&B artists. Recently Donyale was named the 2022 Southern Soul Female Artist of the Year by Radio and Records. Affectionately known throughout the Southern Soul genre as the "Southern Soul Diamond," enjoy Donyale's music on her website or all streaming platforms.
Lady Soul Evette Busby has been singing professionally for over 20 years. She started singing at Hopewell Missionary Baptist church and has become known as “Houston’s Best Kept Secret”. A well-known performing fixture in clubs, at weddings, festivals and corporate events, her most recent single, “YOU” peaked at #2 on the Southern Soul Charts! Her eclectic style can take you from a beautiful soft ballad to some rockin’ hard driving R&B funk. With music available on all streaming platforms... you're gonna love the Southern Soul grit of Miss Evette Busby!
SWEET is the word that brings us to recording artist Sweet Nay! Serving up her unique soulful singing flavor, this entertaining Louisiana native consistently cooks up and serves her audience an alluring high energy show. We hope you're ready because this Shreveport, LA diva is taking no prisoners and is ready to slay a stage near you!
Soul singer and songwriter Erica Falls credits her unique vintage sound to growing up in New Orleans’ 9th Ward, where her parents introduced her to Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and others. Whether on stage or in the studio, she channels a sassy, soulful tone that recalls an earlier era. But Erica cautions her fans: “Vintage soul is not about bringing the listener back to a time of authentic music, it’s about reminding them that it never went anywhere,” she says. Erica has recorded and performed with icons like Allen Toussaint, Sting, No Doubt, Joe Sample, Dr. John, and Jennifer Hudson among others.
In 2013, Erica was hand-picked by Lee Daniels to star in the lead singing role of the award-winning film Lee Daniels The Butler. She has toured nationally with renowned New Orleans funk band Galactic as their lead vocalist, and currently, Erica is working on her highly anticipated new release and is excited to get it out to the world.
"If red beans & rice could sing, they'd sound like Erica Falls!" - Cyril Neville
With an acute understanding that Black women singing together to form one sound has historically shaped the foundation of pop music, the artistry of The Shindellas bleeds into each verse that they sing and each harmony they create. The depths of their melodies contain the gospel-inspired vocal tradition of En Vogue and the thundering, genre-bending flair of The Pointer Sisters. They make songs combining all of the elements that made Black girl groups popular in the 60s and bonafide superstars in the 90s!
The Nashville-based trio, composed of Tamara Chauniece, Stacy Johnson, and Kasi Jones, released their debut album “Hits That Stick Like Grits” in 2021. And with their latest album, “Shindo,” proves this group is ready to soar!
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