Name & Industry Age: Africa Miranda, 25 Sign: Capricorn Occupation: Singer/Vocalist Relationship Status and Why: Single. Too busy being fabulous. Who has time for a boyfriend? Where are you originally from and where do you reside? I was born in Boston, MA but was raised in Montgomery, AL. Now I split my time between NYC and Atlanta. Musical and Social influences? Diana Ross, Dorothy Dandridge, Audrey Hepburn, Diahann Carroll, Oprah. If you could work with any one dead or alive who would it be? Prince!! He is the beginning, the end, and everything in between. What would you be doing if you weren't singing? If I wasn't singing I would still be involved in something creative...acting, writing... something outside the box. What would you like people to say about your music generations from now? I would love to be remembered as someone that loved and enjoyed the [things] she created... that didn't take herself too seriously and was willing to take risks. Who's your celebrity crush? Andre 3000...weird little outfits and all :) If you could create a soundtrack to your life, what 5 songs would you use? "One More Chance Remix" Biggie, "Walkin' In Memphis" Marc Cohn, "You Give Good Love" Whitney Houston, "Can You Stand the Rain" New Edition, "Get Me Bodied" Beyonce. BIOGRAPHY A music sensation comes only once so often, possessing a balanced mix of addicting vocals, undeniable stage presence and irresistible songwriting. Fortunately for us, R&B has found it's newest rising superstar. Welcome Africa Miranda, the refreshing face & sound of the New South. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, this Cape Verdean beauty's musical styling is edgy R&B that flirts with Hip-Hop and Rock influences. Quickly nudging her way to the front and center of attention, Africa's infectious energy and alluring sound will keep her name in anyone's mouth after just one listen and look. Raised in a household that placed much emphasis on the power of music, Africa mastered both the violin and piano before reaching the age of 10. An avid lover of all facets of the arts, Africa also studied a variety of dance genres and starred in numerous plays while growing up. However, it wasn't until she sang in her middle school chorus that she discovered where her real passion laid. "The first time I sang in front of an audience I realized that everything felt so natural and real... I knew this was for me". After that epiphany Africa put all her focus on perfecting her craft. She took advantage of every performance opportunity that Alabama had to offer. From local talent shows to college showcases, Africa constantly fed into her on-stage addiction. However, she knew that Alabama didn't hold the opportunities she needed to pursue a successful career in music. It was time for a change and New York was the ideal location. Before her last suitcase could hit the floor, things started rolling into progression for Africa. She quickly began working with a variety of well-known producers some of which include: Trackmasters, who have produced hits for artists such as Destiny's Child, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige, Tytanic, who has produced for the likes of Ol' Dirty Bastard and Carl Thomas, and Underground Hip Hop hits maker, Khrysis, of The Away Team. Tytanic has called himself an Africa believer stating, "The word that describes Africa is star. Her name alone makes u feel like she is a born star. Now she has the records to prove that to the world". Like Tytanic, Khrysis also can't deny Africa's musical clout: "I love her determination and work ethic. She's gonna do some damage in this R&B world." Africa's music highlights the raw emotional honesty and pure power of her voice, while delivering a sensual sound that has a strong focus on melody. Songs like "All I Need", a mellow, vocally stimulating track asking for a genuinely loving man and "I Like It", a mid-tempo cut with an infectious melody are flowing with sincerity and earnestness sure to resonate with music lovers of all ages and races. The seductive "Make Love" illustrates Africa's maturity and tasteful sexual aggressiveness, while "That Girl" demonstrates confident and sassy lyrics looped around fiery harmonies. Africa's music is weaved with an eclectic range of musical influences such as Mariah Carey, Annie Lennox, R. Kelly, and Chaka Khan. Africa has mastered the art of painting pictures with her music, penning lyrics that reflect upon her successes, failures, loves, and heartbreaks: "I'm a young woman who is still finding herself and my music reflects that", says Africa. "That's why even though it can be uncomfortable at times, I try to be as honest as possible in my lyrics. Life is a long journey; I just want people to enjoy my music and walk with me for a little while." Africa's goals for the future are to be internationally recognized as a performer as well as to work with artists who have paved their own paths musically and reshaped their genres of music, some of her top choices being: Andre 3000, Sade, Prince, and Madonna. Africa also wishes to demonstrate her range in the performing arts by successfully crossing over into film and television. An unstoppable force destined for stardom, Africa Miranda is quickly climbing up the ladder of global fame and shows no signs of stopping. MIRANDA ON MYSPACE