MEET THE HIGHLY TALENTED LADIES WHO WILL BE ON THE INDIE ARTIST'S JUKEBOX TUESDAY 20 DEC 2016

Zanderland Asante . . . CEO/Founder
Zanderland (Zan) Asante is the founder and CEO of Poet in Flight Studio, Poems in Bloom Academy, Creative Seasons Music Publishing, BMI, and UP Ministry.  She has served as a communication professor at Morgan State University and Howard University; talk show producer at WBAL radio (Baltimore) and WBZ radio (Boston); and development director & announcer at WEAA radio (MSU).  With a love for music, she is a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammy Awards) and a member of BMI (Performance Rights Organization).  Zan holds a B.S. in Communication Studies from Morgan State University and a Master’s in Public Relations from Boston University.  She has been a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. for nearly 30 years.
The Poet . . .
Zan’s writing style is comforting, inspiring, and healing and many describe her voice as velvet that soothes the soul.  Her poetic melodies are gracefully being shared throughout the world.  As a spoken word with music artist, she did not wait for record labels, rather decided to start her own music label and publishing company to market her unique gift.  Her latest CD “Poems in Bloom” is a fresh collaboration of poetry, music, Psalms, and other Scriptures to inspire, refresh, and heal.  It is a reflection of her healing journey through faith, strength, and courage.  “Poems in Bloom” was included on the first round ballot of the 59th Grammy Awards and received positive acknowledgement from Grammy Award winning musicians.  
Family . . .
As a wife and  mother,  Zan says family is precious!  She has been married to Minister Tony for 23 years and they have two beautiful children (Kofi, 22 and Zanbria, 20).
The Minister . . .
Zan is a prophetess, intercessor and pre-marital small group leader.  She and her husband teach classes and mentor couples. “We are thankful  & trusting in The Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Athlete . . .
A 4 time All-American athlete, Zan ran track for more than 10 years.  Excelling in the 100, 200, 400 meters, 4x100 & 4x400 relays she competed in high school (Fowler in Syracuse, NY) and college (Morgan State Uni.).
Testimony . . .  In Her Own Words
“At the age of 8, life changed for me as my lens went from colorful rays of childhood happiness to a view that struggled to find the sun and rainbow.  My father died of a massive heart attack at the age of 44 and less than one year later my mother was murdered (a victim of gun violence). “I am always thankful for the love and embrace from my big brother, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and  mentors. 

Although I continued to move through my journey with those who loved me, I still did not have the skills needed to process these tragedies and realized later in life that the grieving journey is manifested in several stages.  In retrospect, I experienced all of them, including shock (denial), anger, depression (loneliness), restoration, and acceptance & hope. Running served as therapy for me. 

It represented both physical and spiritual hope and healing.  Physically, the exercise helped to boost my mood and often relieved grief.  Spiritually, I embraced God’s Word, ‘run with endurance the race set before you.’  God has truly blessed me and I thank Him for His Son Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of my Faith.”


"My message . . . Don't give up!  Stay in the race"

​Tawana Lael is considered a triple threat in the entertainment industry and she is quickly claiming her place on the world's entertainment radar. Her song, "Plan B" from her debut album 'Journey To Love" was recognized as one of the top songs in Billboard's 17th Annual World Song Contest.

Tawana Lael's first single "Journey To Love" released in 2010 debuted at No. 7 on Mediaguide/Radiowave Urban Satellite Radio; making Tawana the first Independent female artist to do so at that time. To date "Journey To Love" has received well over 4000 spins on Internet, Satellite, and Terrestrial radio stations.

Tawana Lael's video's, which can be viewed at youtube.com/tawanalael have received over 75,000 views. Tawana is currently working on her Sophomore Album, which is scheduled to be released in the Summer of 2014. Most recently, Tawana was nominated "Best Female R&B Artist" and "Best R&B Song" in the 1st Annual Lipstick Radio Indie Awards. Her song, "In This Love" was nominated "Best R&B/Soul Song" in the 13th Annual Independent Music Awards.

This gifted vocalist has performed at various clubs around New York City such as Sweet Waters, The Waldoff Astoria and Reins. Tawana has also appeared at the world famous Apollo Theatre, where she won first place five consecutive times.

Tawana Lael currently resides in Atlanta GA, where audiences have enjoyed listening to her perform live at The Underground Atlanta during The Heritage Arts Festival, Sambuca's Jazz Cafe, The Apache Cafe, Centennial Park, Uptown Restaurant and Lounge, The Blue Room, The Georgia Aquarium, Barley's, KC Pit Restaurant, Londzell's Martini Lounge and Restaurant and Soundstage.
​
Tawana's training has been with some of the best in the business. They include but are not limited to Ankh Ra, Making the Band 4 (Vocals); Alvin Ailey Dance School (Ballet, Tap, and Jazz), Melvada Hughes (Choreographer); George Faison (Choreographer); and Hilda Willis (Acting/Career Coach). Tawana Lael has genuine talent and is destined for a long successful career.

Kristinia DeBarge knew she wanted to be a singer at the age of three. She grew up listening to strong female vocalists like Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, and Alicia Keys. She credits DeBarge, Mariah Carey, Prince and Aaliyah as her musical inspiration. As a young girl, DeBarge had big dreams of being a singer but kept it from her father until he took her into a recording studio at age twelve. They worked until 4 A.M. recording a duet, which made him realize she was serious about beginning a singing career. At thirteen, she appeared on American Juniors, a younger version of the wildly successful American Idol. She made it to the Top 20. At fourteen, she met Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and spent the next four years developing her voice and writing skills. At nineteen, DeBarge signed a record deal with Sodapop/Island Def Jam.

Her debut album, "Exposed" was released on July 28, 2009. The album debuted at number 23 on Billboard's top 200. Her first single, "Goodbye" debuted at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and later reached number 15 on the charts. And in Canada, it reached number 15 on the Canadian Hot 100. The single sold over 2 million copies reaching Platinum status and later reaching Gold twice. The music video received an MTV VMA nomination.

DeBarge's second single, "Sabotage," was sent to radio a week before the release of "Exposed." The remix of "Future Love" (featuring Pitbull) was released as the third single. This remixed version was released on November 2, 2009 in the UK and November 10, 2009 in the US. "Exposed" received positive reviews from major critical websites, such as Blues & Soul, People Magazine, and AllMusic. DeBarge opened up for pop singer Britney Spears, during the 2009 world tour, "The Circus Starring: Britney Spears" and received an NAACP Image Award nomination for "Outstanding Artist." In November 2009, The Wet Seal, Inc., a leading specialty retailer to young women, announced a partnership with her.

She independently released a single entitled "Cry Wolf." The music video was featured on VEVO. She was also featured on Redrama's single, "Let Go," which reached number 3 on the charts.

DeBarge made her acting debut in Christmas in Compton (2012), starring Keith David,Omar Gooding,Eric Roberts and Sheryl Lee Ralph. DeBarge played the female lead (Anastasia) in a film written and directed by Nick Cannon entitled School Dance (2014). DeBarge was cast as the female lead (Melody) in The Mint (2015).

In early 2016, DeBarge starred in Growing up Hip Hop, a reality TV series on the WE network, with Boogie Dash, Egypt Criss, TJ Mizell, Angela Simmons and Romeo Miller; and its second season is currently airing. 

Kristinia is currently collaborating with some of the industry's top producers and songwriters in anticipation of releasing her third studio album.