Considering this vocal powerhouse is a mere 15 years old, that statement is hardly surprising. And while it wasn't long ago when she began talking and singing, Big has captured the ears and hearts of Canadians everywhere with her hits "Shook The Answer," " Unpredictable" and her latest single, "Bad Boy." Born and raised in Ottawa, Keshia grew up surrounded by music and became an early fan of the late, great Tupac Shakur. "I was six years old when my mom's friend overheard me rapping "Dear Mama," " she recalls. "I knew every single word even though I wasn't pronouncing half of them right. My mom's friend suggested I perform in a talent show for Black History Month at Carleton University. At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to perform, but the feeling of being on stage was crazy. I realized: "I want to do this!" Destiny took its course and Keshia"s mature, lush voice proved to be years beyond her age. With her sights set on pursuing a dream of superstardom, she moved to Toronto with her mom, who has been a huge source of support. "My mom has given me the best advice," Keshia reveals. "She says "If you want something, just stay driven, be focused, and you"ll get there." While loving her life as a young recording artist with all the interviews, studio sessions, photo shoots and performances that come with it, Keshia strives to maintain normalcy through her teenage years. "I still attend a public school" she explains. "I could have gone to a private school or worked with a tutor, but I chose to attend public school. High school only lasts for so long and everybody always says those are the best years. I don't want to lose out on that chance, so I'm taking advantage of it now." Although balancing her career with homework, tests and projects is often challenging, this songbird has it all under control. Keshia took her fame in strides when her first single, "Shook The Answer," was released (breaking the top 10) in 2003. "Realizing I have fans of my own is pretty interesting because I know how it is to be a fan," she says with complete understanding. "The first time I was recognized by someone was at a mall back in Ottawa. Some people were staring at me and then they said: "Oh my god, are you Big " " It didn't hit me right away but then I thought "Oh wow!" " Now, I can't go to the malls without getting recognized unless I put on a hat, big shades and tie my hair up!! Tupac Shakur, Christina Aguilera and Beyonce are some of Keshia's influences. "As an artist vocally " Christina Aguilera has had a huge influence on me. Her range goes flawlessly from deep to high. She can do it all, she's amazing. For sheer charisma " Beyonce! She is so humble. She's not trying to be anything she isn't. " Keshia took these influences with her to the studio to record songs with superstar artists like Foxy Brown (Does He Love Me)). She kept the focus sharp working with superstar producer Young Gavin (Foxy Browns brother) producing 15 songs of sheer brilliance. Big, familiar with studio operations after the recording of Shook "The Answer" and "Unpredictable", took advantage of this newly found comfort level. "This time around I was not intimidated by the whole process (recording) and I found I could focus completely on my voice and vocals." While the attention may sometimes be overwhelming, Keshia's charisma, sweet demeanor and immense talent has already won fans and industry trendsetters over. Within a year, she received a 2003 Urban Music Association of Canada Award for "Best R&B Artist" and the 2004 Canadian Radio Award for "Best New Solo Artist". Her first two singles have shot straight up the CHR radio charts peaking in the Top 10 ("Shook The Answer" #10, "Unpredictable" #3), as did her video for "Unpredictable," landing at #1 at YTV and cracking the Top 10 at MuchMusic. Her hit single "Unpredictable" was also a chart topper at retail achieving Gold certification. Keshia"s presence online has been explosive with her official website www.keshiachante.com receiving more than 400K hits since its launch in June 2003. But there are always more charts to climb, fans and audiences to satiate and albums to sell. Keshia's sensational self-titled debut album will prove to be the greatest demonstration of her talent. Not only does it showcase her impressive voice, but it is also a reflection of her mature persona. Not to mention, it provides an ample supply of ear candy to her eager fans. Whatever the future holds, Keshia knows the only person she has to answer to is herself. And with all focus and fierce determination packed into her petite frame, its obvious whatever she sets her sights on, will be achieved. Keshia adds "My ultimate goal is to be perfectly satisfied - with myself and my work."
GET REEL: Biopics are worth their weight in Oscar goldMilford Daily News, USA Paul Giamatti as Philip K. Dick, Elijah Wood as Iggy Pop, Sally Hawkins as Bernadette Devlin, Mike Myers as Keith Moon, Don Cheadle as Toussaint Louverture, Keshia Chante as Aaliyah, Shabana Azmi as Benazir Bhutto and Wesley Snipes as James Brown.
Gosselin deserves what she getsVancouver Sun, CanadaInterestingly, Graham has been linked to Canadian singer Keshia Chante in the past and Chante, who has been linked to Brown, was initially rumoured to be the woman behind the fight between Rihanna and Brown. Boy, these celebrities sure do run in small
Today in Toronto: Drake and Ben HarperMartiniboys.com, CanadaDrake who has worked with such bigwigs (not including Joey Jeremiah) as Keshia Chante, Lil Wayne, and Dr. Dre is playing tonight, Wednesday, May 13 at the Sound Academy. But if performers riding on the coattails of starring on a mediocre show doesn't
Actor Eli Goree Conquers Canadian Television, Two Shows At A TimeBlogcritics.org, OHOn set, he met director Stefan Scaini who encouraged him to audition for his upcoming series Soul starring Keshia Chante. "So August 30 we stopped shooting Da Kink in My Hair and September 1 I started Soul, and in that one day I had to travel across
La vie de la chanteuse Aaliyah prochainement au cinémaMusical Avenue, FranceC'est une jeune canadienne, Keshia Chanté, qui aura la lourde tâche d'interpréter le rôle de la chanteuse frappée d'un destin tragique en plein succès. Comme le révèle Bill Condon, la préparation à laquelle se soumet Keshian Chanté est lourde et
'Flashpoint' opens TV drama floodgatesHollywood Reporter, United StatesThe series stars Canadian R&B songstress Keshia Chante in her acting debut as a teen conflicted about having to choose between the church choir and pop stardom. The deal represents BET Networks' first foreign acquisition, and should raise the profile
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