<p>Mentored by Stevie Wonder and a protege of Qwest TV’s co-founder, Quincy Jones, Sheléa is a singer, songwriter and pianist whose voice speaks to a new generation of diverse music lovers.</p>
<p>She grew up in a musical family in California, started harmonizing at two years old and writing songs on a small wooden piano not long after. Now, she is recognized internationally for the depth and beauty of her voice, whether on her own compositions or in interpretations of other great female musicians. Indeed, few singers are trusted to undertake the music of Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, but Sheléa does so with grace and success.</p>
<p>Able to concoct a masterful blend of soul, jazz, gospel and pop, Sheléa represents an increasingly rich and inclusive vein in modern music, whereby categories are less important than the power of the music itself. Her multifaceted journey has seen her perform at the White House for the Obamas, who led the room in a standing ovation, and at the 2018 Grammy Summer Museum Sessions, where she gave a speech educating kids on musical values, songwriting and singing technique.</p>
<p>She is also an advocate for female empowerment, having performed at the National Women’s History Museum, the 2016 TedWomen conference, as well as teaming up with the Grammy Award-winning Tena Clark for “Break The Chain” an anthem that accompanied global launch of One Billion Rising, a campaign to end sexual violence.</p>
<p>Sheléa’s official Qwest TV selection marks a perfect marriage between heritage and modernity, charting a lineage that mirrors her own approach to music. Her singing icons are present – Aretha, Ella and Nina – as is Ray Charles, an artist she has performed high-profile tributes to. Another of Quincy’s proteges makes an appearance, the incredible Jacob Collier, as well as the inimitable Gregory Porter, the young Spanish trumpeter Andrea Motis and the late Chick Corea, who passed just a few weeks before she made her selection.</p>
<p><strong>Rowan Standish Hayes</strong></p>
