Jana

The Enlightened Time

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"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the winter time. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset."
-Crowfoot (Blackfoot warrior and orator)
Native American by birth and heritage, contemporary artist through hard work, destiny and the spirits, Jana brings a fresh outlook and exotic style to today’s music. Jana refers to her cultural anomaly as “Urban Indian”. Her striking looks, and powerful voice coupled with the sensibilities of pop, R&B, world and gospel music create a compelling new mix that seduces your ear and overwhelms your senses.
Jana’s first single, Ooh, Baby, Baby, was an immediate success on radio and in the R&R, DMA, Hitmakers, and Gavin charts. Billboard magazine named Ooh, Baby, Baby pop single of the week. More Than Life was her next single. Remixed by legendary MTV DJ Skribble and Anthony Acid, the record became one of the biggest dance records of the year. Jana’s next release was a controversial remake of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven that was one of the year’s best selling dance records.
Jana’s debut album entitled, Flash of a Firefly, was released to critical acclaim and commercial success. The CD features material written by Jana about her unique perspective on life. It is at once a deeply personal, yet universal work that embraces and engages while transcending the musical boundaries.
Immediately after finishing her first album, Jana recorded American Indian Christmas. On this record Jana sings ten traditional Christmas songs in ten different American Indian languages accompanied by a full orchestra and traditional American Indian instruments. It is an album of inspirational beauty.
For each of her last three singles and first two albums, Jana has won the prestigious Native American Music Award. She has received 6 NAMMY awards for Best Pop Performer, Song of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Producer for the production of American Indian Christmas, and Best Pop Recording for American Indian Story.
Jana’s newest CD is entitled American Indian Story. It is an epic adventure telling the powerful story of the young girl, Sha’Kona and her tribe’s journey to the New World. American Indian Story was nominated for a GRAMMY Award in 2007. It is Jana’s most ambitious work to date and represents another dimension to her talent.
Much of Jana’s material has been heard by the thousands who have attended Jana’s sold out headline concerts across the country in the past year. Her rigorous touring schedule has already brought her to forty eight of the fifty states as well as Europe.
Another important part of Jana’s life is her own Jana’s Kids organization, founded by her to help Native American youth achieve the successes they dream of. Jana’s Kids has become one of the most successful programs of its kind in America.
Adding to her career portfolio, Jana just completed filming her first movie. She has the starring role in the Fossil Ridge Films production of Raptor Ranch, slated for release the end of this year.
Jana’s Native American ancestry is reflected in her exotic presence. A member of the Lumbee tribe, she honors her Native traditions in her everyday life. Jana states that “being an ‘Urban Indian’ is to walk in two worlds but not compromise my cultural identity. I cannot ignore who I am and where I came from. I am proud that I can maintain my traditional customs while living in today’s world.” Jana integrates much of her heritage into her musical persona and her unique sense of style. Her flair for fashion has been featured in numerous publications including In Style, Glamour, Marie Claire, and The New York Times.
Drawing from diverse musical influences to create a fresh perspective on pop music today, Jana reveals her personal style through her extraordinary musical talents. She is not representative of any one world, just as her music is a collage of multi-cultural influences. Instead, Jana embodies a synthesis of the modern world and her own ethnic background. Jana is a voice you must hear. You won’t be disappointed.
"She walks in beauty in two worlds."
-Lumbee proverb..