"MY MOTHER ALWAYS SAID THAT FOR AS FAR BACK AS SHE CAN REMEMBER, I'VE ALWAYS HAD A PEN IN MY HAND." There are many ways that one can go about making their name known. For this Poet turned Singer/Songwriter she chose music, or as she'd say, music chose her. Siraj Nuri is a rising star in the New York underground, whose creativity expands beyond bounds. Born and raised in New York City, this young talent has had music surrounding her from an early age. Nuri Comes from a multi-cultural musical background. Her mother being born in Haiti and raised in Western Africa, has opened her eyes to the natrual sound of music in its raw form. She was exposed to Haitian greats like Tabou Combo, as well as the deeply compelling themes of Voodoo Sprituals. Growing up, she was also surrounded by pop culture, being introduced to Hip-Hop and Soul by her older sisters. Slick rick, Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, Sade and Prince among others were all listened to in her household. As she grew older, she found other genres particularly interesting. "Jazz music has given me a voice" she says. Her biggest vocal inspiration is Lena Horne. Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington she also credit as her favorites. Its no wonder that while listening to this artists music, one cant help but draw flashbacks of vintage vocal approaches. "Throughout my life, the arts have always had great significance to me" she says. Nuri took up African/ Carribean dance by the age of 10, attending a local but well know dance school in Park Slopes Brooklyn. It was around that time that she also discovered the power of words; often taking to her pen and pad to write short stories. "I've always loved writing, but as I grew older, I had more to say." It was during the rocky times of her adolescence that she discovered the creative outlet of poetry. There she found that she can reveal her inner most thoughts without ever having to compromise or hold back. "I found the thing that most people often dream of: Freedom."Siraj Nuri always had a deep affinity for music, but after spending several years out of New York, moving to Florida then onto Charlotte NC, she returned w/ an insatiable need to follow her passion. After moving back to the big apple in the summer of 2005, Nuri attended notable outlets to get her voice heard. "The Bowery Poetry Club was the 1st taste of the stage I've had since I was a child" Nuri states. I was terrified the 1st time!! But I loved it, so I kept returning every Monday for the open mic." In the following months, Nuri got inspiration from an unlikely source. " I got introduced to myspace through Arlandres, my best friend. The funny thing is, I joined because he said he found an ex boyfriend of mine. I wanted to reach him, so made up an account." The singer says laughing. " Not too long after that, I ran into this profile of a woman by the name of Karen Gibson Roc, and was immediately blown away. She was in a band, doing spoken word, and making amazing music her way. She sparked a major flame in me to set out and start my own band, so I did." After a year of serching for her sound along side a couple of bands, Nuri's direction took a new turn and she opted to persue her dreams as a solo artist. There is no doubts that this young singer embraces her individuality and creativity w/ open arms. "Everything I've done has been a group project. This is an opportunity for me to explore my own unique tastes as a musician, and I'm excited about that." Siraj Nuri indeed has much to be excited for. She has now begun working on her 2nd E.P. entitled "THE SPLIT SECOND THEORY." This project is filled with Hip-Hop /Soul and hints of her multicolored background that is sure to be an instant win with audiences across the board.Now at 24 years old, Siraj Nuris focus is stronger than it's ever been as she puts her love of music into fruition and steadily moves toward her dreams. "This is what I live for. There's nothing else in this world for me." By the way, if you were wondering what her name means: "LIGHT. SIRAJ NURI MEANS A BRIGHT LIGHT SHINNING." She says smiling. And rightfully so.Changes may take up to 2 mins to show on your profile
