About Me
Kharisma is a third generation musician coming out of Philadelphia whose strong background in music sparked her interest at an early age. Her maternal grandfather jazz saxophonist Lee Smith, of Lee Smith and the Hi- Larks began working with Kharisma at age five allowing Kharisma to perform with his band at weddings and dinner parties. The band which included Kharisma’s two uncles, Lloyd Smith former lead guitar player of The Barkays, Chubby Smith a percussionist who worked with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Billy Preston, and Sister Sledge, and her father Kenneth McIlwaine former leader singer of the R&B group Chill Factor and Maximum Level gave Kharisma her first experience on the stage. Kharisma started her classical voice training starting lessons at age twelve. Classical training gave Kharisma a well rounded experience in music allowing her to learn songs in a variety of languages, and teaching her the importance of using her voice like an instrument. Kharisma has been playing the piano by ear for years but began formal training while in college. Kharisma expressed the importance of truly developing all facets of her craft by learning how to read, write, and play music, especially her own. Kharisma is currently working on developing her love for music with an additional instrument, the guitar.
Throughout both high school and college Kharisma explored other venues in the arts landing several lead roles in plays, musicals, and independent films. Kharisma also dabbled in broadcasting hosting her own radio show in college for 89.1 The Burn before receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Communications. Kharisma’s favorite pastime next to singing and acting is dancing. Kharisma was trained in Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Modern dance. Some of her pastimes included choreographing and performing at various schools in Philadelphia while in high school, and was a member of The Cabrini College Dance Team for three years.
The legendary Rick James adopted Kharisma as his niece and the two were in the works of starting a project before his untimely death. Despite her great loss in an uncle and mentor, and the world’s loss of a great talent Kharisma continued to pursue her singing career in this rewarding but very unpredictable field. At twenty-two Kharisma’s gifted ear, sharp lyrics, catchy melodies, intricate harmonies, smooth tone, and incredible Minnie Ripperton like range, will definitely be a significant addition to the music world. Currently Kharisma is working for Channel 57 The CW Network as the newest member of the CW crew. Kharisma is working with The CW as an on-air host, making radio and public appearances at various events around Philadelphia and the tri-state area.
