GRACE OBIKA

Layout by CoolChaserGrace Obika is a singer/songwriter from North London, born in the UK and is of Nigerian heritage as both of her parents were born there. Not only is she talented and gifted, but she is also what one would call ‘brains with beauty’ as she is also a Biomedical Sciences (Hons) graduate. Grace started singing from the tender age of 7 years, being brought up in the Pentecostal church where she participated in the choir, Which helped to develop her voice. She started writing songs from the age of 12 years and from the age of 14 years she began to compete in various talent shows, participating in live showcases and concerts displaying original material of her own. At 16 years of age she did a phone audition that was successful, which led to her working with Clique Productions owned by John Robinson (producer/sound engineer). He nurtured the development of her recording voice at his studio and song writing, and provided gigs to showcase her new material. Through Clique productions, Grace’s music grabbed the attention of DJ/Producer Karl ‘Tuff Enough’ Brown (who has worked with Rosie Gaines, Tina Moore, Ce Ce Peniston, En Vogue, Brand New Heavies, Mark Morrison, Usher and Coolio, as well as entering the charts with his own productions, such as TJR Feat. Xavier "Just Gets Better" and TUFFJAM Feat.Jaquee Bennett "Need Good Love"), where Grace was approached with a song writing contract to write for an established group in Los Angeles called ‘Livin Out Loud’, alongside one of her own tracks titled “So Right” to be made into a house and garage track by the man himself. He was so impressed by her work that he wanted to work with the young songstress right away. Amongst the many gigs and charity events that Grace has made her mark of performances of her original material, there were specific highlights in 2008 where Grace was invited to perform in Hollywood, Los Angeles for the film Premier of ‘Amazing Grace’, and was also invited to perform in Atlanta as a supporting act for Akons’ new artist and songwriter, Riz from the US. Grace also supported Marques Houston in London during his tour in the UK. Grace in December 2008 was selected by MTV, as one of the 14 finalists out of 500 + artists, to perform/appear on 'Hugo Urban Rules' show, which will be aired on MTV UK, TMF and MTV Base from January 11th-February 27th 2008.Grace’s musical influences range from Faith Evans, Terri Walker, Fantasia Barrino, Mary J Blige, Whitney Houston, to Stevie Wonder, Amy Whinehouse, Brandy and Brian Mcknight, to name a few. In effect, Grace’s material mirrors a sound of neo-soul blended with a unique R&B feel, with commercial appeal. Her sound will hold your interest, to see what else she can “pull out the bag”.“Grace Obika is a potential household voice, her style is unique and captivating and she fills a void in the Female UK R&B genre. (Multi-Award winning hip-hop artist - Sway).“How did some of the most talented start their lives; this song writer really has something special to give, Grace Obika.” (DJ/Producer - Karl ‘Tuff Enough’ Brown). Grace is described as a beautiful lady with a sore passion for music, a hard worker, ambitious and determined individual who is dedicated to her first love, music. She has a profound gift in song-writing and a vocal ability that expresses a strong harmonic range.