About Azania
Few people are born with the gift of instantly touching people’s hearts with their voice. Azania is one of them. Originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa, this award-winning, multi-cultural artist was born and raised in the U.S. & in Geneva, Switzerland. From the age of 6 she knew that singing was her calling. “It’s a beautiful way to share emotions and connect with people on a deep level” she says.
Azania’s captivating voice, powerful energy and positive charisma make her a phenomenal performer and a joy to see on stage. She has performed over 800 concerts around the world, from Europe to Africa, Asia and the U.S. and looks forward to travelling worldwide. “It’s always wonderful and fascinating to see how universal music is. It surpasses so many cultural boundaries and speaks straight to the heart”.
Azania has sung at some of the most prestigious venues, including the famous Blue Note Jazz Club and the legendary Apollo in New York City, as well as the Blues Alley in Washington D.C. She has also performed in major music festivals, such as the world-renowned Montreux Jazz festival in Europe and has been invited to perform for 4 Presidents – of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Malawi and former prime minister of the U.K. Tony Blair.
In Paris, she won first prize in the French T.V. competition ‘Graines de Star’ on M6TV. Broadcast to millions of viewers, it was the first French show similar to ‘American Idol’. She also recently featured on the famous TV show “The Voice” in France (TF1 TV) seen by over 8 million viewers internationally.
Azania has always been interested in the “business” side of the music business as well, which is why she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a Certificate in Marketing, as well as a Master’s Degree in International Business at the University of Webster in Geneva, Switzerland.
A true vocal chameleon, Azania loves exploring various facets of her voice in different styles of music. During her 12+ years of classical opera voice training, she performed in many different bands of not only soul and funk, but various styles from jazz to disco, electro/house to gospel, reggae to musical theater.
In her latest album, RISING, several songs are inspired by the groovy soul and funk era of the 1970’s. However Azania’s compositions evolve from diverse musical influences. “I simply compose what I feel, and I’m inspired by different styles. To me what’s most important is the message and emotion of each song. If you feel it, that’s all that counts”. Reflecting her warm personality, Azania’s lyrics are often enriched with uplifting and positive messages.