Meleka

Hailing from north-west London singer/ songwriter Meleka, 21,was crowned HUGO URBAN RULES winner in 2008 after wowing urban industry execs as well as chart topper Estelle.  It was Meleka’s jazzy-laced self-penned r&b and fearless nature that made her the firm favourite for the grand prize at the prestigious urban talent event. “I couldn’t believe Sabrina and Estelle wanted me to share the same stage as them. It was such a privilege,” Meleka modestly admits.

As well as winning the chance to support Estelle (American Boy, Substitute Lover,1980) at HUGO URBAN RULES’ headline gig in Manchester, Meleka was also given the chance to record a single with full record label backing.

September 2009 saw the life long dream of Meleka’s become a reality with the release of her debut single “Go” on Propaganda Records. “Go” also boasts stomping remixes including a ‘refix’ from Booda Bassline, a hotly requested Crazy Cousinz ( Bongo Jam) Funky House version and additional mixes from Diamond, Sid Mercutio and Doug McCourt. The Crazy Cousins remix has been smashing the funki scene for months and still remains a club favourite.

Courage, determination and passion have made Meleka into the person she is today. Having entered over 20 talent competitions since the age of six – and winning all but two of them – she is a natural performer oozing confidence and natural charm. It was these traits that caught the ears and eyes of fellow Londoner, Estelle. The American boy songstress said: “To me it comes down to having great vocals and the potential to do great things. The vocals are there and she’s not scared. She just committed to the vocal. You did your thing and it was like ‘OK I’m not nervous about what I’m doing, I’m just doing it’ and I liked that.”

Meleka’s songs offer a soulful blend of r&b, pop, along with a cutting edge jazz flavour, which she describes as “beautifully honest” and which others say is reminiscent of a young Ella Fitzgerald or Brandy.

Coming from a musical, multi-cultural background, Meleka has grown up surrounded by music. With Reggae/ Lovers Rock icons Janet Kay and Carroll Thompson as close family friends – it’s clear to see how writing and performing come so easy to her.

Her influnces are her parents and family and all her life experiences because they have made her into the person she is today and helped her to write the songs she has.

Meleka takes inspiration from a number of musical genres and cultural influences: ‘I was really into musicals growing up. I loved Judy Garland and Fred Astaire.’ Meleka also cites Betty Wright, India Arie, Wayne Marshall, George Michael and Stevie Wonder as just a few of her musical muses.

“Music wise I like to believe that I’d try anything and listen to all types of music because I do believe to be in this business you have to have an open mind My favorite artists : Maryj, Brandy,Whitney, India Arie, Pink, Destinys Child, Linkin Park, Nas, Shyne, Ray J (his nu LP),Christina Aguilera, Usher (since Confessions) Most definitely Miss Lauren Hill and Mr West, Donell Jones, Latifa, TLC, Mariah Carey, Jill Scott, Angi3 Stone I’ve also took a bit of a shining to Nelly Furtardo lately and I’m lovin M3 n U by Cassie da beat is SEXY n Beyonce’s nu track RING THE ALARM, Santana (not julez although he’s ok ) Aretha Franklin, Betty Wright, 2Pac, Will Young Timberland ( Not 2 mention I love da boots 2 I no he don’t make them I’m jut OBSSESSED by SHOES Neway)Justin Timberlake, Missy even Britney now and again. AND…………………………………. I don’t care what ne1 sez EVERYBODY LOVED and STILL LOVES the SPICE GIRLS I could go on 4eva!

Once you hear Meleka’s fresh, irresistible vocals and her passionate song writing ability you’ll understand why others are referring to her as the next big thing to come out of the UK.

For further info on Meleka see her website