Shay Leonia

Singer and Songwriter

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3 Reviews (1 Verified)
Shay Leonia on SoundBetter

I've performed with Janelle Monae on the Colbert Show and on VH1's "RuPaul's Drag Race", sang bgv's for Maya Azucena & Psychic Ills, written & performed songs with DJ Marley Marl, Mad Skillz, Treach (Naughty by Nature) and Monifah. I've taught songwriting since 2016 and take a lot of pride in my lyrical abilities as well as my unique vocal tone.

Shay Leonia is a singer-songwriter raised by a family of musicians and a Jewish mother. With a scholarship to attend The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, Shay expanded upon her passion for musical theater while choosing to sustain herself by singing nightly on the subway. It was on the platform one evening that she met someone who introduced her to the idea of transforming her poetry into songs, which is when she felt her true calling as an artist. Shay worked at developing her craft meticulously for years and in the process, accepting some of her "dream come true" opportunities. Shay has written songs with Mad Skillz and DJ Marley Marl, recorded songs with The Pharcyde and Treach (Naughty by Nature), written for R&B songstress, Monifah, sang in a RuPaul's Drag Race commercial, and one of her favorite memories to date, performed with Janelle Monae. She has been a background vocalist for Grammy-winning artist, Maya Azucena for years as well as Psychic Ills until the passing of their front man, Tres. Shay appears on the last record to be released by the band, "Never Learn Not to Love". Currently working on new material, Shay continues to hone her skills in writing and singing as well as teaching songwriting in both New York and Los Angeles. She dreams of someday working with her idols Janet Jackson and Stevie Wonder.

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Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

3 Reviews

Endorse Shay Leonia
  1. Review by Klasey J.
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    Great singer & a pleasure to work with :)

  2. Review by Bryan
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    by Bryan

    I do not have enough words to say how great it was working with Shay. We hired her to perform at my wife's baby shower. Requesting songs from Female Singer/Songwriters, Pop music, and 50s & 60s R & B. She worked with me to put together the perfect playlist and her performance was stellar! We hope to work again in the future! Thank a bunch Shay!

  3. Review by Olivia  Castriota
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    by Olivia Castriota

    Shay is a super talented vocalist and songwriter!! Her professionalism and passion is unmatched. Trust me- you want Shay on your team!!

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Shay Leonia "Complicated (a cappella)"

I was the singer / songwriter in this production

GenresSounds Like
  • SWV
  • Mary J. Blige
  • Janet Jackson
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