Singer and Songwriter

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.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

Languages

• English
• Spanish

3 Reviews