Sssh... it's not the "B" Word....
it's Solange!
Alana's musical diary has returned for a New Year that will look to highlight artists that are authentic and inspiring. When I think of authenticity, I immediately think of Solange Knowles. We will not use the "B" word in this article, Solange does not require the mention of an older popular sibling.
I fell in love with Solange after watching a 'You Tube' performance of her while she toured with the Haley St. Dreams in Washington, DC-2008. She sang to a packed crowd on a summer afternoon and my mouth would not close. She has an "old soul" vibe about her and her music reflects this. She is inviting to watch with a strong stage presence. Her voice is incredible live and she understands the Motown era of music with ease. At one point during the Washington, DC performance she was ambushed while on stage by some 'random' who wanted to sing and dance. The man managed to bypass all security and get on stage. As he danced, without a care in the world, security observed this intruder and immediately came to escort him off stage when Solange made it clear to security: "let him stay, he ain't hurtin' nobody" this was my moment of revelation about this young performer's personality. Some other artist (*B*) would have "freaked out" at the sight of some stranger on stage beside her, but Solange took the man's hands and danced and twirled making sure he felt special. She ended her performance by thanking her back-up singer's, the band, and she turned and asked the "random" for his name, and thanked him. Priceless!
The aforementioned is what sets some celebrities apart from their peers. Solange has a mirage of professional credits from the entertainment industry that "we" somehow never get to hear about. She has done everything from songwriting to acting and singing. Her career began at the age of 14, and she showed music lovers that she was capable of singing a great hook when she performed on Lil' Romeo's "True Love" single.
Born 2 days after my own sister Selina, Solange celebrates a June 24th birthday as a sensitive Cancer. She has worked with such musical artists like Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, and The Neptunes. I celebrate Solange because she epitomizes the artist who has to "earn" her way in an industry that is fickle when it comes to the success of 2 siblings doing the same type of work. It is rare to see the success of 2 celebrity siblings in one art form (hence, Brandi and Ray J). Unfortunately, one sibling always ends up being in the background of another sibling's foreground. Solange has a chance of creating a niche in the music industry like sibling artist's: Janet & Micheal Jackson, provided she does not take long hiatus' with her music and continues to perform and tour. We won't be able to help falling in love with her.
No stranger to hard work and adversity, Solange has admitted to being diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)--it is my hope that through her charitable work she will bring more awareness to this common disorder and use her celebrity to help others. She is also a strong advocate for "safe sex" campaigns since the birth of her son Daniel Julez at age 17. She refers to "Julez" as her "unplanned blessing." We can only hope after the success of her last c.d. that Solange will soar with many new projects to come. If there is ever a chance to see this "little Dipper" live, I suggest you take it. She shines bright amongst a galaxy of many other stars.
Solange, we salute you as the first journal entry here at Alana's Musical Diary for 2010!
