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Native American legends have become as much a part of American culture as apple pie. One such legend tells of a Native princess who came in peace and brought victory for her people.
Native American by birth and heritage, contemporary artist through hard work, destiny and the spirits, Jana's fresh new face and exotic style brings pop music to a new level. Jana refers to her cultural anomaly as "Urban Indian".
This is only a part of her mysterious allure. Her striking looks, and powerful voice coupled with the explosive rhythms of pop, dance, urban and gospel create an incredible new mix of music that seduces your ear and overwhelms your senses.
Jana's first single was What I Am To You, which went Top Forty on the Radio & Records' rhythmic chart. Her follow up, Ooh, Baby, Baby, a high-energy dance record with a futuristic edge, was an immediate success on radio and in the R&R, DMA, Hitmakers, and Gavin charts. Billboard Magazine named Ooh, Baby, Baby pop single of the week.
More Than Life was her next single. Remixed by legendary MTV DJ Skribble and Anthony Acid, the record became one of the biggest dance records of last year. Her live performances following the release of that record have sold out venues across the country and left her fans wanting more. Jana received the prestigious Nammy Award for Best Pop Performer of 2001-2002 for More Than Life.
Jana's next release was an extraordinary remake of Stairway to Heaven on Radikal Records. With remixes by some of the most talented producers in the world, her single won Song of the Year at the 2002 Nammy's. The follow up, Found a Love was National Sales Breakout Single in Billboard Magazine and gained Jana an unprecedented third Nammy in 2003 for 'Female Artist of the Year.
Now Jana is about to release her first album after signing to Ministry of Sound Records in Germany. She also will be featured in her first major motion picture entitled Pocket Angel. Another important part of Jana's life is her own Jana's Kids organization, founded by her to help Native American youth achieve the successes they dream of.
Jana's Native American ancestry is reflected in her exotic presence. A member of the Lumbee tribe, the second largest tribe east of the Mississippi River, she honors her Native traditions by incorporating aspects of her culture into her everyday life. Jana states that "being an 'Urban Indian' is to walk in both worlds but not compromise my cultural identity. I cannot ignore who I am and where I came from. I am proud that I can maintain my traditional customs while living in today's world."
Heavily influenced by Native traditions, Jana incorporates much of her cultural heritage into her musical persona and her unique sense of style. Her flair for fashion has been featured in numerous publications including In Style, Gotham, Glamour and The New York Times. She is actively involved in tribal ceremonies and celebrations, including traditional Native dancing and singing, influences of which can be heard in her music and seen in her performances. "The true soul of my music reflects all aspects of my cultures."
Drawing from diverse musical influences to create a fresh perspective on pop music today, Jana reveals her personal style through her extraordinary musical talents. She is not representative of any one world, just as her music is a collage of multi-cultural influences. Instead, Jana embodies a synthesis of the modern world and her own ethnic background. With her exotic image and progressive sound, Jana just might be what the legend is all about.
"She walks in beauty in two worlds." - Lumbee proverb
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