Rising Stars: Meet Shadiyah Jai of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shadiyah Jai.

Hi Shadiyah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born in Washington DC, and raised in the Carolina’s, I come from an incredibly gifted family of artists. My Grandparents were quite musical, especially my grandmother, who was a pianist from quite a young age up until her passing. Aunts and Uncles had their special talents as well, from metal drummers, and authors to artists of the visual medium. There are so many inspirations quite close to me; however, there’s definitely one who stands out. My mother, an incredible, powerhouse vocalist, had a true calling for acting. Being raised by someone so vibrant, has left a mark on me, never to be erased. Growing up and watching my mother prepare for roles, and getting to see her love for her craft manifested on stage, has really shaped me into who I am today,

I am Shadiyah Jai, a vocalist, flutist and writer. I am a yearner for the stage. From a young age, I knew I was different. I didn’t realize until much later, just how special I was. Late at night in my room, before I could even pick up an instrument, I began creating melodies, and recording stories that only my imagination could conjure. From there, music took over. My childhood was a blur of writing songs in the corridors of various schools, mimicking my mom by singing in my loudest, fullest voice, banging on my grandmothers upright piano, picking up the flute and never putting it down, until I later decided to leap, and attend University, majoring in music with a vocal concentration.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Young, black and gifted, I am no stranger to adversity. Whether it be attributed to circumstance or the intersectionality of my identity, there seems to be a new challenge lurking around each corner quite often.

Currently, my main objective is to do all that I can to make it through each day. While this may sound simple enough, since my mother’s passing in August of 2024, this has been much more complicated. As the eldest daughter of an independent mother, my brightest hope as of late is for my siblings and I to make our mother proud.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
A vocalist, flutist and writer, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Music with a Concentration in Voice as well as Business Administration, from Monmouth University in 2021. An avid performer, I immersed myself in a diverse range of musical styles including: Classical, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Gospel and Popular music. During my time in undergrad, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at New York Vocal Coaching, a renowned Voice studio in NYC. Under the guidance of many esteemed vocal coaches, I developed a profound passion for vocal pedagogy. Currently, I teach my own vocal studio where my love and fascination of the anatomy and physiology of the voice grows everyday.

When I’m not teaching, I can be found in the sea of Atlanta’s rich music scene, sometimes sharing the stage with a vibrant band or setting the ambience of a unique eatery all on my own, with my voice and flute. From weddings, and memorials to Friday festivals and Sunday evening vibes, I delight in doing it all.

Lastly, I’m pleased to mention that my creativity is at an all time high and, I am currently working on a personal project to be released later this year. Whether its for myself or for others, when it comes to writing and recording, I genuinely just enjoy being behind a microphone.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Want to book me for your next event? Need professional recordings for your next release? Interested in vocal lessons? Feel free to head to my website: shadiyahjai@gmail.com and follow me on Instagram: @shadi_jai

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shadiyahjai.com
• Instagram: shadi_jai