Kwanza Jones
Kwanza Jones is an American artist, investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. She was born in Los Angeles, California. Jones started her singing career after performing and winning Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater while in college at Princeton University. Her philanthropy, investments and artistry focus on empowerment, education, equal opportunity and entrepreneurship.
Biography
Kwanza was born in Los Angeles, California on Thanksgiving Day. At the age of four, her family moved to Washington, D.C., where she spent her formative years playing flute, violin, piano and singing in the choir at her school and church. Her paternal great-grandmother played piano for famous blues singer Bessie Smith.Kwanza ran track and field throughout high school and college, leading her teams to numerous victories. Her commitment to contribute to society, and active civic engagement, led her to serve on the D.C. State Board of Education as an elected Student Member.
Kwanza Jones attended Princeton University, in Princeton, New Jersey. Her focus was interdisciplinary as she majored in Public and International Affairs at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. While there she was in an a cappella group, a soloist in the gospel choir, and in an electronica band. She had a chance meeting with music legend Quincy Jones which piqued her interest in music as a profession. After graduating from Princeton, Kwanza Jones was Miss Baltimore. She has a law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and a Master of Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University School of Law.
Career
Kwanza Jones' debut album, Naked, was conceived while she was attending Princeton University. At this time, she played a lot in bars and other small venues. Her biggest performance during this time was at the World Famous Apollo Theater in New York.When she graduated she decided to travel a little and wrote her second album Naked 2: universal fire. Along with original material, this album also featured two cover songs, The Doors' "Light My Fire" and Ashford & Simpson's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough".
When she arrived back in the US, she moved to Los Angeles to find her roots and continue her music career.
Kwanza Jones' song "Think Again" earned her first appearance on the Billboard charts. She debut at No. 47 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play Charts. In December 2010, it was No. 3 on the Biggest Jump list. In February 2011, it peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard charts. "Think Again – The Remixes" is a Dance project featuring the single, "Think Again" where Kwanza collaborated with Grammy nominated American DJ/producer/remixer, Mike Rizzo. Also working with her on this project was DJ Lynnwood and Jaime J Sanchez. This project was released on November 26, 2010. All of Kwanza Jones' music has been release on her independent label Innovation Entertainment. Kwanza Jones' most recent studio album, is Supercharged; she has released numerous singles since then.
Philanthropy and Impact
In 2019, Kwanza Jones joined the board of directors of Susan G. Komen, the world's leading breast cancer organization.In 2017, Kwanza Jones responded to the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria hit the island. She was an anchor sponsor supporting recovery efforts, including resources, relief, and rebuilding. She has also supported the United Way as a member of the Tocqueville Society.
In 2010, Kwanza Jones joined artists Beyoncé Knowles, Sinéad O'Connor, Halle Berry, Mary J. Blige, and others, in support of Girls Educational and Mentoring Services' campaign, "Girls Are Not for Sale." This is a national campaign committed to ending the commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of girls and young women.
Charts and awards
Discography
Title | Release Date | Release Type |
Problem | 2019 | Single |
Summer Forever | 2017 | EP |
Blah Zey Blah | 2017 | Single |
Shatterproof | 2017 | Single |
Move Like It's Christmas | 2016 | Single |
Turn It Up – Remixes | 2015 | Album |
Vicious – The Remixes | 2014 | EP |
Supercharged – The Remixes | 2013 | Album |
Supercharged – Deluxe Edition | 2013 | Album |
Supercharged | 2013 | Album |
Time To Go – The Complete Remixes | 2012 | Album |
Time To Go – The Remixes | 2012 | Album |
Time To Go | 2011 | Single |
Think Again – The Remixes, Pt. 2 | 2011 | EP |
Think Again – The Remixes, Pt. 1 | 2010 | Album |
Not a Breakup Song | 2010 | Single |
Everything Around You | 2009 | Single |
Naked 2: universal fire | 2006 | Album |
Victim of the System | 2005 | EP |
Naked | 2001 | Album |
Tours
- Gladiators "Я” Vicious Tour
- Bring The Heat Tour
- Girls 4 Boys Tour