Daughter of a Romanian mother and a Nigerian father, she learned how to deal with disappointment early as she watched her mother fight her heroin addiction. Heralded as a mix between Minnie Ripperton and Sade, her latest offering, Joyful, is drawing accolades and shining the spotlight on this relative unknown.

Influenced by Bob Marley, Fela Kuti and Minnie Jackson, she describes her style as a fusion of reggae, afro-soul, jazz, r&B, and country. That alone makes it unique and interesting. The album is a window into her life and a personal history that she is not afraid to share with the world. She played with Cody Chesnutt and has opened for Babyface.

Joyful has already gone double platinum in France, and is taking the rest of the world by storm. “Only You” is a tribute to her son, Nile and is a reggae style of rhythm. Her song, “What is Love” echoes the style of Tracy Chapman as she strums her guitar in acoustic syncopation. Overall, she embodies a unique style of music that tells her story, her way–with innovation and grace and a little bit of afro-style.