Dynamically Talented. Refreshing. Fiercely Honest. Passionate. These are just a few words to describe the multi-faceted artist, Eliza B.
Written by: Tiffany Y’vonne
Standing at a statuesque 6’2 and built like a supermodel, Eliza B. automatically commands all eyes on her; but do not let that blind you to the power within this soulful spirit. Beneath her beautiful exterior is an evolving artist who has a powerful message to share – a message that honors the stories of her ancestors and fosters pride in her African heritage.
At a recent St. Nick’s Pub show, I had the opportunity to witness Eliza B’s ability to lure a crowd into a space of openness and voluntary self-expression. During “Come on Home,” a poetry-song combo that explores the transcendental experience of connecting to home, the crowd freely offered their voices to the chorus:
I can see it everywhere
It’s time to come on home
It’s time to come on home
They need us over thereSo, Come on home
So, Come on home
The lyrics, “it’s time to come on home,” seemed to resonate with the audience. I watched their eyes close as if they were collectively reminiscing about a distant memory suddenly brought present. Eliza B. shares her present with the audience — an experience of simply Being which she demonstrates through the vulnerability embedded in her lyrics. For Eliza B. — the “B” equals Be-ing.
Throughout her evolving artistry and journey, Eliza B. strives to passionately embody the art of Being through a grounded foundation and a commitment to an internal and external home that is now rooted in Harlem.
An adopted New Yorker for almost four years, Eliza B. has her sights set on reaching audiences worldwide. She has performed at a number of reputable Harlem venues, including the Apollo Theater, The Harlem Tea Room, Tribal Spears Gallery and Cafe, and The Wadleigh Secondary School for Performing and Visual Arts.
The majority of her performances highlight tracks such as “SuperModel” from her Words Spoken album. “SuperModel” soulfully challenges the current definition of society’s concept of what it means to be a supermodel — a famous and successful high-fashion model of mainly European features, above-average height, and delicately thin body structure. Needless to say, many of these characteristics do not reflect the majority of women of African descent.
Eliza B. has yet to reach the pinnacle of her career, yet she is already racking up an extensive list of accomplishments. While living in her home state of Mississippi, she honed her performance skills as an on-air personality and assistant producer for Radio South. Her experience in radio established the foundation for which she later created, developed and produced a popular weekly open mic show called “Jus Speak Thursdays”. Eliza B. was further able to develop her skills as a VJ personality, when she was selected from hundreds of contestants to host the “Seagram’s Live” tour, featuring singers Cee-Lo, Teedra Moses and Tweet.
Eliza B’s soon-to-be released new album reflects her continued growth as an artist with interwoven elements of poetry, hip hop, rock, blues and funk. The eclectic blend of genres is sure to pleasantly surprise even her most established fan base. “Come on Home” is just a sneak preview of what’s to come on the new album.
You can preview “Come on Home” and “SuperModel” at her music sites by visiting: http://www.myspace.com/elizabeme or www.myspace.com/elizabemusic.
About the Author:
Tiffany Y’vonne writes content for businesses, artists and websites. This piece is the second in a series of articles she contributes to UPTOWNflavor about local talent. You can contact her at CustomizedContent@mail.com.
Editor’s Note: Uptown Artist Spotlight highlights talented new artists in our community. Writers, rappers, singers, painters, poets, sculptors… we want to read about whoever has some creative energy that they like to share. If you know an artist that you’d like to see featured on U.F. shoot an email to tips@uptownflavor.com. If you’d like to submit an already written artist profile, you can send that in too.
Quitta
March 19, 2008
I’m loving this article. I personally know and have experienced the works of Eliza B. The article shows how far she has come since I met her back in 2001. I throw my hands up to her and to Tiffany Y’Vonne for capturing the soul and art of Eliza B. and letting everyone know about. I wish nothing but the best to both.
Tiffany y’Vonne this is my second article i have read of your and you seem to keep on catching my attention. much love.
It’s all you Eliza B.! just do you!