Biography Most music artists would
consider an invitation to a call back audition for The X-Factor*
to be a major mark on the path to becoming an overnight success. So when
Michael Ashanti was faced with having to sign a release form that could
possibly prohibit him from freely releasing his original material to the public,
he made the bold, yet difficult, choice to not return.
Deciding to stand on authenticity in a constantly changing music business takes
a great deal of courage and self-belief. However, this New York native is no
novice to the music industry as is made evident by the growing resume of musical
accomplishments which include: a critically-acclaimed independent release — All Of Me —featuring both a widely accepted pop/reggaeton cover
tribute and music video for the Billy Preston/Syreeta Garret classic 'With
You I’m Born Again' and the soulfully charged club anthem 'Hold On';
a live performance on Showtime at the Apollo in Harlem, New York City; a
National Basketball Association (NBA) center-court performance of the
American national anthem at the Madison Square Garden in New York City;
live touring performances as a solo artist or in support of other international
artists; and a growing international fan-base.
Michael Ashanti’s authenticity as an artist is further supported by the fact
that he utilizes diversity and inclusion as key drivers for creative
inspiration. Being discontented with a focus solely on the mainstream, Michael
has joyfully dedicated his time and talents as a volunteer performer to
LIFEBeat: The Music Industry Fights AIDS — a charitable organization
dedicated to reaching America’s youth with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention.
In addition, Michael has begun to set new standards and challenge negative
stereotypes as an American born recording artist of Afro-Caribbean origin by
accepting numerous invitations as a favored live performer for international
LGBT events and fundraisers in cosmopolitan cities such as Barcelona, New York,
Amsterdam and London. Even in the first music video from his forthcoming
release — the Internet (There's Nothing Wrong With Love) — Michael
is explicit in his commitment to diversity and inclusion as he purposely set out
to visually showcase an entertaining array of character-types — regardless of
race, gender or sexual expression — who use the internet as a tool in their
search for love.
So while Michael Ashanti may not have chosen the path of becoming an overnight
reality TV sensation, he has well established himself as someone with a special
brand of artistry that will be defined by both success and longevity.
Michael Ashanti currently resides in London and is presently recording new
material for a forthcoming EP release.
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*A television music talent
show franchise originating in the United Kingdom. The format creator is Simon
Cowell who also judges and mentors on the UK series as well as American Idol.
Contact information. Get in touch and stay in touch!
What “She” is trying to tell me? Awe sooky sooky, now I know what I’m dealing with and I likes;-) I did listen, and They wanted me to write. I had a character come to mind (finally!) for a short story I’m working on. As soon as I wrote out her description, I was out like the lights at grandma’s house in a rain storm. Have a wonderful week!
It was great seeing you yesterday too at the Oysters event in the Oak Bar. you did a fine performance. Thanks for your friend request, now we can keep in touch.
I saw you in Spain performing this very song. I was visiting the fountains and my friends and I found ourselves in the middle of Pride. We had a ball and it was so good to see a fellow New Yorker. You gave out your MySpace page and I thought I'd give you a hello. Keep singing, everyone was jamming!
Ay mate, what's goin down in Londontown? Ha ha, I'm gettin ready for work and put you on to get my day started. I will try to hit you up soon...and looks like I'll be seeing you in June :)
Hey Mate! How are things across the pond? LOL! The mixes of Nothing But the Radio On sound really good! Check you out all futuristic sounding. hehe! We will catch up soon on the cellie!! Until then, PUHLEEZE behave yourself! LOL
Michael: Hey Baby! I just wanted you to know that I was talking about you last night at our GIg! We were at The JW Marriott on Brickell!! I remember singing with you there! You were telling me about your CD! And now it's all over the internet and you're touring all over the place with it!! Amazing! I'm so proud of you! Don't forget us "little" people that knew you "when".... xoxoxo, Carmen
