Navasha Daya

Celebrate Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington & singer Navasha Daya’s birthdays on Sunday, May 19th as we celebrate the music of the Great American Songbook and these iconic Jazz musicians! Ella Fitzgerald was an iconic American jazz singer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella". She is known for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, intonation, and a "horn-like" improvisational ability, particularly in her scat singing. The true “King of Swing”, and one of the greatest composers and creative forces, Duke Ellington was one of the originators of big-band jazz. Ellington led his band for more than half a century, composed thousands of scores, and created one of the most distinctive ensemble sounds in all of Western music. Called an “astral soul goddess” by Mojo magazine, Navasha Daya (nah-Vah-sha Day-ya), is an exceptionally gifted and seasoned performing artist and committed cultural arts activist who is internationally known as a breath-taking performer. On stage, Navasha embodies the indigenous feminine spirit and inspires women throughout the world. Grammy-Award winning songstress India Arie described Navasha’s voice as “the true definition of soulful.” Prior to her solo releases, Navasha served as lead vocalist, songwriter and co-founder of the highly acclaimed Baltimore based soul/jazz band, Fertile Ground. As a performing artist, Navasha has performed all over the globe and has shared the stage with a bevy of artists such as South African jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela, Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo, Japanese pianist Hajime Yoshizawa, and American artists such as Common, Jill Scott, Joan Baez, India.Arie, Erykah Badu, Run DMC, Zap Mama, Rachelle Farrell, Cassandra Wilson, Earl Klugh, Michael Franti of Spearhead and Roberta Flack just to name a few.