FREE EVENT Akeylah Simone delivers a stunning performance by fusing genres from Rock, R&B, Pop & Jazz in an eclectic set of original music. Her sultry, soulful vocals are effective in keeping her audience engaged. Akeylah Simone’s team puts together a band of professional musicians specific to the needs of each booking and market. Each performance is choreographed specific to the venue and audience. Akeylah’s ability to produce such a dynamic show has landed her a variety of bookings nationwide since she started performing as a solo artist just two short years ago. Although, she has been singing and performing since her first time on stage at an elementary school talent contest, and frequenting many stages with her dad, Bobby Blackhat, over the past 10 years. This past year has been spent focusing on performing her own original music all over including festivals, award shows, showcases and private events.
Akeylah Simone, from Hampton Roads, VA is just getting her feet wet as a singer, songwriter, and now recording artist. In just her first year of releasing original music, she’s landed 4 songs on the 2021/22 Grammy Ballot and voted Encore’s 2021 Best Solo Artist. She was most recently voted ISSA’s 2022 Female Rising Star and Veer Magazine 2022 Best R&B/ Soul Artist. She’s also had numerous nominations across various publications including Best New Artist (Soul Tracks Reader’s Choice Awards,) and Song of the Year & EP of the Year (Veer Awards.)
The Candidates are all denizens of the hot metropolis of Williamsburg, VA or rather the hip college town known for coffee houses and history. They met in American Government class and formed a band practicing in a tiny loft in Toano, and playing school dances and backyard fire pit parties until they booked their first gigs in the summer of 2023. The band line up has expanded and changed with graduations and the acquisition of driver’s licenses meaning what was once a trio is now an ever evolving group of roving musicians.
About
Akeylah Simone, from Hampton Roads, VA is just getting her feet wet as a singer, songwriter, and now recording artist. In just her first two years of releasing original music, she’s landed 4 songs on the Grammy Ballot and voted Encore’s 2021 Best Solo Artist. She was most recently voted ISSA’s 2022 Female Rising Star. She’s also had numerous nominations across various publications including Best New Artist (Soul Tracks Reader’s Choice Awards,) and Song of the Year & Best R&B/ Soul (Veer Awards.) While she has been singing and performing since her first time on stage at an elementary school talent contest, and frequenting many stages with her dad, Bobby Blackhat, over the past 10 years… she has spent this past year focusing on performing her own original music all over including festivals, award shows, clubs and private events.
Her love for music is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Raised by two musicians, Akeylah, developed a passion for singing and music exploration early on. She always knew she would be a performer and that she would pursue a life on stage. She was so certain by age 7, she was practicing her Bruce Hornsby set in her room every night--just to be ready. She is sure to get up on stage with her dad, Bobby Blackhat as often possible. She has also been featured on a few of his albums singing back-up vocals, solos and even her own cover of “Fever” with her younger sister.
Music has always been her outlet for dealing with all things “life,” and that inspired her to create a series of “Therapy Sessions.” These consisted of hours of creating, singing, and sharing her best moments with her family and friends through social media. The feedback and encouragement motivated Akeylah to revisit some of her original work. She has now released her seventh single and a five song, self titled EP. She has opened up her personal journey to the world and her vocals will surely let you know where she’s headed.
Latest Track
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This Love 4:540:00/4:54
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0:00/7:38
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Uncertainty 3:340:00/3:34