^Ashanti at 5 years old^

         Ashanti S. Douglas was born on October 13, 1980 in Glen Cove, New York.  Her parents are Joseph and Tina  Douglas.  She was named after a tribe in Ghana where women had considerable power.  Ashanti has one sister named Shi Shi.  She first sang in a gospel choir at age 6.  Her career began in 1994 when she performed at a local talent show.  Her strong, soulful voice got the attention of industry insiders and so she immediately started performing at the Soul Cafe, China Club, Madison Square Garden, Caroline's Comedy Club, and Greek Fest 2000 at Jones Beach just to name a few.  When Ashanti signed to AJM record, she caught the attention of producer Irv Gotti of Murder Inc.  He recognized her beautiful voice and writing talents and so he set the stage for her debut to the music world.  Ashanti's first works were "Always on Time", singing backup for Ja Rule and then "What's Luv", singing backup for Fat Joe.  These two songs really got her career going.  They also led to working with Ja Rule on two other song and also with Big Pun and Cadillac Tah.  Ashanti then settled down and concentrated on writing material for her own self'titled CD, Ashanti.  She also wrote for other big names such as Jennifer Lopez and Christina Milian.  She sang backup on J Lo's "I'm Real".  She also sings with rapper Vita on a remake of Madonna's "Justify My Love".  But Ashanti Douglas's talents extend beyond the recording studio and onto the dance floor.  She began her dance training at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Centre.  Ashanti performed with the Senior Pro Ensemble at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and the Apollo Theatre, Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Black Spectrum Theatre.  Her dance credits include the Disney TV musical "Polly" starring Phylicia Rashad and directed by Debbie Allen.  Her is a quote by Ashanti on her new CD and her music in general.  "I want to create something so real and reflective that people just sit back and listen.  Everyone has gone through something that's on this album, and I want to be able to articulate their feelings.  If you're a person who has trouble expressing yourself, all you have to do is pop in this album and it'll speak for you," says Ashanti.

 

 

                                                       

 

Ashanti's high school cheerleading picture>

 

 

 

      <Ashanti at her high school prom

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