Keisha Chanté

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Biography

Keshia Chanté (born Keshia Chanté Harper on June 16, 1988) is a Canadian singer-songwriter , model (person)|model , actress , philanthropist, fashion icon http://watch.fashiontelevision.com/fashion-icons/celebrities/keshia-chant/clip585202#clip585202 and TV personality on YTV's The Next Star .

She signed to BMG Music Canada at the age of 14, and has released three albums in Canada. dancer

She has had six Top Ten singles at radio with songs Unpredictable, Bad Boy, Does He Love Me? , Been Gone, 2U, Fallen & Table Dancer Chanté has won many awards, including a Juno Award , "Best New Artist" at the Canadian Radio Awards and Urban Music Awards, as well as "Video of the Year" and "Fans Choice". OttawaStart, October 23, 2004
She is known in the U.S. for her "Bad Boy" video that was in heavy rotation on Black Entertainment Television|BET , her guest appearance in Bow Wow (rapper)|Bow Wow & Chris Brown (American singer)|Chris Brown 's " Shortie Like Mine " video and constant media attention surrounding her personal life.
After a three-year musical hiatus, in November 2010 Chante released 2 videos for 2 new singles "Table Dancer" and "Test Drive", both off her new album Night & Day (album)| Night & Day , which was released November 2011. Both singles were nominated for Juno Awards; R& B Recording of the Year for "Test Drive" and Dance Recording of the Year for "Table Dancer".

Biography: Life and Career

1988–2003: Early life and career beginnings

Keshia Chanté was born in Ottawa , Ontario on June 16, 1988 to a father of Trinidadian descent and a mother of Portuguese people|Portuguese descent. She is an only child. At the age of 6, Chante performed for the first time, performing ' Dear Mama ' by Tupac Shakur. She received a standing ovation and Chante cited the crowd's warm reception as the reason for her pursuing music at a young age. http://www.maplemusic.com/artists/kch/bio.asp She later attended St. Peter Catholic High School in Orleans, Ottawa, Ontario until the age of 14 and continued high school at Fletchers Meadow Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario.
Chanté took part in several school and community talent shows. Her 6 year old performance was brought to the attention of Ottawa DJ Trevor Mason who sent the tape to BMG Canada. Keshia was invited into Toronto for a live audition, was signed a record deal and immediately began working on what would be her first single.
Chanté balanced high school and her new found career, by traveling to Toronto on weekends to begin recording for her debut album. In 2004, she moved to Toronto to better balance work and school. She chose to continue school by attending her high school, and graduated as a straight-A student with her class in 2006, her final year being with a private tutor., Canadian Press, Dec. 4, 2006

2003–05: Keshia Chanté (Self-Titled)

Her debut single "Shook (The Answer)" was released in early 2003, when Chante was only 14 years old. It won an Urban Music Award for "Best Pop/R& B Single". The follow-up, "Unpredictable" went #3 on both radio & video charts, she released her first video, which hit number one on YTV (TV channel)|YTV and the top ten on MuchMusic . In November 2003, the CD single of "Unpredictable" was certified gold. Because of that single, in 2003, she won the Canadian Radio Music Award for "Best New Solo Artist".
In early February 2004, Chanté's third single, "Bad Boy", was released. It was also successful, breaking the Top 10 on radio and sitting at #3 on MuchMusic for 4 weeks before later earning the #1 position on the chart. The video was directed by director Little X . Later, in June 2004, Chanté topped the charts again (Top 5) with the release of her fourth single "Does He Love Me? " ft. Foxy Brown (rapper)|Foxy Brown which Chanté & Foxy Brown (rapper)|Foxy Brown wrote and "Young Gav" ( Foxy Brown (rapper)|Foxy Brown 's older brother) produced. The video was also directed by Little X and became #1 on MuchMusic for 3 weeks. The video also garnered her an Urban Music Video Award for "Video of the Year".
On June 22, 2004 Chanté released her Keshia Chanté (album)|self-titled debut album . On December 3, 2004 it was certified gold record|gold . It contained her previous singles, as well as her later to be released fifth "Let the Music Take You" also penned by Chanté. In October 2004, at the Canadian Urban Music Awards Chanté swept all three of nominations, winning awards for "Best New Artist", "Video of the Year" (for Bad Boy), "Fans' Choice Award" and by surprise taking home the "Rising Star of the Year" award. In that same month, she also sang the national anthem at the Canadian Football League's Grey Cup.

In December 2004, Chante headlined Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto for New Year's Eve., An Marie McQueen, Ottawa Sun In February 2005, Chante won Chartattack Awards for "Best Album" and "Sexiest Female". During the same month, she was also selected to represent Canada at Expo 2005 held in Japan.
In July 2005, Chanté went on a cross Canada mall and venue tour sponsored by Solo Mobile (Bell), EckoRed and SPC sponsored Chante's tour across Canada which helped raise awareness for phone counseling service Kids Help Phone.
In September 2005, Chante performed on tour with Destiny's Child throughout Canada during there Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It tour, and is also included on the Destiny's Child Live In Atlanta Tour DVD.
In October 2005, Chante received four nominations at the Urban Music Awards.

2006–09: 2U and hiatus

After her signing, Chanté moved to New York City|New York to begin working on her second album. During that time, Chanté was on People (magazine)|Teen People Magazine's "Rock The Runway" Mall Tour (where Ciara started) and Seventeen (magazine)|Seventeen Magazine's "Rock N' Shop" Mall Tour (where Britney Spears started). In May 2006, she posted 3 brand new songs, "Been Gone", "Kiss" and "Summer Love" on MySpace .
In March 2006 she released her " 2U (album)|2U " Album teaser single, "Ring The Alarm", which was used for WarChild's "Keep The Beat" charity campaign. All the proceeds from "Ring The Alarm" went to supported children at war and was also featured on triple platinum compilation "MuchDance 2006".
In July of that year, she released her single "Been Gone", produced by Philadelphia's Matrax Productions. The video was shot by Little X (making it her 3rd collaboration with him) and was shot inside of "Fletcher's Meadow Secondary School" where Chanté attended in her last year of school and graduated. Her second single, "2U", produced by Matrax was released in early November. 2U's video was shot on October 22 in Miami by director Bobby O'Neill, and was released on Yahoo Music Canada on November 16.
Also in 2006, Chanté made a featured cameo appearance in label mate Bow Wow (rapper)|Bow Wow 's video " Shortie Like Mine ". The video depicts Rapper Bow Wow (rapper)|Bow Wow searching for Keshia Chanté on his laptop. They send messages back and forth throughout the video.
Her second album, in which Chanté executive produced was released on December 5, 2006 in Canada through Sony BMG Canada and was released in May 2007 in Japan. Chanté refused to finish promoting her album to its full potential because of "dirty label politics" infuriating her to ask to be released from her record label. After a few months, her wish was granted and she was released from Sony BMG Canada.
MTV's "The Diary of Keshia Chante" aired in Canada December 6, 2006, showing footage following Chante as she travelled to Miami and LA working on her album.
On March 5, 2007, Vervegirl magazine announced a tour of eight Canadian high schools with Chanté.

In 2007, after her departure from Sony BMG Canada, Chanté took a brief absence from the spotlight, wanting to learn more about the music business and being mentored by respected entertainment lawyers in Hollywood and Toronto. She later made the decision to move to Atlanta and West Hollywood, where she worked closely the camps of Ne-Yo, Missy Elliott and OutKast. She began honing her skill as a songwriter and her acting chops, starring as the lead actress in the TV series "Soul".

2010–present: Night & Day

Chanté signed to Universal Music Canada .
In September, Chanté announced that she would release a 2 disc album titled " Night & Day (album)| Night & Day " slated for a release in Spring 2011. One disc, titled 'Night' will be all Dance music and the other disc, titled 'Day' will be R& B, reminiscent of Chanté's first two albums. When looking for inspiration and the direction that she wanted for this album, she stated that wanted something with "no-genre", sing something that was real and to the heart. Keshia found inspiration from Brandy's Afrodisiac .
In October, Chanté released two new singles, "Table Dancer" from the 'Night' side of her album and "Test Drive" from the 'Day' side. In November, the music video for "Test Drive" was released exclusively on VEVO, starring Chanté's boyfriend, NHL goalie Ray Emery and endorsed by Smarties . Later the music video for "Table Dancer" was released, endorsed by Pepsi . The video and song both entered into the Top 10 at radio and on MuchMusic.

" Table Dancer " so far has reached #44 on the Canadian Hot 100 , accumulating an audience of over 5,000,000 and #22 on the Top 40. The single has also entered the Canadian iTunes R& B/Soul Chart and peaked at #6.
In February 2011, Chanté was nominated for two Juno Awards; R& B Recording of the Year for "Test Drive" and Dance Recording of the Year for "Table Dancer". She presented at the award ceremony.
On February 14, 2011, Chanté revealed the cover of her new upcoming singles titled Set U Free/If U Say
Later Chante released the Taio Cruz written song "Set U Free". She later released a video shot in Isla Mujeres, Mexico which was endorsed by Contiki.

In November, Chante went on a mini school tour with Universal Music Canada's Uni Community to reach out to high school students about the important of finishing school and following their dreams.

On December 31, 2011, Chante performed with Simple Plan, Our Lady Peace and the Sheepdogs for ET Canada's New Year's Eve Bash in Niagara Falls, which later set a record becoming Canada's #1 Year End Countdown Show with 4.8 million viewers. http://shawmediatv.ca/press/read/? 1628

In February 2012, Chante appeared and performed in the CBC film Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town based on the best selling novel of the same name. In March, the Juno Awards honored Chante with her very own garden at Canada's National Flower & Home Festival, Canada Blooms, titled "Blooming System"

In April 2012, ET Canada announced Chante as the new judge on YTV's The Next Star

Artistry

Music and voice

Tara Henley of The Georgia Straight noted that beneath the slickly produced, hip-hop—tinged, pop veneer of tracks like "Shook (The Answer)" lies an arresting voice, magnetic charisma, and driving ambition." Denise Sheppard from Amazon.ca also noted, " a teen-targeted pop phenom" whose "music has the one-two punch of melodic hooks and the voice to back them up; a combination that can and will appeal to dance/pop music fans of any age. http://www.amazon.ca/Keshia-Chanté/dp/B00028U67W
Chanté is artistically involved in her projects, especially in the writing process. She has received executive production credit on most of her music in which she has been involved, however she doesn't formulate beats herself, she typically comes up with melodies and ideas during production, sharing them with producers. Some of her songs are autobiographical, which she has admitted are taken from personal experiences, as well as her friends.
Chanté's music is generally contemporary R& B, but she also incorporates pop, dance and hip hop into her music.

Influences

Chanté has said to have admired and watched artists Brandy Norwood|Brandy , Aaliyah , Christina Aguilera , Monica (entertainer)|Monica , Missy Elliott , Lauryn Hill , Mary J. Blige , Faith Evans , Destiny's Child , SWV , TLC (band)|TLC , Coldplay growing up. She also stated her household played a lot of dancehall, reggae, soca music and fado , adhering to her roots.

Fashion

As Chanté matured, greater interest in her fashion choices began. Chanté has been known to have an aesthetic of mixing super high fashion with lower end as a way of "connecting to her younger fans."www.keshiachante.com/fashioncelebration
In Canada, Chanté is considered a Fashionista by fashion's high rankings. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/mini/CTVNews/1111865215079_21/? s_name=junos2005& no_ads=box Her style has been described as "glamorous" meets "sexy elegance" by Holt Renfrew executives.
Chante is an avid supporter of Canadian Fashion Designers and labels. Flare Magazine has named her a "true style chameleon" January 2012, Fashion Television labeled Keshia a Fashion Icon
Chante regularly attends front row at Fashion Week with her outfits anticipated and documented. In 2010, she attended Evan Biddell's show and appeared in his opening runway video.
In October 2009, Chanté acquired stock in Guess's upscale fashion brand Marciano. Chanté also co-owns the Marciano Store in Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Center.www.yorkdale.com In September 2011, Chante & Canadian model Yasmin Warsame through a charity party at TIFF in support of her foundation, The African Future. http://www.keshiachante.com/tiff-festivities

Other work

Acting career

In 2006, Chanté starred as herself in the indie flick "Cats Cradle". In 2007 she had a guest starring role in "Da Kink in My Hair".
In August 2008, Chanté got the lead role in a one-hour television series drama titled '"Soul", in which she played a teen conflicted about having to choose between the church choir and pop stardom. It filmed for several months in Halifax. In February 2009, Soul began to air on VisionTV throughout Canada and is being acquired by BET . In September 2011, Chante filmed the CBC TV adaptation of Stephen Leacock's Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town which airs February 2012 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2062657/

Products and endorsements

Chante has been endorsed by brands such as Pepsi, Smarties, Bell, Solo Mobile, Davids Footwear, Stila Cosmetics, MAC Cosmetics, Ecko Red and Sony Cybershot, Sony Vaio and other Sony electronics.
In 2007, it was announced that Chante would be collaborating on a diamond jewellery line with conflict-free diamond company, Polar Bear Diamonds and begin working on a perfume line.
In November 2010, Chante became the face of Pepsi and their Pepsi Refresh Project campaign, with Pepsi presenting Chante's video "Table Dancer". Chante is the face of Ontario Tourism and sings the theme song "There's No Place Like This" in their commercials. http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2007/10/09/my-toronto-keshia-chante.aspx Chanté is the face of the Sony's Cyber-Shot Digital Camera and was the face of EckoRed in 2006. In 2005, Solo Mobile (Bell), EckoRed and SPC sponsored Chante's tour across Canada which helped raise awareness for phone counseling service Kids Help Phone. Chante has collaborated with Smarties in music video "Test Drive".

Philanthropy

Chante worked closely with Alicia Keys to throw a fundraising concert to help build awareness about AIDS with the Stephen Lewis Foundation and was a part of BET'S Rap-It-Up campaign.
In 2008, she visited Dominican Republic to work with World Vision. She has also been a part of three consecutive WorldVision 30 Hour Famine's and has been a part of many of their campaigns and advertisements endorsing the event.
Chante also developed the Roger's Love Music Speaking Tour where she spoke to school students across Canada and donated tens of thousands of dollars to their music programs.
She has contributed to WarChild's Keep The Beat campaign donating the proceeds of her singles to them, as well as the proceeds that came from her songs inclusion into the MuchMusic's MuchDance compilations.
In November 2010, Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research|CANFAR announced Chante as their official Youth Ambassador. She participated in World AIDS Day doing a media tour with CANFAR President Christopher Bunting.
In May, Chante travelled to Kenya with Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research|CANFAR where she spent 10 days working with orphans who lost their parents to HIV/AIDS and building with other student volunteers to help out students in classrooms in Narobi, Africa. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43251416/ns/business-press_releases/t/global-anniversary-aids-indicates-need-renewed-public-engagement-canada Chante documented her experience for the December 2011 issue of Elle Canada http://www.keshiachante.com/elle-canadas-december-issue/

Personal life

Chante's currently in a relationship with NHL netminder Ray Emery . In June 2010, eTalk Daily and Entertainment Tonight Canada broke the news that Chante and Emery|Ray Emery had began dating. Emery has been featured as the love interest in her music video for "Test Drive".

In 2009, rapper Drake (entertainer)|Drake was asked by MuchMusic's VJ Sarah Taylor on his past relationship with Chante when they were 16 years old. Drake said he would be "proud to call an ex-girlfriend". Drake is heard discussing the relationship in the remix of Chante's song titled "Fallen". Drake also speaks of Chante in the second verse of his song "Deceiving" referencing Chante's mom "Tessa", Drake rhymes; ”What up Tessa, I love you like my own mama / And your daughter’s getting grown, mama / And me, I’m just here working, waiting / patient for her to be ready to love and leave alone drama.” http://blog.muchmusic.com/drake-talks-young-love-with-keshia-chante/ http://www.complex.com/music/2011/11/drakes-10-hottest-hook-ups

Awards and nominations

2003

Canadian Urban Music Award for Best R& B/Soul Single for "Shook (The Answer)" - Won

Canadian Radio Music Award for "Best New Solo Artist" (Dance Urban Rhythmic) - Nominated

Canadian Radio Music Award for "Best New Solo Artist" (CHR) - Won

2004

Canadian Urban Music Award for Best New Artist - Won

Canadian Urban Music Award for Video Of The Year for "Bad Boy" - Won

Canadian Urban Music Award for Fans Choice - Won

Rising Star Award for Rising Star of the Year - Won

MuchMusic Video Award for "Best R& B Video" for "Does He Love Me? " - Nominated

2005

Juno Award for "R& B/Soul Recording Of The Year" - Won

Canadian Urban Music Award for "Video Of The Year" for "Does He Love Me? " - Won

MuchMusic Video Award for "People's Choice: Favorite Canadian Artist" - Nominated

MuchMusic Video Award for "Best Pop Video" for "Does He Love Me? " - Nominated

Juno Award for "New Artist of the Year" - Nominated

2007

Juno Award for "R& B/SOUL Recording Of The Year" for "Been Gone" - Nominated

2008

Juno Award for "R& B/SOUL Recording Of The Year" for "2U" - Nominated

2011

Juno Award for "Dance Recording Of The Year" for "Table Dancer" - Nominated

Juno Award for "R& B/SOUL Recording Of The Year" for "Test Drive" - Nominated

Discography

Albums

Keshia Chanté (album)|Keshia Chanté (2004)

2U (album)|2U (2006)

Night & Day (album)| Night & Day (2011)

Singles

Year	Single	Peak positions	Album
Year	Single	CAN http:/ / top40-charts.com/ song.php? sid=18557& sort=chartid	Album
2003	"Shook (The Answer)"	10	Keshia Chanté (album)
2003	"Unpredictable"	2
2004	"Bad Boy"	10
	"Does He Love Me? "	5
	"Let the Music Take You"	10
2005	"Come Fly With Me" (Promo)	98
2006	"Ring the Alarm" (Charity Single)	20	2U (album)
	" Been Gone "	10
	2U "	14
2007	"Fallen" (feat Freeway)	98
2010	"Test Drive"	—	Night & Day (album)
2011	" Table Dancer "	44
	" Set U Free "	84
	"Shooting Star"	—
	"I Miss U"	—
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

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