African-born multi-talented Gloria Maduka's unique singing, songwriting, and dancing styles comprise primarily of pop infused with African elements. She was one of 40 out of 12,000 in Jacksonville, FL selected to audition in front of American Idol judges and producers and was featured singing globally in a 2009 episode. She was invited to sing the Star Spangled Banner at a Barron's baseball game.
Her unique trademark is further enhanced by her ability to also write and sing in Yoruba and Spanish and by her technique with the conga, an instrument she has effectively infused into her music for several years. Due to a diverse set of influences, such as Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Nneka, Coldplay, Matchbox20, Whitney Houston, Kelly Clarkson, Angelique Kidjo, Brandy, Selena Perez, Shakira, Shania Twain, 311, and Femi Kuti, her vocals range from soft and pretty to hard but heart-felt.
While in Africa, Maduka received several nods after performing at a church, encouraging her to pursue music as a career. This passion led to the creation and direction of the church's youth choir for three years before departing for the US to further pursue music. While only a freshman in Livingston, Maduka made headlines with one labelling her as "[bringing] down the house." Maduka was also involved in several record-setting activities. She was the first foreign student to be crowned both Ms. Black and Gold and Ms. UWA. In the summer of 2002, she was chosen to intern on Capitol Hill, DC. Maduka also hosted her own local TV talkshow and her face was the anchor for the Community News. In spite of several academic involvements, Maduka accepted invitations to perform in front of Congressman Earl Hilliard and also during games, staff gatherings, and pageants.
In 2002, Maduka competed with hundreds to win a modeling contract with the National Film and Fashion Board which she not only won but also won the Best Adult Talent category after she sang her unique rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. She was also a major cast member in a production of Fats Waller's jazz musical, "Aint Misbehaving" where she transcended nationalities, fitting in as an African-American in the 30's; she opened and closed the show every night.
Maduka won the annual Serendipity Talent Show every year that she was in Livingston, making her the first foreigner to ever place. In spite of graduating Magna Cum Laude and being the only Honors student in her graduating class, Maduka gave up law school in pursuit of her dreams. Consequently, she is applying her English, Journalism, and Psychology degrees towards her music career. Currently, her single, "Love Illusion" is playing on the airwaves in Africa. She's also working on videos and her first album "Of Light and Angels."
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Beauty + Talent = Gloria Maduka.
Keep repping Naija.
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