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Leah Staci Lewis

Leah Staci Lewis is a singer and healthcare professional, hailing from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Born the 4th of September 1987, to parents Neville and Althea Lewis, she is the younger of two siblings, her brother Dwight being the elder.

Leah began performing at the age of 8 years old, then in her primary school (St. Theresa’s Girls R.C) calypso competitions every year until her graduation in 1999. She then entered the Bishop Anstey High School, where after 3 years, she became a member of her school’s intermediate and then senior choirs. It was here where she was able to participate in the International Eisteddfod Music Festival in Wales in 2005. That same year, Leah began to sing solos at church.

Upon graduating from secondary school in 2006 Leah became enrolled at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine to pursue a BSc degree in Biochemistry. She also became a member of the Lydian Singers, an esteemed local choir under the guidance of then musicologist, Dr Pat Bishop. She then joined the Marionettes Chorale, another well revered local choir under the musical directorship of Mrs Gretta Taylor, with her brother in 2009 where they both remain members today.

In 2008, Leah participated in the Trinidad and Tobago Biennial Music Festival where she won the North Zone Contralto Solo category. That year, she began to perform as a soloist with Amadi Productions in annual concerts which showcase young, upcoming talent.

Growing into her own, Leah developed a love for performing jazz music, drawing inspiration from the likes of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and countless other jazz legends. Leah also has the voice to match the music that she loves. Her God-given voice has been described as rich, deep and soulful and has been compared to that of Smokey Robinson, Anita Baker and others.

Unique in her own right, Leah is also a classically trained mezzo soprano and has been taught by June Nathaniel at the Key Academy of Music. She also performs gospel, R&B, soul and popular music. Dame Shirley Bassey has also had an impact on the singer’s stage presence and performance. Her past experience as a fashion model shows itself on stage, with an air of elegance and grace.

Leah graduated from the University of the West Indies in 2013 with a Master’s degree in Public Health. She currently performs at concerts, functions and events around the country. Soon after performing at the Tobago Jazz Festival in May 2013, Leah staged her very own concert for the first time, at the Little Carib Theatre in Trinidad.

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Take Five With Leah Staci Lewis

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Meet Leah Staci Lewis: A singer based in Trinidad and Tobago, Leah Staci Lewis has found herself drawn to jazz music and is ready to share her gift with the world. Instrument(s): Voice. Teachers and/or influences? I've been influenced most strongly by Sarah Vaughan; I love her style of singing and her vocal talent. Ella Fitzgerald was so untouchable, she could manipulate melodies like no other. I also strongly admire ...

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"Where has this woman been all this time?"

"Pores raised and eyes opened wide when Leah Staci Lewis sang the first notes of “My Funny Valentine”"

"Lewis is in a nutshell, fantastic on stage. Not only does she have a great voice, but she also delivers the songs she sings with moving emotion and sincerity."

- Trinidad Express Newspaper: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/featured-news/Jazz-for-the- -206856531.html

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