Hometown: Toronto, ON, CA
Label: QRYPTONIK RECORDS
Management: Qing Que
Sounds Like: Adele, Mary J. Blige, Etana, Rhianna
Genre: Reggae
Petra, the Latin word for "Rock" symbolizes strength and is definitely portrayed in the style, image, and vocal talent of this Hot Singer/Songwriter and Performer.
Petra, whose sound can be described as soulful and captivating, usually sings a mix of RnB and/ or Reggae, but has recently been experimenting with new genres such as House and Dubstep. With a voice such as hers it can't be defined to just one genre.
"Petra" whose full name is Petra Kelly Grant was born and raised in Leeds, England and has always been a true lover of music and a natural talent.
Petra being blessed with the ability to write and sing her thoughts has a smooth, sultry sexy voice that has the ability to captivate an audience and pull them along in her musical journey. She has been influenced musically by the likes of artists such as Bob Marley, Billie Holiday, Lauryn Hill and eras like Motown and has been compared to such artists like Adele, Etana, India Arie and Toni Braxton.
It wasn't until moving to Toronto in 2003 that Petra embarked upon the opportunity to pursue a career in music. She started by performing back up for local artists and performing in local talent contests and open mics around the city.
It wasn't until 2006 that Petra decided to take her focus solely off her music career and decided to volunteer at CHRY 105.5 FM. After volunteering for a year, Petra was given the opportunity to co host a radio show called Breaking Culture. With the success of Petra's ability to be a great on air host and the fact that she was providing an outlet for local artists to be interviewed and showcase their music, Petra was then given the opportunity to have her own show called Represent. It aired every Wednesday from 7am - 9 am for 5 years. This show still provided an outlet for artists but also showcased unique genres from the UK such as Garage, Grime, UK Funky House and Dubstep music.
During her time at CHRY, Petra was lucky enough to come across a business card for her current label Qryptonik Records. Now Petra being a go getter and looking for management contacted Qing Que and set up a meeting. He was so impressed by Petra's abilities that he got her on board a project that he was working on with another artist, Janny Popps called "Butterfly". It was that project that won them both a WBLK Award for Best Hip Hop Song and reached #1 for five consecutive weeks on New York’s WBLK 93.7 FM on two separate occasions.
Since being with Qryptonik, Petra has continued to perform throughout the city at numerous events and festivals and opened for Big name artists such as Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Mutabarukah, Alton Ellis but to name a few. She has continued to put out new music and has released three previous mix cds and has her debut EP "Changes" set to be released this spring!
“From your performance, I felt your strength, energy, love, devotion and a sense of EMPOWERMENT! Qualities I’ve always known you to have, but I never saw it shine as much as I did that night. You channeled the energy wisely and I am very proud to have been exposed to it.
The stage is your throne, Empress and it carries you well… I was privy to be in the presence of your royal aura!:)”
Ms. V - The Dope Experience
“Humanity in Harmony festival mixes cultures and forms”
York University - Y Life
“Petra The Empress Blog”
Petra Grant - Petra The Empress
“Petra The Empress on Rogers TV”
Rogers TV - Day Time
“Petra The Empress - Only You Video on Much Music”
Much Music - Much Music Website
“Voices of Women
Empress of Zion Canada present an all female showcase f. Jakkie James, Donna Makeda, Tasha T, Empress Divine, Petra The empress &Auresia. LIVE @ Studio M - 1290 Finch Av w, Ste 17 Keele & Finch Ave ,
Empress of Zion Canada : Founded in 2001 to fulfill the Rastafari creed”
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY 2009