Biography:

Born in Winston-Salem, NC, composer, vocalist and musician, Nailah, took the “safe” route and became a Capitol Hill Attorney/Lobbyist for a law enforcement organization, where she helped lay the foundation for passage of the Brady Bill, the Hate Crimes Bill, Assault Weapons Legislation, and other public safety related measures. Eventually, Nailah listened to her muse and walked away from the lucrative law career with the understanding that music had a far more profound effect on the human condition than any legislation she could lobby for.

As a recording artist and guest vocalist Nailah has worked with Beck, Billy Childs, Phil Ranelin, Warren G, John Cale (Velvet Underground) and Cree Summer (Lenny Kravitz tour). Nailah’s music was regularly featured on the FX television show, The Shield. She’s written songs with noted jazz artists Robert Glasper, Tom Scott and Jeff Lorber, and was the featured vocalist and songwriter on Jeff Lorber’s critically acclaimed CD, Philly Style.

Nailah refers to her music as “ConJazzNess” (pronounced "consciousness") and prefers to discuss what informs the music. For the record, Nailah says her music “on the surface is a blending of genres...music that is Rooted in Spirit...Based on Jazz.” In 2009, Nailah’s music caught the attention of tastemaker DJs Gilles Peterson (UK) and Ennio Styles (Australia). Gilles Peterson featured her music on his BBC Radio 1 “All Winners Show, Part 1 & 2” and regarded Nailah as “the female jazz voice of the year.” The year 2010 began with Nailah making her London debut at the Worldwide Awards, recording at the historic BBC Maida Vale studios with jazz pianist Robert Glasper, and performing at Jazz Café. Nailah is a featured artist on the upcoming Brownswood Recordings compilation CD, Brownswood Bubblers Five. Her long awaited CD “ConJazzNess" will be released this year on NaiMuse.