Rashida Zakiya Beach

Born and raised in South Carolina, the state that produced legends James brown and Eartha Kitt, the up and coming artists Rashida Zakiya Beach has built a reputable reputation throughout the south east as a singer, actor, songwriter, and all around performer. Since the age of three, Rashida has been molding her place in the world as an entertainer. Knowing the importance of a strong education, Rashida has recently graduated from The College of Charleston where she received her Bachelors in Arts. She studied theatre with a concentration in performance and minored in business administration. Through her experience and dedication she was has been cast in not only The College of Charleston productions, but has taken advantage of the theater community. “I still remember the first time I stepped foot on the stage in the Emmett Robinson theater. My first debut in the theater department was a minor role in the production of The Last Days of Don Juan. The next year I was cast as Susanna in the musical review Tintypes. While I was in Tintypes I was also in Charleston Stages’ rendition of Hairspray. Shortly after I was cast in the production of A Long Time Since Yesterday as Minnie. My most notable role, however was Dorothy in the Charleston Stage’s production of The Wiz.” Mrs. Beach became a part of one of the largest theatre companies in South Carolina. Aside from Rashida Beach’s acting and musical theater talent, she has used her soulful sound to produce her first album “The Awakening”. Under the guidance of JelaniProductions, Zakiya and Jelani created a musical master piece. Her jazzy appeal is compared to songstress Chrisette Michele mixed with a hip hop beat that is similar to Erykah Badu. “The Awakening” is a merge of big band and hip hop bass with a pop flare. Zakiya’s journey began when she performed at the Apollo in South Carolina. Soon after Zakiya began taking over many stages. She was awarded 2nd place at the Omega talent hunt where singers between the ages of thirteen through eighteen compete for recognition and an opportunity to advance in their careers. At the age of 14 Zakiya was a background dancer in the ATL invasion tour for one of the opening artist, Felicia. Zakiya has also opened up for and was a background singer for the singer/songwriter Angie Stone. Zakiya is self driven and determined to become a successful entertainer. It is evident through out these past years as she has won and performed at many events. She became the winner of the Black Expo shining star competition in 2008 and in 2009. Prior to becoming the 1st runner up of Palmetto Idol where people from all over the state of South Carolina came to compete, she performed with the band Finese two original songs ” Epitome” and “Free Myself” at the popular jazz fest, hosted by 103.1 Kiss FM’s Tre Tailor. Zakiya’s music and acting passion is a reflection of freedom and spirit. Her goal is to encourage and inspire other young artists as well as her fans through her passion for music. Zakiya continues to be open minded to change as she learns more about the industry and what it

Columbia, SC