Shanelle got her early start showcasing her talents in church where she is still very active. Later, she acted in productions of The Vagina Monologues and Macbeth. At the Utica College Auditorium she performed as both a singer and actress while earning her B.A. in Communication Arts. She was a Def Jam College promoter and a leading radio personality on WPNR 90.7 FM.

In the summer of 2004, Shanelle was diagnosed with SLE Lupus. Yet she decided that her health would not be something that would limit her success. Using that as her fuel, she decided that she would pursue her dream of being a performing artist as well as encourage others who have obstacles in their path to do the same. She states, "My battle with Lupus has been tedious, but God has a plan. That plan does not include giving up on life. I want to be a testimony to others that no matter what, faith and determination can accomplish any goal."

Shanelle presently facilitates creative writing workshops throughout New York City and promotes Lupus awareness. Her amazing debut album, "Start Something" fuses Shanelle's skill at spoken word poetry with her soulful, sultry singing. Using her upbeat pop, old school hip-hop, and inspirational soul sound, Shanelle's vibrant personality shines through each word and melody she shares. "Every time I perform, I aim to plant a seed in someone, a new perspective. This is more than just standing on a stage simply reading my work or singing a tune. This is me sharing me."

www.shanellegabriel.com