Shanelle Gabriel  is a virtuosa: a gifted singer & lyricist. She has displayed her skills on stages nationally & abroad. Her animate personality and the distinct sincerity of her voice has made her a force in the poetry & music world. She is best known for opening & featuring on HBO's Def Poetry Jam as well as in a promo for the 2007 NFL Draft. She was a member of the 2006 Nuyorican Poets Cafe National Slam Team and a competitor in the 2007 Individual World Poetry Slam Competition. She has performed and worked with artists such as Les Nubians, Erick Sermon, Nas, and others. You can also see her acting skills in Q-Tip's video for "ManWomanBoogie." Shanelle's tenacity has allowed her to become a shining star in any path she treads.

Shanelle got her early start showcasing her talents in church. As she grew as an artist, she had lead roles 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." Shanellle weaves her vivid storytelling with messages of inspiration that will resound with all who hear her.

www.shanellegabriel.com