It’s rare when an up-and-coming artist can get me to come out of my familiar surroundings into the sometimes hostile environment of the music industry. Canadian R&B singer Melanie Fiona is one of those rare artists. A pretty girl who can sing like an Angel is such a rarity these days!
Last night, I had the pleasure of being in the company of such a great talent! Melanie is destined for greatness and I’m glad I got the chance to meet her before the industry swallows her whole and she forgets where she came from.
Wow, she sings like an angel! Melanie, 26, serenaded the industry elite with her powerful pipes during her invitation-only dinner at the Geisha House in Atlantic Station.
Industry execs included SRC Records CEO Steve Rifkind (pictured above with his artist), who invited me up to his hotel suite after the dinner party to “listen to music.” Imagine that!
Steve also invited a few high powered people like Sister2Sister publisher Jamie Foster Brown (pictured above with Fiona), PR queen Tresa Sanders of TreMedia (pictured below with Fiona) who reps Akon and Keyshia Cole, to come to his suite as well. But I politely declined.
Celebs coming out to show their support included Akon, former Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams, and choreographer Devyne Stephens.
I was accompanied to the event by good friend, celebrity makeup artist Jai Jai (pictured above with Fiona), who worked her magic on my face earlier in the evening. You may recall Jai Jai was totally disrespected by her ex-boyfriend, rapper Shawty Lo, who has since apologized. I always say the best revenge is to be a success, and Jai Jai has hit the ground running toward her goals. She is a young woman with such poise, wisdom and insight to be only 23!
Fiona’s debut album on SRC/Universal Motown “The Bridge” officially drops on Nov. 10!
Thanks to celebrity photographer Prince Williams for the flicks!
MORE pics after the break!
Industry veterans Steve Rifkind, left, (SRC/Universal Motown) and Von Johnson
Melanie Fiona, center, poses with singer Akon, 3rd from left, Steve Rifkind, 3rd from right, Devyne Stephens, 2nd from right and other guests
At first, singer Michelle Williams didn’t want to take any pictures.
She’s so shy… NOT!
Melanie and Akon
Let the rumors begin…
L to R: Def Jam VP Bu (Akon’s brother) in head to toe Louis, Steve Rifkind and Melanie Fiona
Brothers Akon, left, and Bu pose with Universal Motown’s.
After the party, Jai Jai and I went to Cheetah’s for a bite to eat. The food and the atmosphere there was great! But the men would not stop pestering Jai Jai. I wonder why?
Photos by Prince Williams/ATLPics.net
