Biographie
With a voice that stirs the soul, lyrics that speak the heart, and a personality that resonates universally, Syleena Johnson continues to make her mark in the worlds of music, television, health and fitness, and sisterhood. Not even a global pandemic can stop this R&B Diva!
For her latest album Woman (2020), Grammy-nominated Syleena was inspired by the trials and tribulations of women everywhere. Exploring every facet of womanhood, she navigates the highs and lows of being a woman. From love to heartbreak, insecurity to self-assurance, and with echoes of freedom and sexuality, she leaves no stone or issue unturned. On April 23, 2021 the celebration of women continues with the release of The Making of a Woman; the deluxe version of Woman featuring two new tracks. Speaking on the release of the album, Syleena says: "so much has happened since I released Woman in January 2020...there's been a global pandemic; my heart has been broken by the racial injustice we've seen... but we've also had moments of hope with the election of Kamala Harris - so I felt like I had more to say!"
Every lyric intentional, Syleena has a God-given talent to connect with people. Since she burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with empowering anthems such as Hit on Me, Guess What, and Another Relationship, she has built a loyal fanbase worldwide. Although no stranger to autobiographical songs that represent the day-to-day struggles of being a woman, Syleena reveals; "When you have been disregarded, disrespected, looked over and so much more, I just felt like it was time, and I wanted to dedicate [Woman] to us." More than ever, Syleena amplifies her voice to demand equality and respect, presenting an impassioned and honest look into life as a woman. Including fan-favorites such as I Deserve More, Home, and Come Inside My House, Syleena delivers a vocal masterclass on Never Been Better and Water which are sure to satisfy the cravings of R&B lovers worldwide.
In recent years, Syleena has dug deep into her creativity and found innovative ways to bring her albums to life, taking fans on a journey with her music. Couples Therapy, a theatrical and enthralling depiction of the acclaimed album Chapter 6: Couples Therapy, saw Syleena flex her acting chops alongside a soulful cast consisting of Leela James, Dave Hollister and Willie Taylor of Day 26. The Making of a Woman is released in conjunction with a three-part docuseries of the same name (Syleena serves as Executive Producer alongside Dr. Syleecia Thompson and Sharí Nycole), on Fox Soul. Giving fans an insight into the creative process of making the album and the harsh reality of being a woman in the music industry, Syleena's perseverance, authenticity, and talent shines through.
Throughout the last decade the world has witnessed Syleena blossom on-screen, speaking her truth and living her purpose on shows like TV One's R&B Divas: Atlanta, Unwind, and Sister Circle Live, OWN TV's Iyanla: Fix My Life, and most recently Fox Soul's Cocktails with Queen's with Claudia Jordan, Vivica A. Fox, and LisaRaye McCoy. Syleena also co-starred in Equal Standard (2020) alongside Tobias Truvillion and Ice-T, an acclaimed film that looks at the lives of NYPD officers and the interweaving stories of race, rank, loss, and betrayal. On April 25, 2021 Syleena features on TV One's long-running series Unsung, further detailing Syleena's journey in the music industry, from the early days at Jive Records right through to being a trailblazing independent artist. Music Mondays, a series born out of the pandemic, continues to thrive, every Monday on Syleena's official Facebook page. Music Mondays gives musicians a platform to share their voice and connect with their audiences in a time when their stage has been taken away.
Syleena's triumphant foray into the world of health and fitness, to be detailed in the docuseries From One Stage to the Next, has inspired women worldwide to take control of their own health. With a Bachelor's in Nutrition Science and a certified hot yoga instructor, Syleena chronicled her journey to self-love following years of body image struggles rooted in adolescence and a career in the music industry in her 2018 book The Weight is Over. In December 2019 Syleena successfully competed in the Texas National Physique Committee (NPC Texas Cup) in Waco, Texas, taking home three trophies.
Whether it's through her timeless music, her unfiltered conversations on-air, or through being a health and fitness advocate, Syleena will continue to be a voice for issues that affect women and the Black community. The 'chapters' may have come to an end, but the story is far from over...
