ThisIsQTZ. Takes Spelman College by Storm

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Jada Henderson, also known as QTZ., is a graduating senior, singer, and songwriter at the illustrious Spelman College.  I was privileged enough to be able to attend her senior recital where she performed original songs she just released on her new EP.  I really enjoyed the concert/recital in its entirety because it was original, and it was Neo Soul. This genre, that incorporates elements from Jazz, funk, hip hop, electronic to pop, fusion, and African music was coined by music industry entrepreneur and producer Kedar Massenburg during the late 1990s. It was first heard with artists Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and Maxwell, but has been the genre for many other artists such as Jill Scott and Avery Sunshine, which are all some of my favorite artists.  When I first heard one of Jada’s songs prior to the concert, I was instantly drawn to her sound and knew that I had to hear more.

During her concert, QTZ. used a lot of synthesized sounds along with a keyboard and three fellow Spelmanites as background singers. One of the things I thought brought uniqueness to this student recital was her use of dancers during her some of the songs. The lighting in the auditorium and the dancers mixed with her unique sound really set a somewhat serene smooth vibe in the auditorium.  My favorite song from the performances was Friendzone. I first heard the song when I, along with other members of the Contemporary Pop Ensemble were asked to perform it with her at our concert. I’ve been playing it every day since.  To my surprise, when she began to sing the song the entire audience began to sing it. I knew it would definitely go over well with everyone who heard it, but I didn’t know people already liked and knew the song that well.  I love when an artist can move everyone like that and get them to sing. In QTZ.’s case, it is very impressive, because her fan base isn’t that large. However, I feel certain it will be one day. Aside from her performance and music, I was pleased to see that all the musicians in her band were black and from the Atlanta University Center Consortium, as there is an abundance of talent here.   thoroughly enjoyed QTZ.’s senior recital and believe that she be successful as an artist due to her unique sound and creativity.  She is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

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