Singer based in Trinidad and Tobago
Leah Staci Lewis is a singer and aspiring healthcare professional,
hailing from the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Born the 4th of
September 1987, to parents Neville and Althea Lewis, she is the
younger of two siblings, her brother Dwight being the elder.
Leah began performing at the age of 8 years old, then in her primary
school (St. Theresa’s Girls R.C) calypso competitions every year until
her graduation in 1999. She then entered the Bishop Anstey High
School, where after 3 years, she became a member of her school’s
intermediate and then senior choirs. Rarely a soloist, Leah still
enjoyed performing and participating in various school competitions
and music festivals. It was here where she was able to participate in
the International Eisteddfod Music Festival in Wales in 2005. That
same year, Leah began to perform as a soloist in church.
Upon graduating from secondary school in 2006 Leah became enrolled at
the University of the West Indies St. Augustine to pursue a BSc degree
in Biochemistry. She also became a member of the Lydian Singers, an
esteemed local choir under the guidance of then musicologist, Dr Pat
Bishop. She then joined the Marionettes Chorale, another well revered
local choir under the musical directorship of Mrs Gretta Taylor, with
her brother in 2009 where they both remain members today.
In 2008, Leah participated in the Trinidad and Tobago Biennial Music
Festival where she won the North Zone Contralto Solo category. That
year, she began to perform as a soloist with Amadi Productions in
annual concerts which showcase young, upcoming talent, aiding with the
development of her confidence on stage.
Growing into her own, Leah developed a love for performing jazz music,
drawing inspiration from the likes of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald,
Louis Armstrong and countless other jazz legends. Leah also has the
voice to match the music that she loves. Her God-given voice is quite
distinctive, with the mysterious ability to catch anyone’s ear and
grab their attention. It has been described as rich, deep and soulful
and has been compared to that of Smokey Robinson, Anita Baker and
others.
Unique in her own right, Leah is also a classically trained mezzo
soprano and has been taught by June Nathaniel at the Key Academy of
Music. She also performs gospel, R&B, soul and popular music. Her
admiration for dame Shirley Bassey has also had an impact on the
singer’s stage presence and performance. Her past experience as a
fashion model shows itself on stage, with an air of elegance and
grace.
Leah is due to graduate from the University of the West Indies in 2013
with a Master’s degree in Public Health. She currently balances her
education with her musical pursuits and performs at concerts,
functions and events around the country. Soon after performing at the
Tobago Jazz Festival, Leah most recently staged her very own concert
for the first time, in May 2013 at the Little Carib Theatre in
Trinidad. “Jazz is Here!” prove to be a resounding success, generating
much excitement in the musical fraternity. Leah is continuing her
efforts and is ready to share her gift with the world.
