Shanelle Gabriel is a 23-year-old spoken word and singing virtuoso. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY she has displayed her skills at colleges and venues across the country. She performed the Promo Opening and featured on 2007's sixth season of HBO's Def Poetry Jam and recorded a nationally televised promo for the 2007 NFL Draft. She also was a member of the 2006 Nuyorican Poets Cafe National Slam Team and a competitor in the 2007 Individual World Poetry Slam Competition in Vancouver, Canada. Greatly influenced by Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, Richard Smallwood, and Stevie Wonder for their emphasis on lyrics and creativity, her tenacity has allowed her to become a shining star in whatever path she has endeavored to take. Like many greats before her, Shanelle got her early start showcasing her talents in church. Later, she acted 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." Shanelle presently facilitates creative writing workshops throughout New York City and promotes Lupus awareness. Her amazing debut album, "Start Something" fuses Shanelle's skill at spoken word poetry with her soulful, sultry singing. Using her upbeat pop, old school hip-hop, and inspirational soul sound, Shanelle’s vibrant personality shines through each word and melody she shares. "Every time I perform, I aim to plant a seed in someone, a new perspective. This is more than just standing on a stage simply reading my work or singing a tune. This is me sharing me." Shanelle Gabriel is available for performances, workshops, and other engagements. For information on booking, please email shanellegabriel@gmail.com.