Jana Mashonee
| Jana Mashonee | |
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Jana Mashonee at the Poncan Theatre, 2010
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jana Maria Sampson |
| Born | May 11, 1980 |
| Origin | Robeson County, North Carolina, United States |
| Genres | Pop, R&B, Electronic |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, actress, author, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Labels | Miss Molly Records |
| Website | www |
Jana Maria Mashonee, (born Jana Maria Sampson; May 11, 1980), better known by her stage name, Jana, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, author and philanthropist. She is originally from Robeson County, North Carolina. Jana is a two-time GRAMMY nominee and nine-time NAMMY winner. Her music is steeped in R&B and gospel roots, which introduced her to the mainstream. She is currently releasing her music through Miss Molly Records available on iTunes and Amazon.
Jana Mashonee is from Robeson County, North Carolina, although she grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jana is a Native American of Lumbee and Tuscarora descent. She was first introduced to music by her father (who is a singer and drummer). The surname Mashonee was a native name given to Jana by her family. Of the Siouan language, the translation means "money belt.
Mahshonee graduated from Davidson College with a degree in psychology, and shortly after got a record deal. First signed to Curb Records, her single, "Ooh, Baby, Baby," was picked as Billboard’s single of the week and went on to become a radio and sales success. More than Life followed, selling over a million copies on its own and as part of numerous compilation albums. A controversial version of Led Zeppelin’s epic "Stairway to Heaven," came next, earning her the honor of being the first Native American to top the Billboard dance charts.
Exploring her cultural roots, Jana then released American Indian Story, a concept album that garnered her a second Grammy nomination. The video for the single, The Enlightened Time, won awards at film festivals around the world as well as a Nammy for Best Short Form Music Video. Music from the album is featured on the Discovery Channel’s series, Flying Wild Alaska.
Her first book, American Indian Story – The Adventures of Sha’kona, based on the Grammy nominated album of the same was also recently completed. The fantasy filled mystery-adventure young adult novel is the uplifting story of the young heroine, Sha’kona, and her journey of self-discovery and courage.
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