Nayanna Holley

Nayanna Holley

    Official Biography (courtesy of Nayanna Holley)

    Nayanna Holley transcends genres with her debut album, On Love & Fear, a nod to her roots in jazz fused with traces of soul and folk. In collaboration with Meshell Ndegeocello, who Nayanna has opened for in Los Angeles and San Diego, and Producer/Guitarist Chris Bruce, On Love & Fear is a personal work that draws from a wide range of musical experiences. Nayanna, no stranger to the music industry, began traveling the world with Michael Jackson at age 3. (she is the daughter of Dorian Holley, background singer and vocal coach for the late Michael Jackson, and lead singer of The Tonight Show Band)

    With a significant musical imprint marked by the King of Pop and a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies, Nayanna went on to provide supporting vocals for the likes of The Roots, Queen Latifah, Sheryl Crow, Justin Timberlake, The Rickey Minor Band (as seen on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno), and quite notably, Sergio Mendes (her performances include “You and I” and “Emorio” on Bom Tempo:  Latin-Grammy Award winner for ‘Best Contemporary Brazilian Pop Album’). Nayanna continues to gain international fans touring with acts like French rock & roll icon Johnny Hallyday, and Italian singer-songwriter Elisa. 

    With an album that examines two symbolic elements, there was no question On Love & Fear would be a “spiritual” record, as Meshell Ndegeocello calls it. Nayanna openly reflects on her motivations. “I believe the essence of our being is love. Love says that we are spiritual beings, here to express ourselves through intimacy, devotion and passion. Fear on the other hand lies to us and tells us our identity is found in our bodies, possessions and partners. My energy is focused on embracing one and conquering the other.”

    Available Music