Kiéla Adira Quartet

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Jeoffrey Arrington

A close-up of Kiéla Adira.

Kiéla Adira

2023 was a big year for Chicago-based singer and songwriter Kiéla Adira; a feature spot on Clusterfunk, a Ric Wilson, Chromeo and A-Trak collaborative album; the release of her debut EP, Growth, in August; and second EP in November, Fool’s Croon. Her latest is a stunner, effortlessly blending R&B, jazz, and even a bit of modern pop and rap, all topped by Adira’s big, expressive voice.

$20.

media release: Kiéla Adira is a vocalist, songwriter, creative director, and educator whose music ranges across multiple genres including r&b, soul, jazz, and hip-hop. Raised on Chicago’s south side, Kiéla Adira’s roots extend to nearby Oberlin, Ohio, where she majored in Theater and Africana Studies at Oberlin College, and as far as Dakar, Senegal, where she spent time living abroad. She credits Gallery 37 Center for the Arts — a program founded by former first-lady of Chicago Maggie Daley, and HHW School for the Performing Arts — as vital formative experiences for her musically. Through HHW, Kiéla Adira’s voice has reached prominent audiences, singing for the Vice Premier of China, the French Delegation, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and in 2019, the inauguration of former Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

She has done features with Terrace Martin, Chromeo and A-Trak. and was recognized by TIME magazine for one of the Best Songs & Albums of 2022 for a feature with Ric Wilson. Kiéla Adira takes inspiration from the likes of India Arie, Jill Scott, and Lauryn Hill, but also legends like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Amy Winehouse, and one can hear these timeless songwriting influences over her first two music projects GROWTH, and Fool’s Croon. Following the more uplifting tones of her debut EP GROWTH, her brand new project Fool’s Croon exhibits maturity, channeling the spirits of influential artists predating her, crafting songs that resonate with vulnerability. Kiéla Adira is passionate about creating meaningful art that heals, uplifts, and gives back to the communities that continue to pour into her. Follow her on IG (@kiela.adira) to stay updated on her upcoming releases and tour dates, and stream her music projects GROWTH. and Fool’s Croon available on all streaming services.

Band:

Kiéla Adira (vocals)

Ryan Alexander (keys)

Joshua Boyd (bass)

Daniel Gayden (drums)