Zakiya

Rashida Zakiya Beach has built a reputable reputation throughout the southeast as a singer, actor, songwriter, and all around performer. Since the age of three, Rashida has been molding her place in the world as an entertainer. Knowing the importance of a strong education, Rashida recently graduated from The College of Charleston with a 3.25 GPA where she received her Bachelors in Arts. She studied theatre with a concentration in performance and minored in business administration. Zakiya also attended Open Jar Art Institute in Manhattan N.Y where sixty students were selected from all over America to spend a week working with Broadway professionals. Through her experience and dedication she has been cast in not only The College of Charleston productions, but has taken advantage of the theater community.Aside from Rashida Beach’s acting and musical theater talent, she has used her soulful sound to produce her first album “The Awakening”.  Her jazzy appeal is compared to songstress Chrisette Michele mixed with a hip hop beat that is similar to Erykah Badu. “The Awakening” is a merge of big band and hip hop bass with a pop flare. 

Zakiya’s journey began when she performed at the Apollo in South Carolina. Soon after Zakiya began taking over many stages. She was awarded 2nd place at the Omega talent hunt where singers between the ages of thirteen through eighteen compete for recognition and an opportunity to advance in their careers. At the age of 14 Zakiya was a background dancer in the ATL invasion tour for one of the opening artist, Felicia. Zakiya has also opened up for and was a background singer for the singer/songwriter Angie Stone. Zakiya is self driven and determined to become a successful entertainer. It is evident throughout these past years as she has won and performed at many events. She became the winner of the Black Expo shining star competition in 2008 and in 2009. Prior to becoming the 1st runner up of Palmetto Idol where people from all over the state of South Carolina came to compete, she performed with the band Finese two original songs ” Epitome” and “Free Myself” at the popular jazz fest, hosted by 103.1 Kiss FM’s Tre Tailor. 

Zakiya continues to be open minded to change as she learns more about the industry and what it truly takes to become a successful entertainer. Zakiya’s style ranges from neo–soul, to pop and is optimistic about trying things outside of her box. Her music can be found on sounclound, youtube  and iTunes.