Venise

Venise was born Yolanda Venise Champion at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, D.C. Raised in a church-going family she began her singing career before she could ride a bicycle. At the age of five she joined the children’s choir of New Grove Baptist Church and of course immediately became a soloist. As Venise’s voice developed she continued singing in her church choir, overpowering the children’s choir, she advanced to the Young Adult Choir by the age of six. Her talents were truly discovered at the Chevy Chase Theatre when she was offered the star role in the musical, Alice in Wonderland, without auditioning! This was truly the signs of a star. During the next several years she evolved more into herself and her music. She began piano lessons in the summer while joining every choir or program that detailed music. Music began to play a major role in her life and everything she said or did, confirmed that. In her early teens, Venise, also known as Ms. R&B teamed up with a group of girls that would be known as Blaque Pearl. The group made several appearances at the Showtime at The Apollo in New York proving that they were ready for stage-front. Blaque Pearl then made their first premiere at Dino’s Nightclub in Washington, D.C. headlining the show with their latest renditions of songs by Patti Labelle, Betty Wright, The Marvelettes, Aretha Franklin, and many more. Shortly after, the group went their separate ways, but the split only fueled her interest in music. She continued singing; participating in local talent shows, fundraisers, and other charitable events. Embarking on a solo career she then began writing and arranging her own songs. In 2005 she released a short album all originally written and co-produced by her. The following summer she independently released a mixed R&B album; one of the first to derive from a female artist all written, arranged and executive produced by her. Venise refuses to stop there, releasing vibrant innovative singles like Driftin’ and Open-Minded she is driven to excel. Thriving in creativity with the release of hot new singles 'Can't Wait', 'Official', and 'Broken' from her new cd 'So Official' written and executively produced by her, she can be seen performing at venues throughout the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area! Defining the new voice of R&B she continues to awe her audiences with her captivating voice, strong lyrics and confident stage presence.