Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur. These are just some
of the words that can be used to describe Chinua Hawk.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Chinua considers himself
a citizen of the world. “My music is for everyone,” explains
Chinua. “I listen to everything… so it comes through
in my writing.”
From a very young age, Chinua knew that he was destined
to be a singer. Singing at the Friendship Baptist Church
in Trenton, New Jersey taught this humble young man how
to connect the spirit with the music.
As a performer with hundreds of performances under his
belt, Chinua captivates audiences all over the world with
the simplicity and class that defines his career. “My show
is very simple -- what you see is what you get,” says Chinua.
“If you come to my show to see me, then I know you came
to hear some real singing and have a good time. I’m not
a dancer; I’m a storyteller and a dreamer. I share these
things with you onstage. It’s just that simple.”
Along with his extensive touring record, Chinua also boasts
CD sales not only in the US, but also in France, England,
Japan, Switzerland, and Canada. Not bad for an unsigned
act.
Chinua counts himself very fortunate to have performed
with Celine Dion in front of a crowd of 30,000 at Madison
Square Garden in New York City. He’s also written songs
with Wyclef Jean and worked in the studio with producer/rapper
Kanye West on rapper Talib Kwelis’ song “Just To Get By.”
Chinua Hawk won the 2003 Heineken Music Initiative/ASCAP
Foundation R&B Songwriter’s Grant along with his partner
Kwame Viapree for their song "I Remember You" featured
on his CD Sunflower. Chinua’s other accomplishments
include winning the Disc Makers Independent Music World
Series in 2004, beating out over 1,000 bands with just
a guitar player to accompany him. He was also named the
APCA Multi-Cultural Artist of the year in 2004 and 2006.
Chinua’s music has played on several college radio stations
around the country as well as Philadelphia’s WUSL Power
99 fm (Inner City Live), and WXPN 88.5 Fm. Millions heard
Chinua’s song “Can’t Move On” from his debut independent
release The Beautiful Things when it aired on
the CBS drama Joan of Arcadia.
