2024 Performers & Presenters
Ramón Bryant Braxton
The Artistic Director, Orchestra Conductor, and Choir Director
Maestro Ramón Bryant Braxton returns for a third consecutive year as the Artistic Director and Conductor for SONGS OF BLACK FOLK. A native of Tacoma, Braxton is a product of the Black Church and the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) experience. He is a graduate of the iconic Morehouse College in Atlanta (BA), where he studied under Dr. Uzee Brown, renown educator, composer, singer, Choir Director, and musical mentor. Bryant received his graduate musical education (MM) at the Morgan Stage University in Baltimore where he studied under the late Dr. Nathan M. Carter, an internationally renowned teacher of vocal music who built the Morgan State University Choir into one of the premier vocal groups in the nation. Braxton is a composer, orchestra conductor, choir director, vocalist, pianist, and organist. He has led and served with the musical staffs of some of the most historic and premier African American churches in the nation including, the Abyssinia Baptist Church of Harlem, the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Washington DC, the New Psalmist Baptist Church of Baltimore, the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta, and the First Shiloh Baptist Church of Buffalo. Braxton has performed with Baltimore’s internationally acclaimed “Soulful Symphony”: a full symphony orchestra and vocalists of only elite African American and Latin X musicians. Braxton was formerly the vocal instructor at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington DC and the Assistant Director of the Howard University Choir.
John Stoddart
Special Guest
John Stoddart is an R&B/gospel singer-songwriter, who is noted for his incredible diversity of exquisite musical gifts that include, singer, pianist, songwriter, conductor, and choral director. In 1993, Stoddart earned a Bachelor of Arts in Piano and Voice from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland. Stoddart has worked as a contributing songwriter and producer on many other artists' albums. Stoddart sang backing vocals for I Surrender in Celine Dion's 2002 album A New Day Has Come. Stoddart’s albums have included Love So Real (1998), Wings to Walk on This Road (2003), Sweet (2006), Faces (2009), Faith Hope Love (2010), Only on Christmas Day (2013), Our House (2022). John Stoddart composed an original rendition of the Negro National Anthem for the inaugural SBF production in 2022.
BrandiE Sutton
Featured Soloist
Brandie Sutton is one of the classical world’s most impressive new stars. Her musical bona fides include performances with the Metropolitan Opera, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Danish Symphony Orchestra, the Radio Orpheus Symphony Orchestra in Moscow, and the Grand Théâtre de Genève and Alter Oper Frankfurt. Sutton has deepened her repertoire and expanded her audiences beyond the classical world, also performing folk, jazz, and pop material from established and contemporary composers. In 2018 Sutton performed in Seattle’s McCaw Hall as a part of the cast of Porgy and Bess. Her sumptuous mid-weight Soprano voice mesmerized audiences as she performed the featured role of “Clara”, singing the incomparable Gershwin ballad Summertime. Sutton perform this same coveted role when Porgy and Bess was presented at the Metropolitan Opera in 2020.
Crystal Aikin
Featured Soloist
Crystal Renee Aikin returns to Songs of Black Folk for a second straight year. She is an American gospel singer-songwriter from Tacoma, Washington, and the winner of the first season of Sunday Best. Her eponymous debut album was released on January 13, 2009, through Verity Records. In 2010 Aikin was nominated for a GMA Dove Award for New Artist of the Year at the 41st GMA Dove Awards. In 2012 she released Silent Night, through Verity Records. In 2015 she released, All I Need, through RCA Records.
Zhanea June
Featured Soloist
Zhanea June is an emerging gospel/R&B phenomenon in the Pacific Northwest Community. Her distinctive and versatile mezzo-soprano voice inspires congregations in sacred spaces and woos audiences in the Northwest’s popular secular venues. In addition to being an extraordinary vocalist, Zhanea is a gifted choir and vocal ensemble director, noted for her creative and impressive arrangements of traditional and contemporary material. In 2023 she was elevated to the position of Coordinator of Music and Worship Arts at the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Kent. Zhanea returns to the Songs of Black Folk Choir for a third consecutive year. In 2023, she was elevated to the position of Choir Master by the SBF Artistic Director, Ramon Braxton. In addition to her work at NBCF, Zhanea recently released her latest single "Bad Habit". She proves to be a versatile artist reaching the masses via radio and stage.
Bria Manaway
Featured Soloist
Bria Manaway discovered her passion for singing at the age of 4, making her debut with the Tabernacle Baptist Church Recording Choir. Daughter of Pastor Robert L. Manaway and Mrs. Jessica Manaway, Bria’s voice has evolved into a soulful, dynamic, and captivating tone. Bria has opened for Gospel luminaries like John P. Kee, Donald Lawrence, and Deitrick Haddon. She has also shared the stage with notable artists such as Maranda Curtis, Chrystal Rucker, Yvette Williams, Ricky Dillard, Jekayln Carr and more. With two songs, “Follow You” and “Good”, available on all digital platforms, Bria aims to express the love of Christ Jesus through her music. Bria returns to the Songs of Black Folk Choir for a third consecutive year.
Kenisha Blackman
Featured Soloist
Psalmist Kenisha Blackman is an anointed and appointed Woman of God who believes in the power of prayer, praise and worship. Born a Seattle native, this phenomenal vocalist was blessed with her God-given voice at the young age of 6 years old. Being undoubtedly saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost, she demonstrates and models her walk with Christ profoundly. Growing up in the church, she is deeply rooted and grounded in The Word of God and believes that sowing seeds into the hearts and minds of God’s people through songs will impact their lives in an exceptional way. As a composer and vocal advisor, her ministry goes exceedingly beyond singing and writing. To her family, she is a devoted wife and beloved mother. Throughout her ministerial career, she has shared the stage with many renowned, national recording artists such as James Fortune & Fiya, Donnie McClurkin, Dorinda Clark Cole, Twinkie Clark, Bishop T. D. Jakes, Kim Burrell, Yvette Williams, Leandria Johnson, Duward Davis, and Myron Williams, while also featuring on a CD released by Javis Mays & Restoration as an artist.
Chandler Williams
Featured Soloist
Chandler Williams is a multifaceted talent, excelling as a singer, songwriter, producer, and pianist. Hailing from Seattle, WA, he emerged from the vibrant cultural scene of Garfield High School in 2019 before embarking on his musical journey at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. His musical prowess began at a tender age, with classical piano lessons commencing at just 4 years old. By age 7, he was already crafting his own songs, and by 13, he had delved into the realm of music production. Astonishingly, he released his debut album at a mere 16 years old, showcasing his precocious talent and dedication to his craft. Today, Chandler's creative pursuits continue to flourish as he delves into an eclectic array of genres including R&B, Gospel, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Pop. With each composition, he demonstrates an innate ability to blend influences and create music that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
Reverend Dr. James Alexander Forbes, Jr.
Guest Narrator
Doctor Forbes is the Senior Pastor Emeritus of the historic Riverside Church in Manhattan, NY. He was the first African American Pastor of this flagship multicultural congregation that he served for 18 years, 1989-2007. In November 1993, Doctor Forbes was featured in Ebony Magazines now iconic article, “15 Greatest Black Preachers”. From 1976-1989, Dr. Forbes taught preaching at Union theological Seminary in New York City. In 2009, Dr. Forbes authored the book Whose Gospel: A Concise guide to Progressive Protestantism, in which he offers a compelling vision of progressive social change and addresses the most crucial issues of our time – poverty, war, women’s equality, racial justice, sexuality, and the environment.
Tia Nache
Featured Spoken Word Artist
Tia Nache is a proud South Seattle Poet from Rainier Valley. A nationally recognized Spoken Word artist and self-proclaimed “Church Kid,” Tia’s poetry, honed in the Black Church, aims to heal, inspire hope, and call listeners to action. As a longtime educator and former principal, her work explores self-love, social justice, and spirituality. Tia's debut one-woman show, “That Talk You Do,” with Acts On Stage Theater, received widespread acclaim. She has performed with prominent figures like Rev. Jesse Jackson and The Legendary Clark Sisters and was featured on KevinOnStage’s “Challenge Show.” Passionate about youth voice, race, equity, and women’s rights, especially for Black Women, Tia is a loving wife and mother of three. Her first collection of poems will be released in Spring 2023.
Rev. Dr. Robert Jeffrey, Sr.
Guest Narrator
Rev. Dr. Robert Jeffrey, Sr. received his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Union Theological Seminary in 1975. He served as Senior Pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Roanoke, VA until 1986 when he brought his vision and spirit to lead as Senior Pastor to New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He’s been a strong advocate for those who are systematically locked out of economic opportunities in this country. In 1988, he founded the Black Dollar Days Task Force, a non-profit organization promoting economic self-sufficiency for inner-city African Americans. He has become intimately involved in our community through leadership on many boards and been recipient of numerous awards including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award and the W.E.B. Dubois Talented Tenth Award.
The Choir
An intergenerational Choral group of 40 gifted African American singers from the Puget Sound Community will perform under Braxton’s direction. The Choral group will combine the talents of well-known local vocalists and emerging young local vocalists. Together they form a musically versatile Choir with an extraordinarily rich and dynamic sound.
Orchestra & Rhythm Section
A 50-piece Orchestra (Conducted by Ramon Braxton) will accompany the Choir and the featured soloists. The orchestra will be comprised of musicians from the Puget Sound community. Additionally, the music will be supported by a 7-piece rhythm section that will combine the talents of local and national musicians.
The Emcee
The emcee for SONGS OF BLACK FOLK 2024, will be the Honorable T’Wina Nobles, Washington State Senator from the 28th Legislative District.
The Co-Emcee
Gee Scott, co-host of “The Gee & Ursula Show” on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM, and game-day host for the Seattle Seahawks, is a dynamic speaker who captivates audiences with his high-energy approach. With a career marked by personal experiences, innovation, and infectious enthusiasm, Gee is committed to making a positive impact. He's honored to collaborate with Songs of Black Folk this year to celebrate and elevate the Black cultural arts experience through music.