Ayiesha Woods facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ayiesha Woods
Ayiesha Woods performing in January 2008
Background information
Born	(1979-07-02) July 2, 1979 (age 45) Long Island, New York
Origin	United States
Genres	Contemporary Christian music
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Gotee

Ayiesha Woods (born July 2, 1979) is a talented singer and songwriter. She is known for her contemporary Christian music. Ayiesha has released several albums, including Introducing Ayiesha Woods and Love Like This. Some of her popular songs are "Happy" and "Big Enough". Her music mixes different styles like pop, soul, and rock.

Ayiesha loved music from a young age. She released her first independent album, What You Do to Me, in 2004. That same year, she won three Gospel Music Marlin Awards, including "New Artist of the Year". A famous music producer, TobyMac, discovered her music while visiting Jamaica. He was so impressed that he signed her to his record label, Gotee Records. Her first album with Gotee, Introducing Ayiesha Woods, was even nominated for a Grammy Award!

Ayiesha Woods' Early Life

Ayiesha Woods was born on July 2, 1979, in Long Island, New York. She moved around a lot as a child. She lived in places like Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, and Texas. She also spent some of her childhood growing up in Bermuda.

Music was always a big part of her life. Her grandfather was a professional musician. In high school, Ayiesha sang in the chorus and played in the school band. She also sang harmony in her church choir. She learned to play many instruments, including the guitar, keyboard, and percussion.

Ayiesha Woods' Musical Journey

In 2003, Ayiesha Woods wrote and recorded her first album, What You Do to Me. It was released in 2004. She made history in 2004 by becoming the first female musician to win "Producer of the Year" at the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards. She also won "New Artist of the Year" and "Contemporary Vocal Performance of the Year (Female)".

A song from her album, "Crazy", was played on a local Christian radio station in Jamaica. Gotee Records manager TobyMac heard her song while visiting the area. He loved her music so much that he got her contact information. He called her as soon as he returned to the United States. Ayiesha was surprised and excited! A few weeks later, TobyMac invited her and her family to a concert in Texas. There, they met in person. Soon after, she signed with his record label and started recording new songs.

Introducing Ayiesha Woods (2006)

After recording, Ayiesha's first song, "Happy", came out in 2006. It quickly became a big hit on Christian radio. The song was even used in an advertisement for the movie A Good Year and in the 2009 movie "My Life in Ruins".

Her first album with Gotee Records, Introducing Ayiesha Woods, was released on June 6, 2006. It was a big success! The album was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2007 for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. Two other songs from the album, "Big Enough" and "Beauty", also became popular. In 2007, Ayiesha was nominated for the New Artist of the Year award at the 38th GMA Dove Awards.

Love Like This (2008)

In early 2008, Ayiesha Woods recorded her second album, Love Like This. The first song from the album, "Love Like This", was released to Christian radio in June 2008.

Ayiesha performed at many big Christian music festivals that summer. These included Creation East, Creation West, and Lifefest. She also performed on the 2008 Christian Music Boat Cruise. Love Like This was officially released on September 9, 2008. Another popular song from this album is "Alive".

Ayiesha also released a Christmas album called Christmas Like This on November 10, 2009. In 2013, she was one of the judges at a music showcase in Nashville, Tennessee.

New Music: It's Time (2014) and The Runway Project (2017)

After taking some time off to start a family, Ayiesha Woods returned with new music. She released an album called "It's Time" on September 9, 2014. This album was released on her own music label, Original Peace Music Group.

Woods performing at Lifest in 2018

On February 14, 2017, she released The Runway Project. This is a shorter album, called an EP, with seven songs. These songs are like anthems for anyone who feels like an underdog.

Ayiesha Woods' Music Style

Ayiesha Woods grew up in many different places, including Bermuda. This has given her music a special Caribbean and dancehall sound. She has been influenced by many great artists like Stevie Wonder, Fred Hammond, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lauryn Hill.

Her music is mostly Christian pop and soul. However, her albums also include different styles like R&B and urban. Ayiesha has said, "I don't want to be placed in one specific category. I think I represent a lot of different styles of music."

Critics have said her first album, Introducing Ayiesha Woods, has "something for everyone". They have compared her singing voice to Tracy Chapman and Tasmin Archer. Her album Love Like This also mixes genres. It even has some jazz sounds in the song "Take Me There". Her music also includes rock influences, like in "Big Enough". She also sings worship songs such as "Love Like This" and "Refine Me".

Ayiesha Woods' Albums and Songs

Ayiesha Woods has released several studio albums and singles.

Studio Albums

• Introducing Ayiesha Woods (2006)
• Love Like This (2008)
• Christmas Like This (2009)
• It's Time (2014)
• The Runway Project (2017)

Singles (Popular Songs)

• "Happy" (2006)
• "Big Enough" (2006)
• "Beauty" (2006)
• "The Remedy" (2006)
• "Love Like This" (2008)
• "Alive" (2008)
• "Come Back" (2011)
• "First Love" (2013)

Awards and Nominations

Ayiesha Woods has won and been nominated for several awards for her music.

• 2004: Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Award for "Producer of the Year" – won
• 2004: Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Award for "New Artist of the Year" – won
• 2004: Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Award for "Contemporary Vocal Performance of the Year (Female)" – won
• 2007: Grammy Award for "Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album" (for Introducing Ayiesha Woods) – nominated
• 2007: GMA Dove Award for "New Artist of the Year" – nominated
• 2010: GMA Dove Award for "Christmas Album of the Year" – nominated