Keshia Chanté is a well-known figure in Ottawa and across Canada. As a songwriter, actress, singer, television personality, and businesswoman, she has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. This article by ottawanka.com delves deeper into her journey.
Early Singles by Keshia Chanté
Keshia’s connection to music began in childhood, but it was during her teenage years that her emotionally resonant singles about love, relationships, and emotions brought her recognition.
- “Unpredictable” – A song about staying true to oneself and rejecting societal expectations.
- “Bad Boy” – A story of a girl falling for a dangerous yet irresistible bad boy.
- “Does He Love Me” – A reflection on doubts about a partner’s feelings.
- “Been Gone” – A track about leaving a cheating partner, emphasizing self-worth.
- “2U” – A heartfelt single about accepting someone for who they truly are.
- “Fallen” (featuring Drake) – A song about heartbreak and longing to mend a broken relationship.
Keshia’s candid and emotional lyrics resonate with millions, making her a beloved artist worldwide.
Youngest Juno Award Winner
Keshia Chanté made history as the youngest recipient of the prestigious Juno Award. In interviews, she often shared how she always knew she wanted to be a singer. Her determination, unshaken by the limitations of her hometown Ottawa compared to Toronto’s music scene, was a driving force.
Born and raised in Ottawa, she spent summers in Gainesville, Georgia, with her grandparents. Her journey began with a talent show performance at age six. She attended St. Peter Catholic High School in Orleans, a suburb of Ottawa, before moving to Toronto at 12, where she graduated with honours.
Her fondest memories of Ottawa include finishing her debut album and singing the national anthem for the Toronto Blue Jays. Winning the Juno Award at just 13, Keshia expressed her aspirations for directing music videos, acting, and exploring fashion. Over the years, many of her ambitions have turned into reality.
International Fame as Co-Host
In 2013, Keshia Chanté joined BET’s 106 & Park as a co-host alongside American rapper and actor Shad Gregory Moss (Bow Wow). This marked the start of her television career. As the youngest host in the show’s history, her charisma and talent earned her accolades, including two Canadian Screen Awards for Best Host. She has interviewed numerous stars in the entertainment world.
Influences on Keshia Chanté
Keshia often cites icons like Beyoncé, Aaliyah, Brandy, and Tupac Shakur as her inspirations. Sharing a birthday with Tupac, she sees him as a creative influence. Her resemblance to Aaliyah led to her being considered for a biographical film about the late singer. However, after consulting Aaliyah’s mother, Keshia declined the role out of respect for her wishes.
Fashion Icon
In January 2012, Keshia Chanté was recognized as a “fashion icon” by Fashion Television. Her glamorous, sophisticated, and versatile style has drawn acclaim. She was a judge on Canada’s Best Beauty Talent, known for her insightful critiques and approachable personality. Canadian designers and brands hold a special place in her wardrobe. Flare Magazine praised her style as a “true chameleon.”
High-Profile Romances
Keshia is famously known as Drake’s first girlfriend and musical muse. In his hit song “In My Feelings”, he references her as “KIKI.” The two dated during their teenage years in Toronto before collaborating on musical projects. Despite their breakup, they remain on good terms.
In June 2010, she began dating NHL goalie Ray Emery, who appeared in her music video “Test Drive”. Their relationship, featured on the series Hockey Wives, ended in 2017 when Keshia called off their engagement. Later, Ray Emery was arrested for threatening and assaulting Keshia, leading her to obtain a restraining order. Tragically, Emery drowned in 2018.
Fun Facts About Keshia Chanté
- She has a star on Brampton’s Walk of Fame and multiple No. 1 radio hits in Canada and Japan.
- A philanthropist and humanitarian, she raises and donates millions annually to charity.
- Keshia is a motivational speaker advocating for mental health awareness, inspiring many to prioritize their well-being.
- She starred in Canadian TV series such as Yannick and Private Eyes, with her acting debut in the hit series Soul Food. Her character, Starr, earned critical acclaim.
- In 2022, she launched a haircare brand called “KHAIR.”
- Keshia splits her time between West Hollywood, California, and Toronto, Ontario, rarely visiting Ottawa.
Keshia Chanté’s exceptional talent and charisma have made her a versatile force in music, television, acting, fashion, and business. Her success is reflected in numerous awards and accolades. Since her childhood, she has pursued music and expanded into other fields, impressing fans and critics alike.
With her powerful voice, multilingual abilities (English, French, Spanish), and advocacy for women’s empowerment, Keshia Chanté is an inspiring role model. She proves that with determination and passion, dreams can become reality.
