Jana reborn as R&B singer

Interview:  Jana MashoneeWith her latest album New Moon Born, Jana Mashonee is poised to burst onto the mainstream music scene. The album represents a significant departure from her previous endeavors, taking on a decidedly more upbeat rhythm and blues flavor. “The album is about rebirth and new beginnings,” she says. “It reflects a phase in my life that has taken on a different shape and direction from anything I’ve done before,” she says. In addition to providing all the vocals and piano, Jana wrote and co-produced the album.

In 2006, Jana released her Grammy-nominated concept album, American Indian Story. The Lumbee Indian singer-songwriter has also won 7 NAMMY Awards (Native American Music Awards) over the course of her career. At the start of the new millennium, Jana found success with chart-topping club hits like “More Than Life” and her cover of Led Zeppelin’s epic, “Stairway to Heaven,” earning her the honor of being the first Native American female to land on the Billboard dance charts.Jana on being an Indian:JM: There have been periods when I’ve struggled with certain stereotypes. There was a time when I was a kid that I didn’t want to be different. I wanted to be the white girl with blonde hair and the perfect nose.

With ethnicity, you have to face yourself and know who you are. For me, this was a very positive thing. Now, I embrace who I am.Jana on giving back to her people:Q: Last question: tell me about the scholarships you award to Native American kids.

JM: It can be tough for kids growing up in the Native American community. Many kids don’t finish high school, there are a lot of broken families, and drugs can be a real problem. I met a lot of kids at my shows who felt like they just didn’t have a voice, so I started listening to the kinds of issues they had to deal with. Lack of education is a big problem, so I decided to create an incentive for people to finish high school by starting a scholarship program. I’ve been able to raise enough money from performing to give something back to the community, and it feels really good. For a long time, the Native American community has been the ignored community. I know some of my gay friends feel that way about the gay community, too. These scholarships are a way to recognize the beauty and potential present in our community, just as they’re present in all communities.Comment:  Jana is successful and gives back to her people. That makes her a good role model for Natives.

With her imperfect hair and nose, it's a shame Jana was so unattractive. If only she could've grown up less plain and more beautiful.

No, it's a shame Jana ever felt bad about herself. If low self-esteem could afflict her, imagine how it must affect Indians who don't have as many natural gifts.

For more on the subject, see Dissing Jana's Video, Jana Was a Nerd, and Jana Honors His Roots.