Who is Ella Mai? A Comprehensive Biography
Ella Mai Howell, known professionally as Ella Mai, is a British R&B singer and songwriter who has made significant waves in the music industry with her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Born on November 3, 1994, in London, England, Ella Mai’s journey to stardom is both inspiring and impressive.
Early Life and Education
Ella Mai was born to a Jamaican mother and an English-Irish father. Her mother, a lover of American jazz music, named her after the legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. At the age of 12, Ella Mai moved from London to New York City when her mother took on a teaching job there. The transition was challenging for her, as she often faced bullying due to her British accent. She graduated from Queens High School of Teaching in Glen Oaks, Queens, before returning to England at the age of 17.
Musical Beginnings
Ella Mai’s musical career began in earnest when she enrolled at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) in London in 2014. During this time, she auditioned for the 11th season of “The X Factor” as part of a trio called Arize, but the group did not advance beyond the initial audition. Despite this setback, Ella Mai continued to pursue her passion for music.
Breakthrough and Success
In 2015, Ella Mai released her debut four-track solo extended play (EP) titled “Troubled” on SoundCloud. Her performances on social media caught the attention of American record producer DJ Mustard, who signed her to his record label, 10 Summers Records, an imprint of Interscope Records. From 2016 to 2018, she released three additional EPs: “Time,” “Change,” and “Ready”.
Her breakthrough came with the single “Boo’d Up,” which was featured on the “Ready” EP. The song gained immense popularity on social media and in nightclubs, eventually peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. “Boo’d Up” won the Best R&B Song award and received a nomination for Song of the Year at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. Ella Mai herself was nominated for British Breakthrough Act at the Brit Awards 2019.
Debut Album and Continued Success
Ella Mai released her self-titled debut studio album in 2018, which included the hit singles “Boo’d Up” and “Trip”. The album was well-received and solidified her place in the music industry. In 2019, she won three awards at the Billboard Music Awards, including Top R&B Artist.
Her second studio album, “Heart on My Sleeve,” was released in 2022. Although it did not reach the UK Albums Chart, it performed moderately well on the US Billboard 200.
Personal Life and Influence
Ella Mai’s music is heavily influenced by her upbringing and the jazz music her mother loved. She has collaborated with several notable artists, including Chris Brown and Ty Dolla $ign. Her soulful voice and relatable lyrics have earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
Conclusion
Ella Mai’s journey from a young girl facing challenges in New York City to a successful R&B artist is a testament to her talent and determination. With her unique voice and heartfelt music, she continues to make a significant impact on the music industry.