Leonie Smith - talented songstress

Last weekend I caught up with Leonie Smith, one of my favourite singers, backstage at The Drum in Aston, Birmingham. Leonie had just performed backing vocals with the group Gabbidon as part of the annual Birmingham ArtsFest. She has another upcoming gig with Gabbidon at The Jam House in Birmingham on Wednesday 27 September and has some other irons in the fire, so keep an eye on her webpage here. Leonie has also just started a new role, as a children's mentor, working with Birmingham City football club. I was immediately won over with her passion, energy and vocal range when I first saw her perform in 2004 and since then she's worked with a variety of performers such as Pato Banton, Janet Kay and Caroll Thompson and of course Gabbidon and TuffLuv. She is a very talented and confident performer with a strong stage presence, and equally at home in any genre of music, whether it be reggae, soul or jazz - catch her live if you can.