Elishema — Soulful Singer and Songwriter.
Elishema is a soulful R&B-Pop singer-songwriter, producer, and independent artist from the South Side of Chicago. For more than two decades, she has lived the full spectrum of a working artist’s journey—celebrating major wins, navigating hard lessons, and continually evolving as both a musician and an entrepreneur.
Raised as the youngest of seven children in a home filled with music, Elishema was inspired early on by the dreams of her parents, both aspiring singers themselves. That passion stayed with her and fueled her desire to build a career rooted in creativity, purpose, and independence. Influenced by icons like Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Brandy, her sound blends elegance, warmth, and vocal power into what she calls “Music for Empowerment”—songs grounded in optimism, passion, and confidence.
Like many emerging artists, Elishema once believed success depended on finding the right producer, manager, or industry connection. After experiencing firsthand how easily artists can be overlooked or taken advantage of, she made a bold choice: to take her future into her own hands. With the support of her father, she co-founded Inway Records, an independent label that became the foundation for her creative freedom. From that point forward, she learned how to release her own music, build a loyal fanbase, license songs, and earn real income without depending on gatekeepers.
Her career reflects impressive range and resilience. She has released two albums and multiple singles, collaborated with producers across Spain, Germany, Australia, and the U.K., and toured throughout the U.S. and Africa. As a Top-Rated Pro on Airgigs, she earned over $10,000 on one platform alone and gained more than sixty 5-star reviews for her session singing work. Her music has been featured across television, radio, and advertising—including placement in a Honda commercial and Universal Music Group’s sync library. She has had tracks in rotation on Sirius XM and charted on the DRT Global Top 100 Independent Airplay Chart, reaching #43.
Elishema’s live presence is equally noteworthy. She has opened for powerhouse performers including Chaka Khan, Frankie Beverly & Maze, and Kelly Price, and has shared stages with artists such as Jazz of Dru Hill, K’Jon, and Noel Gourdin. She has received mentorship from Marshall Thompson of The Chi-Lites, performed tribute concerts, and supported her community through charity events and special performances commissioned by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. Her work has even been recognized by the City of Chicago, earning her a DCASE grant to attend the APAP Conference.
A defining moment in her artistic evolution came in 2023 with the release of “Giants,” an empowering collaboration with renowned producer Sujith Kurian and Grammy-winning songwriter Jackie’s Boy. The record highlights Elishema’s continued growth, versatility, and commitment to creating music that uplifts and inspires.
Today, Elishema continues to release new music, run her independent music business, and share her creative journey with listeners around the world. Every milestone—both the triumphs and the setbacks—has shaped her mission to empower others through song and to show fellow artists what’s possible when they take ownership of their talent, vision, and career.