GaBrilla Ballard

Singer/songwriter, activist and poet GaBrilla Ballard discovered her love and passion for music, justice and the stage while coming up in New Orleans. A former New Orleans Poetry Slam champ and daughter of a jazz vocalist, GaBrilla picked up the guitar and began writing songs in 2001. Her incomparable voice and lyrics have a way of disarming and thoroughly engaging audiences, straddling the lines between roots, soul and protest music. She draws from her musical influences including Nina Simone, Abbey Lincoln, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Tracy Chapman, Seu Jorge, Sara Tavares and many others.

In 2002, GaBrilla recorded her first self-titled EP accompanied by Oakland Percussionist Kele Nitoto, with a guest production appearance by Casamena on song "A Part of Me". This EP was released through her production company Ascension Creations Productions, now known as Urban Mamasong Productions.

In 2008, GaBrilla completed her debut LP "Urban Angel Songs", both as singer/songwriter and producer.

GaBrilla is also the founder of The Urban Mamasong Project, a social enterprise that creates supportive spaces for mothers to actualize their creative vision and projects.

GaBrilla has shared stages with Les Nubians, Sonia Sanchez, Sparlha Swa, Medusa, Casamena and Steel Pulse.

Combined with her music, GaBrilla finds pleasure in spending time in nature, reading and creating with her family.