Irene Kaali

Singer/Songwriter, Zumba Instructor and Voice of Bradford 2024 Irene Kaali (pronounced Carly) was born in raised in Bradford, West Yorkshire during a time when the stereotype for Black women was to have loud, strong soulful voices and larger bodies were frowned up on. "Growing up in the 90's, every black female artist had a big voice - think Beyonce and Whitney Houston. While they are incredible powerhouses, that sound just wasn't me. It took time for me to own my body, my look and my soft, delicate pop voice - learning to see it as a strength that made me different as opposed to a weakness because of not fitting the norm". Initially self-taught in all mediums from a young age, she studied at the University of Cumbria, Institute of the Arts, graduating with a first class BA (hons) in Dance and Musical Theatre Performance in 2016. She then went on to earn a PGCE enabling her to teach Dance & Musical Theatre to both secondary aged learners & adults. In 2015 whilst studying, she played Deloris Van Cartier in Blackeden’s production of Sister Act, 2015 and received stellar review, being dubbed “an up and comer with a bright future” and “one to watch”. With many talents under her belt, one of her proudest accomplishments was when her last original release Going Nowhere was BBC Introducing's Track of the week in July 2020 and as they said "boasts impressive vocals, melody and percussion" - BBC Introducing, Cumbria. She now focuses on her regular Zumba classes in gyms across Bradford, her larger Zumba events dubbed the Zumba Party's and touring pop cover sets alongside her original music. Having worked with music producer Cornel Sorian (Regent Street Artists), Alan Lowles (Airtight Studio Productions) and James Grover (Peak Studios), the sky is truly the limit for this up and comer!