Jean Grae

Arguably Africa’s most accomplished hip-hop export, Jean Grae was born in South Africa as Tsidi Ibrahim, the daughter of South African jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim (formerly Dollar Brand) and singer Sathima Bea Benjamin. She was raised New York City, where her parents lived in exile. She attended the elite Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts in Manhattan.

The critically acclaimed lyricist, producer, writer, director, cinematographer and entertainer has been challenging the boundaries of artistry since her debut in 1996. Over her 20-year career she has maintained relevancy and continues to defy expectations. Grae has worked alongside international hip-hop stars like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, The Roots, Pharoahe Monch and many others.

Grae recently made her directorial debut and created her company, KAGD. With music videos for The Hellpit Faeries, Talib Kweli and herself under her belt, she created 'Life With Jeannie', a half-hour sitcom that she wrote, directed and starred in.