Born in 1984 in Honolulu, Sharaya Howell originally became a hip-hop choreographer and dancer, working with the likes of Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Rhianna, and Ciara as well as appearing in movies such as Step Up 2 the Streets and Step Up 3D. In 2010 Sharaya signed to Missy Elliot's Goldmind label and issued her first single, "Green Light," which featured production from Souldiggaz. The DJ Jayhood-produced "BANJI" followed a few years later and saw Sharaya reaching a wider audience. A handful of singles and guest spots appeared over the next few years before she parted ways with Goldmind in 2016. That same year, she returned with the self-released single "Big," ushering in a new chapter in her career; 2017's "New Wave" followed. The next year she took part in the U.S. reality music show The Four: Battle for Stardom. A runner-up in the final, Sharaya made a name for herself with her renditions of Migos' "Stir Fry," Missy Elliot's "She's a Bitch," A$AP Ferg's "Plain Jane," and her own track, "Go Raya." ~ Rich Wilson, Rovi