Stars on the Rise - Gurlie Gurlz

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

While they may seem like your typical 10 year olds, all about fashion, laughing, shopping and spending time with friends, their voices are nothing less than extraordinary.  Meet the energetic Imani Knox, daughter of pop Grammy nominated singer Shanice Wilson and actor Flex Alexander, her adorable and talented cousin Kennedy Stephens and best friends and fun-loving twins Shelbi and Sydney Schauble.  Mix their soulful tunes with their vibrant personalities and eye for fashion, and you’ve got the group, the Gurlie Gurlz.   
The talented foursome have become an instant hit on YouTube, with well over 100,000 views alone on their rendition of Set Fire to the Rain and Rolling in the Deep by Adele, with thousands more views of their performances of Taylor Swift’s Safe and Sound and Hold On by En Vogue.  
While the Gurlie Gurlz have only been together since November of last year, their ability to harmonize beautifully sounds as if the group had been singing together for years.      
The group was originally created and developed by mastermind, Crystal Wilson. Crystal is the mother of singer Shanice, and grandmother to Imani.  She works with the tween quartet, helping them harmonize and arrange a cappella covers, which has recently had the Internet buzzing.  Even hip-hop superstar LL Cool J tweeted that the Gurlie Gurlz are “the future.”
The group’s stardom is certainly not limited to singing.  These girls are destined for success, as they have their own clothing line on the horizon.  Be on the lookout for the Gurlie Gurlz brand.  They are also looking to work on various television projects, movie soundtracks and special guest appearances on popular talk shows.  Currently they are in negotiations for a possible summer concert series.
Despite their budding success, the Gurlie Gurlz remain focused. “All of us are like sisters,” says Imani.  Their plans for the future? “We want to become a very successful international singing group,” states Sydney and Shelbi. With their voice and talent, there’s no doubt these girls are headed for success.
If you want to see performances, visit  http://GurlieGurlz.com , or follow them on Facebook or Twitter at  www.Facebook.com/TheGurlieGurlz www.Twitter.com/TheGurlieGurlz.

Sydney

Musical Inspiration: Beyonce
Likes most about being in a band: It’s fun growing as a singer with your friends.
Favorite Songs: Listen by Beyonce and And I Am Telling You by Jennifer Hudson
Free time:  I play the guitar.
Favorite School Subject: Science
If you could change the world, what would you change and why?
I would like to change the homeless rate in America by donating some of our income and time.

Shelbi

Musical Inspiration: Taylor Swift
Musical Interests:
Pop and some country
Favorite song: Star Ship by Nikki Minaj
Do you get nervous performing? Sometimes
Free time: I love to run track
Favorite School Subject: Science
What do you like most about performing in front of people?
I like the reaction of the crowd motivating us!

Kennedy

Musical inspiration: China Ann Maclain
One word to describe you: Focused.
If you could change the world: I love pets and wish everyone would treat animals with love.
What you like most about being in a band:  I am able to sing and have other people hear us on YouTube.  I also like seeing my friends every week.
Free time: I run track and practice five days a week.  I also design flower pens.  I like to play with my friends and swim.
Plans for the future: I want to be a veterinarian.
Favorite School Subject: Math

Imani

Musical Inspiration: My mom, and my grandma
Favorite music to sing to: Disney, Victoria Justice,
China Anne from Ant Farm and of course my mom and her music
Favorite song: my mom’s song I Love Your Smile
What you like most about being in a band: I love being in a group because we get together and rehearse, take a fun  break, have snacks and rehearse again just like school.
Free time: My Papa takes my brother and I to the park, and I love to swim.
Plans for the future: I can’t wait to go on tour with my group; I also want to be an actress.
Favorite school subject: Science