Biography

Tinashe Biography

Tinashe Jorgenson Kachingwe, known professionally as just Tinashe, (born February 6, 1993), is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, actress and former model. She began her entertainment career at the age of 3 when she began modeling and acting. In 2012, Tinashe released two critically acclaimed mixtapes, In Case We Die and Reverie, which she created in her home studio. After the release of the mixtapes, Tinashe signed with RCA Records. She later released her third mixtape, Black Water (2013) and her debut studio album Aquarius (2014). Her debut single, "2 On", reached number one on the Rhythmic chart, and peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

She made her acting debut in the television film Cora Unashamed in 2000. In 2004, Tinashe appeared in box-office hit The Polar Express alongside actor Tom Hanks, providing the motion capture for the female protagonist. From 2008 to 2009, Tinashe had a recurring role in American sitcom Two and a Half Men as Celeste, Jake's girlfriend.

Early life

Tinashe Kachingwe was born on February 6, 1993 in Lexington, Kentucky, the eldest child of Michael and Aimie Kachingwe. Her father is from Zimbabwe, while her mother is of Danish, Norwegian, and Irish descent.[6][7] Tinashe's name means "We are with God" in the Shona language which she speaks fluently. She has two younger brothers, Thulani and Kudzai.[8] She and her family moved to Los Angeles, California when she was eight years old.[2] She attended Crescenta Valley High School for a year before finishing early to pursue a career in music full-time.[9] She began studying ballet, tap, and jazz dancing at the age of 4, and continued to compete in various styles as a part of a dance company until she was 18.[10]

Career

2007–10: Career beginnings

In 2007, Tinashe joined girl group The Stunners, founded by Vitamin C. Her bandmates were friends Marisol Esparza, Allie Gonino, Hayley Kiyoko, and Kelsey Sanders. Six months after their formation, the group signed with Columbia Records. The Stunners recorded a single that was to be used for the iCarly soundtrack; however, the single was never released. In 2009, the group left Columbia Records and signed a production deal with Lionsgate Entertainment, who also produced a scripted television show pilot based on the group for MTV. On March 18, 2009, they released a single, "Bubblegum", on iTunes, along with the official video. In October, the group released a 5-song EP, influenced by artists such as Madonna, Gwen Stefani, and Rihanna. The music video for their promo single, "We Got It", was released on February 22, 2010.

The group performed the song "We Got It" on The Today Show, as well as The Wendy Williams Show. After meeting with various labels, they signed a deal to Universal Republic Records in 2010. They released a single, "Dancin' Around the Truth" on iTunes, as well as Top 40 radio stations. The music video premiered on June 2, 2010, just before the group was announced as an opening act on Justin Bieber's My World Tour.[18] The Stunners finished their run, after twenty dates on the tour, and returned to Los Angeles to record new songs with producers and writers such as Toby Gad, The Cataracs, Dave Broome, Livvi Franc, Sheppard Soloman, Jimmy Harry, and Tony Kanal of No Doubt. A fourth music video for their song "Spin The Bottle", which was shot in the California desert, premiered on December 31, 2010. The group's full album was planned, but was ultimately scrapped, when the group split in 2011.

After The Stunners was officially disbanded, Tinashe began pursuing a solo career. On May 3, 2011, Tinashe gave her first televised solo performance during the Dodgers—Cubs game, singing "God Bless America". On June 24, 2011, Tinashe released her first solo music video, a cover of Lil Wayne's single "How to Love". The song was later released as a free digital download via Tinashe's official website. Following the video's release, Tinashe confirmed she had officially been released from her recording contract with Universal Republic. Tinashe was featured on the dance single "Artificial People" by OFM, released on September 12, 2011. On November 25, 2011 Tinashe released the music video for "Can't Say No", her first original solo song. The track samples Britney Spears's song "Blur" from her sixth studio album, Circus. The song was released for download on November 28, 2011.

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