Jakita O. Thomas, Ph.D.
Singer based in Atlanta, Georgia
Jakita has been singing publicly since the age of 12 and was raised in the gospel tradition. At age 13, she fell in love with Jazz after hearing John Coltrane's "Naima" in a Jeep Cherokee commercial. Jakita began writing songs and arranging vocals at age 14 when she also formed the a capella gospel singing group "Emphasis" that performed for gospel events all over metro Atlanta.
Jakita's love affair with jazz continued at Spelman College, where she was a vocalist with the Spelman College Jazz Ensemble. Under the mentorship of Joe Jennings, Jakita was coached by Audrey Shakur during her time with the Ensemble. She performed with the Ensemble at the famed Schomburg Center opening for such jazz luminaries as Abbey Lincoln and Cyrus Chestnut. Jakita also recorded with the Ensemble on its 1998 Reverence: To Our Ancestors and Elders, where she rendered "Misty," "All Blues," and "Straight No Chaser." Jakita also performed at the New Orleans Jazz Festival with the Ensemble.
In 2003, Jakita released eclectic lady, her debut release. That same year, Jakita's song, "Unconditional Love," was also featured on the movie Angel Bliss's soundtrack. Jakita was a finalist on WSB-TV's "Gimmie The Mike - Georgia," an American Idol-styled singing competition. In 2017, Jakita performed with Akua Taylor as a vocalist in her song play entitled "Song Lake. She is currently working on the C.L.O Project, which will feature music inspired by Jakita's biggest supporter, her mother, the late Cora L. Owensby.."
