Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas-Haynes, known simply as Ashanti, is a versatile American singer, songwriter, and actor.
She rose to fame in 2002 when she was discovered as a teenager and signed to Murder Inc. Records, a label owned by Irv Gotti of Def Jam Recordings. That same year, she was featured on two hit songs—Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?” and Ja Rule’s “Always on Time”—that cemented her place in the music industry.
With her powerful vocals and captivating performances, Ashanti continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
contour
- Full name: Ashanti Shekua Douglas Haynes
- Stage name: Ashanti
- Date of birth: October 13, 1980
- Age: 43 years old
- Birthplace: Glen Cove, New York, USA.
- Nationality: United States
- Occupation: American singer, songwriter and actor.
- Height: 1.6m
- Parents: Tina Douglas and Ken Cade Thomas Douglas,
- Siblings: Kenasia Douglas
- Spouse: Nellie
- Children: 1
- Relationship: Engaged
- Net worth: $5 million
early life and education
Ashanti was born on October 13, 1980 in Glen Cove, New York, United States.
She was raised by her parents, Tina Douglas and Ken-Cade Thomas Douglas, and grew up with her siblings, including Kenasia Douglas.
A member of the Akan ethnic group, she was native to the Ashanti region of modern-day Ghana. She followed the Christian faith and attended Glen Cove High School.
Profession
Ashanti is a renowned American singer-songwriter and actress with a stellar career spanning over two decades.
Let’s delve deeper into her journey: Early Beginnings: She was discovered as a teenager and signed to Irv Gotti’s Murder Inc. Records in 2002. Appeared in Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?” and Ja Rule’s “Always on Time,” both 2002 hits.
With “Foolish” and “What’s Luv?”, she became the first female artist to occupy the top two spots on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart at the same time, making history.
However, despite her success, Ashanti has faced criticism and controversy throughout her career, including a legal battle with her former record label and negative comments about her acting roles. Despite this, she continues to thrive as a versatile artist and inspires many.
Ashanti has had a successful and diverse career in both music and acting. In 2002, she rose to prominence in the music industry with her self-titled debut album, which set a Soundscan record for the largest sales of albums by a female artist in history.
This was just the beginning of her many achievements, as she went on to win eight Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, and a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.
In addition to her successful music career, Ashanti has also dabbled in acting. She has appeared in numerous films, including “The Muppets of Oz,” “Resident Evil: Extinction,” “Coach Carter,” “John Tucker Must Die,” “Bride and Prejudice” and “Malcolm X.”
She also made guest appearances on popular TV shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Despite her busy schedule, Ashanti continues to release successful albums, cementing her status as a renowned R&B singer.
She has collaborated with various artists including Nelly, Eminem and Nas. Most recently, she released her seventh studio album, the Fire Emblem: Three Houses soundtrack.
With her talent and versatility, there is no doubt that Ashanti will go on to have a successful and impactful career in music and acting.
In addition to her successful music career, Ashanti also launched her record label, Written Entertainment. She also produced and executive produced several projects, including the television movie Mothers and Daughters.
Her legacy includes being considered a music icon and a pioneer among female R&B artists. Known for her powerful vocals, catchy melodies, and touching lyrics, she continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians.
Awards and nominations
- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album
- Eight Billboard Music Awards
- Two American Music Awards
- Soul Train Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year Award
- Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and Best R&B Song
- MTV Video Music Awards Nominated for Best R&B Video, Best New Artist Video, Best Female Video, Best Collaboration and Best Hip-Hop Video
- Nominated for BET Awards for Best New Artist, Video of the Year and Viewers Choice Awards
- NAACP Image Award Nominations for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, Outstanding New Artist and Outstanding Female Artist
- Teen Choice Award Nominated for Best Movie Breakout Star – Female
- Soul Train Music Award Nominated for Best Album of the Year, Best R&B/Soul Single – Female Vocal, and Best R&B/Soul Album – Female Vocal
- Billboard Music Awards Nominations: Top Female Artist, Top Artist, Top Hot 100 Song, Top R&B Album, Top R&B Song, Top New R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, Hot 100 Female Artist of the Year, and Hot 100 Single Artist of the Year
social media
- Instagram account: @Ashanti
- Facebook account: Ashanti official
- Twitter account: @Ashanti
personal life
Ashanti and Nelly’s relationship is filled with milestones and challenges. They have been in a long-term partnership for over a decade, and their relationship has gone through on-and-off phases. The couple briefly split in 2014 before getting back together.
In 2024, they announced the exciting news of their engagement and the birth of their first child. In December 2023, Ashanti and Nelly tied the knot in a private ceremony.
Through it all, they express their commitment to each other and their love continues to grow.
net worth
Ashanti is a versatile American singer, songwriter and actor known for her powerful vocals and hit songs such as “Foolish” and “Rock wit U (Awww Baby)”.
She has also appeared in several movies and TV series, showcasing her acting skills. With a successful career in the entertainment industry, Ashanti has an estimated net worth of $5 million, making her one of the most successful and wealthy artists in the industry.
