THE MUSICIAN: LATOYA JANE
Latoya Rodney, known professionally by her stage name ‘Latoya Jane’, is a Canadian singer, rapper, songwriter, and professional dancer. Born in the rough neighbourhood of Jane & Finch, in the Toronto area, music has always been a form of therapy for Latoya. When the streets wanted to consume her, she always had music as her escape.
From the tender age of four, it was evident Latoya would be a star. However, being gifted with ample talent, it took a while for the young star to identify which skill she would hone. Though Latoya excelled as a musical artist, trials and tribulations of her surrounding environment soon caught up with her.
Sucked into the streets, Latoya battled with her identity as an artist versus a delinquent. Submerged by all the negativity encompassing her, Latoya was incarcerated for 18 months in a women’s facility in Toronto. Though many would have lost hope, being locked up actually had an adverse effect on her.
It was in the penitentiary Latoya found herself, her direction and her purpose. This was the start of Latoya honing her best and most prevalent talents, rapping, singing, and songwriting. Latoya’s aptitude and natural flair started captivating he attention of everyone. By the time it was due for her to be released, it was unmistakable what her next step in life would be, Music.
THE PHILANTHROPIST: LATOYA RODNEY
Growing up in the rugged Toronto neighborhood, “Jane & Finch”, Latoya Rodney was infamously termed “Creature” by her then peers. Also previously known as “Jane from Finch”, Latoya has come a long way from that time in her life. Through Latoya’s courageousness and creative talents, she has evolved and uses her experiences to speak to youth motivate, educate, inspire, and deter young people from the gang life she endured.
While being incarcerated, Latoya took the time being locked up, to find direction and purpose in life. In prison is where she evolved and realized the amazing power she was given. With all the street violence she suffered, as well the loss of loved ones, Latoya knew she needed to channel her pain to help and encourage others. The pain, the stress, and the violence she faced, only gave her more drive and passion to create positive changes. These changes were not only implemented in her life, but also acted as the driving force to assist others to change theirs.
To date, Latoya has reached out to numerous ‘at-risk’ youth by delivering passionate performances at high schools, shelters, banquet halls, club venues, and Dundas Square. What makes her shows so profound and memorable are the vivid pictures she is able to depict through her words from real life experiences.
While pursuing a career in the music industry with her extraordinary God given talent, rest assured Latoya will continue mentoring youth. As a new voice from the Canadian urban movement, she will continue to deliver her positive words at speaking engagements across Ontario. Latoya’s optimal goal in life is to mark her stamp on effecting positive change. It’s not only about her name; it’s about her story!
ACCOLADES, ACCOMPLISHMENTS & AWARDS
MUSIC ONTARIO
Won song writing competition 2018
QUEENS RISING TOGETHER AWARD
Nominated for Best Female Vocalist 2019
JAMAICAN MUSIC CONFERENCE
2016 Performances Jamneisa
UWI UNIVERSITY
HOT 102 FM
GURLES ALL FEMALE ALBUM
EVERYTHING featured in album 2019
IRIE MAGAZINE
January 2019
Black Ryno – 2018
COMMFEST
2018 Film Festival-Antigua
WU-TANG CLAN GZA
Miami July 2018
RICHIE SPICE LUTAN FIYAH 2018
Toronto August 2019
INTERNATIONAL WOMANS DAY SHOWCASE
Performance 2019
ALSO OPENED UP FOR:
PAMPUTEE
SHAWTY LO
PINCHERS
YOUTH DAY DUNDAS SQUARE
ABC METRO MORNING 50th Anniversary SHOW
LOUISE RUSSO WAVE EVENT
JAMAICA SMILEJAM TVJ
MICHIE MEE
ANTIGUA NBC NEWS
UK
https://www.instagram.com/latoyajanemusic/?hl=en
