By Derek Weaver
The Scene staff
Forest Park student Alexis Jones is getting some notice for her songwriting and singing.
The 17-year-old, who goes by the stage name “Gabbii,” recently sang two of her songs on FOX 2 News and performed her own concert at Maryville University in St. Louis County.
Gabbii also has been selected for a prestigious Live Your Dream career-development program by the non-profit Kwame Foundation.
“We interviewed her, and we watched her perform,” said Yolonda Lankford, the foundation’s executive director. “She was outstanding – a true entertainer.”
The Live Your Dream program includes a scholarship designed to help high-school seniors with a passion and talent for music and education.
Gabbii is a general studies student at Forest Park. She also attends St. Louis Visual and Performing Arts High School, where she will graduate in May.
Gabbii writes and sings rhythm and blues and pop songs but likes all kinds of music.
“I am a hard-working individual when it comes to my talents and academics,” she said. “Life experience is what inspires me to write what I write.”
On Feb. 11, Gabbii sang “Mista Mista” and “Lonely Girl” on FOX 2 News. The former is about her “wanting to act on a crush.” The latter was inspired by an older song with the same title.
On March 14, the Kwame Foundation hosted Gabbii’s concert, also called “Live Your Dream,” in the Maryville University auditorium, which was packed.
She performed seven songs, including five originals from her extended-play album “Gabbii Unleashed,” recorded at TBeats studio in St. Louis. Everyone in the audience received a copy.
“It was a good turnout,” said Chris Shaw, production manager and lead engineer for TBeats. “She did her thing.”
Gabbii has been singing since 3 and acting since 9. She auditioned for a production of “The Lion King” at 13 but didn’t get the part.
“I didn’t give up,” she said. “I want to be able to perform and share my talent with the world.”
Beyond songwriting and singing, Gabbii likes to dance and act, shop and play sports.
Founded in 2003, the Kwame Foundation offers mentorships and internships to “empower students and encourage personal growth.” It has distributed $1.5 million in scholarships.
Gabbii will receive “a full range of artist development services, including production of her upcoming album, booking at national and local events, songwriting, publishing, artistic development, public relations, marketing, and acting, fashion and career consulting,” according to the foundation.
Gabbii is taking Spanish, English and physical education classes at Forest Park. She wants to eventually become a veterinarian, but for now, music is her passion.
“I’m looking forward to exploring the larger avenues of the music industry,” she said.
People can keep up with Gabbii through Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by searching “The Official Gabbii.” Or visit tbeatstudio.com and click on “Visit Gabbii’s Page.”