Balboa Park

Estelle Fanta Swaray, born on 18 January 1980 in London, is a British singer and actress. She has been recognized for blending various musical genres, including R&B, soul, reggae, grime, hip-hop, and dance. In the early 2000s, she began performing and met American singer John Legend, who served as her mentor and produced her debut album, The 18th Day (2004). The album was released by V2 Records and reached number 35 on the UK Albums Chart. She later signed with Legend's Homeschool Records, in partnership with Atlantic Records, and released her second album, Shine (2008). This album achieved international success, charting on the US Billboard 200 and other worldwide charts. The single "American Boy," featuring Kanye West, was a notable hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2009. Throughout her career, Estelle has collaborated with artists including Chris Brown, Kanye West, will.i.am, Nas, Akon, Tyler, the Creator, Robin Thicke, and Rick Ross.