Jamia Nash is no stranger to the stage; her performance at the 80th Academy Awards has made her the youngest African-American ever to perform on an Oscar telecast. Nash also surprised America when she performed on “Showtime at the Apollo” and has participated in films such as “August Rush” and “Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Burrino Story.”
Now the 12-year-old actress and singer is taking on a new project, encouraging her peers to be kind to one another. Nash is the newest artist to provided her voice to the Love. Hugs. Peace. Movement, a global giving and kindness campaign created by Build-A-Bear Workshop that offers youth fun and simple ways to show they care.
She along with Grammy award-winning singer Natalie Cole, former “American Idol” participant David Archuleta and “Camp Rock” star Meaghan Martin, added their vocals to the movement’s signature song, “Let’s Talk About Love.” All the artists created their own version of the song to help spread the message of sharing and love to benefit Save the Children.
Nash’s version of “Let’s Talk About Love” is now available at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace or any participating Build-A-Bear Workshop store. Children and adults can make a $1 donation to Save the Children and as a thank you will receive a free download card of “Let’s Talk About Love” performed by the artist of their choice.
The Recorder recently spoke with Nash and discussed her future endeavors.
Recorder: What was it like to sing with Natalie Cole, David Archuleta and Meaghan Martin on the song “Let’s Talk About Love?”
Jamia Nash: It was fun to work with that group of people. I’ve worked with Ms. Natalie Cole on different events. The fun thing about it was meeting the “Camp Rock” star Meaghan Martin and the “American Idol” star Mr. David Archuleta. It was also great to know Ms. Natalie Cole was a part of it too.
What drew you to be involved in the Love. Hugs. Peace. movement?
That’s who I am. I love to love others, give out hugs and show peace. That’s what I’m all about.
Would you recommend other kids to participate in those workshops?
Definitely! That’s what the world needs, there’s not enough love, hugs and peace in this world. It would be fun if everyone participated in this.
Why is it important to you to encourage your peers to be kind to one another?
Like the old saying in school, treat others like you would want to be treated.
Who do you look up to for your inspiration?
I look up to my mom and dad. They always give me advice and they tell me things. They just tell me to treat others the way I want to be treated. It’s hard for me to do that sometimes, because (kids) sometimes are so mean, and it’s hard for me to keep my composure. But it works!
Any upcoming projects you’re working on?
I’m working on a CD and am still attached to “Young and the Restless.” I’m also doing something for the homeless families and children in America.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I hope to be a great recording artist. I’m also hoping for motion picture movie roles.
Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?
I appreciate and thank you guys for supporting me and loving me throughout this whole thing. Some little advice here is your dreams stay dreams without actions. If you have a specific dream you want to accomplish, don’t just sit there and dream about it. There are opportunities out there waiting for you.
For more information about Jamia Nash visit http://www.jamianashfans.com.
Interesting Facts about Jamia Nash
• She’s in 7th grade
• She’s a straight A student
• She attends public school
• Her song “Raise It Up” from the “August Rush” soundtrack was nominated at the 80th Annual Academy Awards for “Best Original Song”
• She was asked to sing at John Travolta’s 50th birthday party
• She sang for President George W. Bush
• Won a national competition sponsored by McDonald’s and The Apollo at five
• On Good Morning America she got a surprise phone call from one of her favorite singers, Alicia Keys
• She like math, poetry and playing XBox 360
• She likes the movie “Enchanted”
• Her parents are gospel singers
• She has never had professional training (voice or acting lessons)
•In school Jamia says she’s very talkative
