Biography

Who is Sakai?
“Reminiscent of the tone set by such soulful chanteuses as Phyllis Hyman and Angela Bofill….”
Billboard magazine

Though her name might not sound familiar, Sakai’s voice has probably already touched you. From being the first voice you hear on Celine Dion’s “A New Day,” to vocals on CDs with Oleta Adams, Curtis Mayfield and Tower of Power to live performances with Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan, Sakai is called on by the best.

A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Sakai has traveled the world sharing her gift of song together with her spirit and natural beauty. Her sophomore CD expresses life, love and pain from a soul who has been touched by others and is now giving back through her music. Known for her powerful voice and soaring ballads, “Dream Big” does not disappoint with the inspirational “Leap of Faith” and the ever optimistic title track, “Dream Big.” This CD also dances with uptempo jams and infectious mid tempo grooves, including the first single, “I Like,” which is graced by the touch of D’wayne Wiggins, of Tony! Toni! Toné, on guitar.

Sakai is not just a studio artist. Complete with an 8 piece live band, Sakai and Family Tree Productions are preparing to support this release with national tour dates. From opening for Goapele and Frankie Beverly and Maze, to singing the National Anthem for the San Francisco 49ers, the San Francisco Giants, and the Oakland A’s, to headlining multiple sold out shows at the prestigious Yoshi’s, and with a live CD in the works, it is no wonder why Sakai was nominated for “Best Neo-Soul Live performance" by the Los Angeles Black Music Awards.