Nija Charles

Not many songwriters can say they got a Beyoncè placement before 25, let alone two. But Nija Charles can brag about doing just that. In 2017, Charles dropped out of school at New York University -- where she was studying at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music -- and signed a publishing deal with Universal Music Group. Since then, she’s penned hits for Cardi B (on her Grammy-winning debut album), DJ Khaled, Summer Walker, Lady Gaga, Teyana Taylor, Chloe x Halle and Ariana Grande, among others. Charles wrote and sang on “My Power,” the song Blue Ivy Carter danced to, capturing hearts throughout the Renaissance Tour. At 26, Charles has several platinum plaques for her work. She began releasing her own music in 2021 and now has 1.3 million listeners on Spotify. This year, she executive produced her first album with R&B songstress Kiana Ledè. Her latest release is titled “Stay Awhile” and is featured on Diddy’s newest album. This singer-songwriter is ahead of the game and it’s only a matter of time before everyone knows her name.