About Charity Jai (“jay”)

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Charity Jai (“jay”) is a multitalented entertainer who was born to fly. From her humble beginnings to the big stage, she delivers sass and sophistication as a talented Soul Songstress and storyteller.

Influenced by voices like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Stephanie Mills, Toni Braxton, Jill Scott and India.Arie, Charity's sound is the essence of Classic R&B/Soul with a taste of Southern Soul. She pays homage to these great artists while personifying a sassy, sophisticated style all her own. 

Charity Jai is a multitalented singer, dancer, baton twirler and corporate communications professional who found the courage to reinvent herself after divorce. Now she's pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming an award-winning entertainer and a positive influencer who inspires women and girls to love themselves, discover their power and live on purpose.

Her voice – and her story – will inspire you. 

Humble Beginnings

Born and raised in the small Southeast Georgia town of Waycross, Charity’s first stage was Shiloh Baptist Church. She often sang in the choir and performed solo renditions of her favorite classic and contemporary Gospel tunes. 

Charity also sang in pageants, recitals and local talent shows, often wowing audiences with her vocal prowess and stage presence. From Whitney Houston to Mariah Carey, she effortlessly belted out some of the era’s most popular power ballads and upbeat tunes. 

A Heart for the Arts

At the tender age of four, Charity began training in ballet, jazz, tap, baton twirling and acrobatics. She performed in numerous recitals, talent shows, community events and church functions – and earned various individual and team state, regional and national titles.

When she was 18 years old, Charity was named Miss Satilla 1996, a Miss Georgia Pageant preliminary of the Miss America Pageant. She earned the Francis Frazier Talent Award at the 1996 Miss Georgia Pageant for her performance of Mariah Carey’s “Hero.” Charity continued to compete in numerous other preliminary pageants while attending the University of Georgia (UGA). 

Leading Legacy

Charity made history at UGA as the first Black majorette in the UGA Redcoat Band (1996-2000).  Charity was also an inaugural member of the UGA Dance Dawgs basketball dance team where she served as co-captain her senior year. 

While in college, Charity also participated in campus talent shows and performed as a vocalist with a band called The Avenues, led by now accomplished producer and musician Ben Holst.

A Dream Deferred

Charity’s marriage ended after 12 years and three children. Bent, but not broken, Charity began to renew her mind and rejuvenate her faith to pursue a lifelong dream – the dream to be an entertainer. 

With unconditional love from her family and support from a close-knit circle of supporters, Charity began her music pursuit in earnest. Finally embracing her purpose and pushing through the pain, she is ready for the world to #HearCharitySing.

#HearCharitySing

Since 2016, Charity Jai has performed with various corporate and house bands in metro Atlanta. 

In 2021, Charity released her debut Southern Soul single, "Finer Things," produced by DJ Taz who earned acclaim in the 1990s as the producer of the hit, “That’s Right.” She also re-released "Waiting on You," featuring Kennedy Atkinson, former guitarist for the 1990s group Arrested Development who also plays lead guitar on the Robin Thicke single, “Lost Without You.”

Charity is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter). 

Follow @HearCharitySing on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to see her music journey unfold.