Biography
Melanie Fiona Hallim, born July 4, 1983, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Guyanese immigrant parents, grew up in a multicultural environment that shaped her musical passion. Her father played in a soul/reggae/calypso band on weekends, and her mother loved big-voiced singers, inspiring Fiona from a young age. She began writing songs at 16, performed in Toronto nightclubs, and briefly joined the girl group X-Quisite in 2002. Initially recording reggae as Syren Hall, she co-wrote for artists like Rihanna and Kardinal Offishall before seeking a solo deal in Los Angeles in 2005, wary of labels altering her identity.[1][2][5]
Signed to SRC Records and Universal Motown in 2007 after entrepreneur Steve Rifkind discovered her, Fiona met Jay-Z, joining Roc Nation management. Her debut album, The Bridge (2009), featured producers like Salaam Remi and Future Cut, with 'It Kills Me' peaking at #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Her sophomore album, The MF Life (2012), included hits like 'Gone and Never Coming Back' and '4 AM'. She toured with Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, and D’Angelo, blending R&B, soul, and reggae influences in her honest, emotive style.[1][2]
Post-2012, Fiona faced vocal issues from stress and people-pleasing, leading to a mental breakdown; Eastern medicine and spiritual healing restored her voice. She left her major label for independence, embracing a boutique career while acting in shows like American Soul and marrying Jared Cotter in 2020, with whom she has two children. Her legacy endures through commercial success, vocal prowess, and advocacy for mental health in music.[3][4]
Fun Facts
- Performed reggae under the pseudonym Syren Hall, with 'Somebody Come Get Me' on the Reggae Gold 2008 compilation.[2]
- Overcame a 2012 vocal loss from stress via Eastern medicine and spiritual healing, enabling tours with Mary J. Blige and D’Angelo.[4]
- Co-wrote songs for Rihanna and Kardinal Offishall early in her career.[2]
- Nominated for a YTV Achievement Award with girl group X-Quisite in 2002.[5]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Parents - Primary musical inspirations (Father's soul/reggae/calypso band; mother's influence on big-voiced singers) [Childhood]
- Steve Rifkind - Discoverer and label executive who signed her (SRC Records signing) [2007]
- Jay-Z - Management signing after meeting in New York (Roc Nation management for debut album) [2007-2009]
Key Collaborators
- X-Quisite - Girl group member (Group performances) [2002]
- Salaam Remi - Producer on debut album (The Bridge (2009)) [2009]
- Future Cut - Producer on debut album (The Bridge (2009)) [2009]
- Kanye West - Touring partner (Glow in the Dark Tour) [2008]
- Alicia Keys - Opening act on tour (Alicia Keys tour) [2010]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Bridge | 2009-01-01 | Album |
| The Co-Star | 2025-06-06 | Album |
| Sex, Love & Reggae | 2013-10-25 | Album |
| The MF Life (Deluxe Version) | 2012-01-01 | Album |
| Third Strike | 2010-01-01 | Album |
| Fiesta | 2013-05-13 | Album |
| The Bridge (Japan/UK/OZ/NZ Version) | 2009-01-01 | Album |
| Stereotypes | 2015-09-18 | Album |
| Live From The Underground (Explicit Version) | 2012-01-01 | Album |
| Prisoner Of Conscious | 2013-01-01 | Album |
| Attention Deficit | 2009-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Monday Morning (The Bridge)
- It Kills Me (The Bridge)
- 4AM (The MF Life (Deluxe Version))
- No Cigarette Smoking (In My Room) (Revelation Part 1: The Root Of Life)
- Fool for You
- Wake up Everybody (feat. Common & Melanie Fiona) (Wake Up!)
- Mona Lisa Smile
- Give It To Me Right (The Bridge)
- Monday Morning
- Beautiful Bliss (Attention Deficit (Explicit Version))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Melanie Fiona has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 8, 2026 | 22:31 | Babe Rainbowfrom The Good Book | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady | |
| Dec 16, 2025 | 00:19 | It Kills Mefrom The Bridge | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins |