Anye Elite

Anye Elite

Anye Elite (born Cornelius Aigner Ellis on August 31, 1987 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American singer-songwriter and gay activist. He is best known for his contributions to Atlanta, Georgia’s gay community.

Biography

Anye Elite was born to an African-American mother, Robin Monique Ellis, and an Afro-Dominican father, Bruce Jonathan Perry. Growing up Anye had little contact with his father. Also his mother’s drug abuse led Philadelphia’s department of human services to place Anye into the custody of his maternal grandfather, Cornelius Ellis at age 7.

Anye began singing and community organizing relatively early in his life, ages 7 and 16 respectively. On August 31, 1993 Anye’s 7th birthday his grandfather purchased his first cassette tape, Mariah Carey’s Music Box. During a chaotic childhood Anye found strength in the lyric’s message of perseverance. Inspired by Carey’s voice and songwriting abilities, Anye immediately began writing and singing his own music.

In high school, in addition to making local history as Mainland High School’s first openly gay homecoming king, he began working with regional community improvement campaigns.

Music Career

In 2003, Anye started his professional career as a student of the prestigious Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts in south Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Famous alumni include 90s R&B crooners, Boyz II Men, producer and The Roots drummer, ?uest Love, and neo-soul artist, Bilal Oliver. He remained at the school until relocating to the southern United States where he continued performing and writing.

In 2004, Anye began singing in central Florida nightclubs. The Other Place, The Groove, and Zeba[1] are all Daytona area clubs that Anye frequently played. He has also featured at Orlando’s Parliament House[2].

In late 2006, Anye relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and began working on his debut album GAY 101. Due to a promotional tour of the black gay pride circuit that included Boston's New England Black Gay Pride, Houston Splash[3], and Jacksonville Black Pride[4] along with the death of his grandfather, GAY 101’s production was delayed. However, Anye gained notable exposure with underground releases, Everytime We Make Love (2006), What You’ve Been Missing (2007), and They Love It (2008).

In 2008, Just In Case, a song about the effects of violence and homophobia on gay, black Americans, was released. This song has become an anthem in Atlanta’s gay scene. Anye’s performed Just In Case at various events and venues including Atlanta nightclub, Sugarhill[5], Atlanta’s queer music festival, Mondo Homo 2008[6], and House of Integritea[7]. Anye has also performed with black gay music pioneer, Tim’m West. His features with Tim’m[8] have received critical acclaim.

Anticipation of Anye’s album has increased due to high profile appearances and leaks of material rumored to be featured on the final release of GAY 101. Anye debuted possible lead single, Sissy Boi at Mondo Homo 2008. Another track, Ready for the World is also garnering strong buzz. The album is scheduled to be released November 11, 2008. Anye is scheduled to perform at Atlanta Black Gay Pride[9], the largest black gay festival in the world[10].

Community Activism

In early 2006, Anye began his role as an activist by lending his talents to community initiatives. Such initiatives include the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Miami, Florida. After witnessing the epidemic of new HIV infections in the Miami-Dade area, Anye decided he wanted to make a difference. He started working with the University of Miami’s Future Leaders of the World (F.L.O.W.) program. There, he toured the area educating youth about the dangers of unsafe sex.

In October 2006, Logo’s hit show, Noah’s Arc, inspired Anye to adopt another cause. He wanted to influence unity and progress in the black, gay community. He decided to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia, an area considered by many to be the black, gay Mecca.

Since being in Atlanta, Anye has volunteered, performed, and encouraged many. He has given his time to many programs and organizations. Anye has volunteered at AID Atlanta[11], the largest AIDS service organization in the southeastern United States, in programs such as The Deeper Love Project[12] and Evolution Project[13].

In February 2007, Anye helped organized, Phyre, Atlanta’s first weeklong celebration of black gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender history. Phyre includes the controversial, Question homoPhobia media campaign. Anye was a spokes model for the campaign. He was featured in a February 2007 edition of Atlanta’s gay publication, Southern Voice, where he outlined the importance of the arts and their relationship to social equality.

In February 2007, Anye helped organized, Phyre, Atlanta’s first weeklong celebration of black gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender history. Phyre includes the controversial, Question homoPhobia media campaign. Anye was a spokes model for the campaign. He was featured in a February 2007 edition of Atlanta’s gay publication, Southern Voice, where he outlined the importance of the arts and their relationship to social equality.

In a spring 2007 edition of Clik[14] magazine, Anye shared his coming out experience as an inspiration for people who are struggling with their sexuality. Anye’s maternal grandfather shared his take on the experience as a way to support those coming to terms with the coming out of a family member.

Today, Anye continues to work with the community to foster education and to empower gay people to live independent and fulfilling lives. His most recent work has included aiding in finding and establishing quality care for GLBT youth. He is currently involved in planning and organizing Third Testament, an awards program and fundraiser for HIV positive individuals making a difference in metro Atlanta.

References

• Holmes,Anare CLIK Magazine 2003
• Ellis, Cornelius A., personal communication, June 27, 2008
• Simon, M.D. (February 16, 2007). Hearts A-Phyre'. Southern Voice. Retrieved June 27, 2008 from http://www.southernvoice.com/2007/2-16/locallife/feature/6530.cfm
• http://www.pridedepot.com/modules/wordpress/?p=1575
• http://www.hoodgrownonline.com/online/?p=1203
• http://loldarian.blogspot.com/2008/02/evolution-project-presents.html
• http://www.last.fm/music/Anye+Elite
• http://www.clikmagazine.com