Yela is an Austrian-Zimbabwean singer songwriter living in New York City.

What a distinct mix. Born to an Austrian father and a Zimbabwean mother in Vienna, Austria, singer songwriter Yela is a positive example of modern globalization.
She began her musical career during high school in Austria. Growing up her musical inspirations ranged from Billie Holiday, Bob Marley, Miriam Makeba, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchel, McCartney/Lennon, Jimmi Hendrix and more.
Yela was part of a choir and took guitar and singing lessons that ultimately changed her perspective on music, and really inspired her to stay on this venture and explore this art form.
Receiving a scholarship from the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, Yela focused on her singing career and mastered her guitar techniques.
During that time she actively worked with internationally acclaimed musicians and producers, such as: Rodney Hunter (G-Stone Recordings), Stereotyp (G-Stone Recordings), Dzihan & Kamien (Couch Records), and Café Drechsler, Thomas Rabitsch, and Waxolutionists, and toured throughout Europe.
Most recently she sang background vocals for Grammy nominated soul singer Musiq Soulchild and has worked with US musicians/producers Kelo Saunders and Chris Sholar, to name a few. She is currently in the studio working with Philadelphia based producer Steve McKie.