Girl Group from the U Make My Sunshine Video?

With all this talk about Prince proteges, does anyone know whatever happened to the four-member girl group that was in the "U Make My Sunshine" video? I remember seeing them perform at the NPGMC launch in Chicago back in 2001, I think. Overall, their performance was so forgettable, though.

Does anyone remember them or the group's name? Did they ever release an album or single? How did they even hook up with P? Man, I just can't keep up with all the protege projects that never happened or the ones that shouldn't have happened.

The name of the group is BLAQUE. They were never affiliated with Prince prior to this song, and as to what they're doing now I have no idea. At least one of the ladies in the group was related to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, and this is where what I know of them ends.

UncleGrandpa said:

On the single release, the group was not credited, of course Angie Stone got her due. I only remember them when I saw the video of the song and may have seen their name credited there. If I had the willingness, I should look it up to be factual.

bellanoche said:

With all this talk about Prince proteges, does anyone know whatever happened to the four-member girl group that was in the "U Make My Sunshine" video? I remember seeing them perform at the NPGMC launch in Chicago back in 2001, I think. Overall, their performance was so forgettable, though.

Does anyone remember them or the group's name? Did they ever release an album or single? How did they even hook up with P? Man, I just can't keep up with all the protege projects that never happened or the ones that shouldn't have happened.

UncleGrandpa said:

2elijah said:

UncleGrandpa said:

I guess today's challenge is to find out what the group's name is since were at a stalemate.



p.s..... I became a fan of Fela Kuti only recently when a fellow orger hipped me to his music, The African James Brown is sho nuff' FONAKAEY!

Ok, I just did some searching and I have found them. They were called Milenia. In a review I found on Amazon.com someone mentioned them as singing backup on the "U Make My Sunshine" duet with Angie Stone.

Here is a link to them on CDBaby.com. It says Prince co-wrote songs on their album, so this has to be them. However, for some reason I remembered four girls being in the group.



Prince co-wrote and produced several songs on this disc. These ladies served as his back up singers and have toured all over North America and Mexico. They have appeared on Jay Leno and other nationaly televised shows as well as opening for some of the biggest names in the business. Kent Christon, A&R 101 Distribution.

http://cdbaby.com/cd/milenia
[Edited 4/5/09 15:33pm]

Cool, with a little effort we have an answer. It seems that their career didn't flourish, but that was chance encounter with P that most groups would kill for.

bellanoche said:

2elijah said:

Okay you just confirmed for me that Angie Stone was in that video thanks. Like your sig...it references "Fela Kuti's song doesn't it?

I was just going to edit my post to comment on the Fela Kuti sig reference.

OT: I love Fela. I have so many of his 20 minute plus jams.

I read that someone was trying to make a biopic about him and folks wanted Chiwetel (sp?) Ejifor to play him. That would be interesting.

2elijah said:

More on Milenia - Niyoki. Maybe this is the fourth one I remembered. She is making gospel music now.



This part about Prince was very interesting.

"After years with the family's gospel group, Niyoki and her sisters decided to venture out on their own, even changing management, a role previously filled by their parents. That act of rebellion took them into the world of R&B as “MILENIA,” where they worked with such stellar talents as Boyz II Men and Prince, who would change their lives. “We got to work with Prince in so many different ways. We worked in the studio, doing all of his background vocals. We toured with him and we had the opportunity to be featured in his concerts. It was such an amazing experience. Prince was such a master musician and he taught us so much. He taught me how to control my voice. I was used to riffing and using my voice in elaborate ways. He taught me the simplicity of singing and how best to use my voice as an instrument. A lot of people might look down on this part of my life, but God is always working everything out for the good of those that love Him.”

While it sounds like the beginnings of an illustrious career in music, it was really the first of many false starts. “We would have people say they were going to sign us and then nothing would happen. Prince was excited about us, but nothing happened. After a while, it got very discouraging for us. I just stopped singing. I have to be honest. I was crushed by so many ‘close call' moments.”

http://www.reverbnation.com/niyoki

Yup that's them - Milenia. They sung most of the back up vocals on The Rainbow Children, and you can hear them quite prominently in The Work, Everywhere, and The Last December.

I remember meeting them during the Celebration 2001--they were very down to earth and friendly. I remember a some longtime fans pulling them to the side, and telling them to make sure they looked out for themselves 'cuz we'd seen so many come and go through Paisley's halls and leave with nothing to show for it.

UncleGrandpa said:

Now that I know who they are, I stand corrected. Sorry Blaque and Milenia, I won't post again till I'm sure of what I'm talking about.


p.s.... an unfortuante truth came from that interview with Miyoki, their career faltered after Prince but its not necessarily his fault, thats just the way the music business is. Some win, some loose.

UncleGrandpa said:

NuPwrSoul said:

UncleGrandpa said:

I thought they were pretty good. Man they got RIPPED apart on the org back in 2001.

SPYZFAN1 said:

UncleGrandpa said:

You know how it is. Straight hating. Everything from the looks, to the wardrobe, to lack of talent, etc.

Sadly, pretty close to some of the same things that are being said about Bria today.

Wasn't one of their songs featured on one of the NPG Ahdio Shows?

pacey68 said: