R&B Diva Alicia Keys in Town

Grammy-winner Alicia Keys will perform in Seoul Aug 7.

By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

American R&B diva Alicia Keys is coming to Seoul for the first time in four years.

Along with Beyonce and Christina Aguilera, Keys is regarded as one of the world's current top divas. Debuting with ``Songs in A Minor'' in 2001, she rose to stardom after winning five awards at the 2002 Grammy Awards.

About 235,000 copies of ``Songs in A Minor'' were sold in the first week, with the song becoming popular both inside and outside the U.S.

She released her second album, ``The Diary of Alicia Keys'' in 2003, which went on to sell approximately 4.5 million copies in the United States alone.

The album received rave reviews from critics, becoming the sixth biggest-selling album by a female artist, and the second biggest-selling album by a female R&B singer.

``The Diary of Alicia Keys'' solidified her popularity, and helped her refine her now-signature sound.

For the Seoul concert, she will present the latest hits from her third album, ``As I Am.'' The latest album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 742,000 copies. The first single, ``No One'' debuted at No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since topped the charts, becoming her third No. 1.

Known as a talented singer-songwriter, pianists and actress, Alicia comes from Irish, Italian and Jamaican decent.

She was born in Harlem in early 1981 and enrolled in classical piano lessons at the age of seven, going on to write songs four years later.

Not content with just a glittering musical career, she has extended her scope to various fields such as film, TV and other philanthropic activities.

She took part in the recording of ``Dah Dee Dah (Sexy Thing),'' a sound track of the film, ``Man In Black'' in 1997. She also acted in the film, ``Smokin' Aces,'' co-starring with actor Ben Affleck.

She is a spokeswoman for Keep a Child Alive, a non-profit organization, which helps children and families with HIV/AIDS in Africa. Keys is also devoted to the charity, ``Frum Tha Ground Up,'' a group helping American youths to achieve success on all levels.

The concert, part of her Asian tour, will be held at Jamsil Gymnasium in southern Seoul, Aug. 7.

For inquiry, call (02) 722-6504/5.

chungay@koreatimes.co.kr