It takes courage and unshakeable faith to believe that what’s on the inside of you is far greater than any obstacle before you. Tonia has them both.
The Twin Cities recording artist and actress is undoubtedly one of the best kept secrets in the Midwest. Her vocal style is colored with melodic acrobats and elements of Gospel, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Rock and Worship. The fusion produces a delivery that is authentic, incomparable and electrifying!
Her latest release, I’m Ready Now, is uniquely different from anything that she has done to date in that it embodies all that she is vocally and spiritually. The official music video for the title track was recently released on numerous online music video sources.
Additionally, Tonia has garnered critical acclaim for her leading roles in musical and theatrical productions. Her credits include Encounters (2002), Southern Theater; Black Nativity (2003 – present), Penumbra Theater; Caroline or Change (2009), Guthrie Theater; Loves Covers (2010), Women’s Club of Minneapolis; Mahalia (2011), Fellowship Baptist Church; and Cinderella, The Ordway Theater (2011).
Tonia’s relentless passion for impacting the world of those around her who have fallen on misfortune is evidenced by her spearheading community benefits and projects to aid homeless women to tornado victims.
I’m Ready Now doesn’t denote that Tonia has arrived at her destination musically, but rather celebrates her evolution over a decade of trials, triumphs and lessons learned. Her lyrics share a powerful story of hope against hope which resonates with many women and serves as a source of encouragement for people to hold fast to their greatest faith – even against all odds.
“If it is in fact how we react to life’s most challenging experiences that make us who we are, than singer/actress Tonia Hughes is definitely one of the rarest of diamonds. Hughes, who can currently be seen performing as the Fairy Godmother in the Ordway Theater’s production of “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” (December 13, 2011 – January 1, 2012) has always been center stage in life, but she wasn’t always viewing it through the veil of the proverbial fairytale. Her past is quilted in both love and loss; she’s endured some very difficult challenges. But through it all, Hughes can truly say that she’s coursed through every hour triumphantly— all thanks to God. ”
— Alaina L. Lewis , Insight News