Written by Geneva Relf

Tatyana Ali was born Tatyana Marisol Ali on January 24, 1979 to Panamanian and Trinidadian parents in Brooklyn, New York. She is not just a singer and actress, but in addition to those skills, she's also a scholar. In 2002 she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Government and African American studies at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts.

This young woman has taken us all by storm. In 1985, Tatyana was a regular guest face on the hit childrens show “Sesame Street”. She even took her place alongside Herbie Hancock performing in the music numbers on the show while only six-years-old. She also appeared on “Star Search” twice before taking the role she’s best known for, Ashley Banks, on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". She starred in the hit sitcom with Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro and James Avery playing the young and sheltered cousin of Will Smith.

Tatyana debuted her musical talents on the show alongside her very well accomplished co-stars. Various episodes we caught Tatyana singing, even performing Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”. We knew this girl had another hidden gift. However, it was not until the ending of the show in 1996 that she took Will Smith on his offer to pursue her musical career. Her first album was titled "Kiss The Sky" which went gold in 1999. It produced hits such as "DayDreamin" and "Boy You Knock Me Down" ft. Will Smith.  Both of these tracks took the charts by storm making it known that she was something to be taken seriously in the music industry. She even made an appearance on Will Smith's "Willennium"  album alongside MC Lyte on the track "Who Am I".

We watched little "Ashley" grow into a beautiful young women taking on more roles. In 2006 she appeared in the movie "Glory Road". Shortly thereafter, she starred in Nick Cannon’s music video for his song, "Can I Live" ft. Anthony Hamilton, where she played Nick Cannon's mother. In 2008 she appeared in Will I.Am’s project,"Yes We Can"where she fell in love with her co-star , the late Jonathan Brandis. They dated from 1995-1998 andalso starred in the TV-Movie, "Fall into Darkness" together. In 2003, Jonathan ended his life.

You can now find her...

producing and starring in the BET web-series,"Buppies" and working on her highly anticipated second album titled, "The Light". Tatyana also has an reoccurring role on the hit Soap Opera drama "Young And the Restless" as Roxanne. This young lady has been nominated for several awards, and is poised for a serious come back. I hope you guys are ready.