Janelle Thomas

Janelle, who lights up the stage as Lady J, is a versatile vocalist with more than 20 years of experience in music performance. A native of Quebec, Canada, for the last decade she has been a vibrant presence in Dubai’s live music scene, best-known for her unique take on jazz tunes, pop classics, and the diversity of her special projects: French classics, 90s & 00s pop hits, and country music.

An expert in organizing and directing small ensembles for diverse performers and venues, she has delighted audiences in 3000 career performances on world-class stages across Canada, the U.S., Asia and the GCC.

In 2012 she released Noise Rises, an album of quirky Motown-inspired tunes, featuring ten original songs she wrote with her partner, Felix Frechette. In 2020 they were a huge hit online with their live streams, started during the Covid-19 lockdown and evolving into a weekly feature, with more than 100 episodes and a dedicated following.

Equipped with a home studio, in addition to her own material she continues to record audio demos and write lyrics and melodies for bespoke songwriting projects.

Musician, Band Manager and People Leader
• October 2017 - present
Weekly residencies in Dubai/Abu Dhabi for:

• Jumeirah Group
• Atlantis Hotel
• Raffles Hotel
• Pizza Express
• Hard Rock Cafe

Special events throughout the GCC:

• Expo 2020 Dubai
• Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
• Dubai International Boat Show
• Dubai Watch Week
• Hotelier ME Awards
• CIPD People Management Awards
• IFLR Awards
• Jazz Garden

Corporate events for:

• Anantara Hotels
• Valentino
• Yandex
• French Business Council
• Canadian Business Council

• October 2006 - September 2017
Long-term hotel residencies in Asia and the GCC for:

• IHG
• Marriott
• Grand Hyatt
• Marina Bay Sands
• Ramee Group

Songwriter
Mandolyne - Tourne la vie
2018

Songwriter & Lyricist
Nelle Thomas - Noise Rises (Strange Cat Records)
June 2011 - October 2012

Lead Vocalist (Peaches & Cream)
Intercontinental Hotel Muscat
January - May 2006