Sheila Horne (also known professionally as Sheila Brody, Blackwood, and Amuka which is a name that producer/remixer Jahkey B created for other projects as in Jahkey B presents Amuka) is an American singer and songwriter best known for her work as a member of the Brides of Funkenstein, Parliament-Funkadelic, and for her solo career in dance and house music.
Early life and career
Sheila Horne was born in Syracuse, New York.
The Brides of Funkenstein
In 1978, Horne joined the P-Funk universe as a backing vocalist, initially performing as a “Bridesmaid” for the Brides of Funkenstein, an all-female group formed by George Clinton. One single from the album led by Horne, "Didn't Mean To Fall in Love", won a rhythm and blues award for "Best New Female Group" in 1981. The group won a Cashbox Rhythm & Blues award for Best New Female Artist in 1979.
In 1981, she joined Rick James’ band as an original member of his Mary Jane Girls touring ensemble. She also contributed to the Federation of Tackheads project.
She collaborated with the funk band Aurra alongside her then-husband Steve Washington, recording Satisfaction in the mid-1980s, which was released in 2013.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Horne performed as a session and touring vocalist for various artists, including Cyndi Lauper She also continued to appear with the P-Funk All-Stars. She fronted the Italian dance-pop project Blackwood and released the album Friday Night in 1998. The single "Peace" reached number one on the Italian pop charts.
She also recorded the song "Everything Changes" for the 1999 Pokémon 2.B.A. Master soundtrack, credited as Sheila Brody.
Amuka and Billboard Dance Chart success
In the early 2000s, Horne launched her solo dance career as Amuka which is a name that producer/remixer Jahkey B created for other projects as in Jahkey B presents AmukaAmuka, written and produced by jahkey B and collaborating with DJ Peter Rauhofer. and appeared on the Queer As Folk: Club Babylon soundtrack.
Her follow-up single, "U Ain’t That Good," reached number three on the same chart in 2004. Amuka scored a number one Billboard dance hit with "I Want More (Cling On to Me)" in 2006 and continued to release dance singles that charted in the Top 10.
Later career and recent work
Horne contributed vocals to Public Enemy’s albums The Evil Empire of Everything (2012) and Man Plans God Laughs (2015). She has also released music under her own name and with the dance collective Discomind.
She has stated she is working on a memoir titled Dancing in Heels which will cover her multi-genre career.