Chela Simone, also known as Holly Saucy, was born in Oakland, California. She began her professional training in opera, classical flute, and piano at age 9, and was invited to the Young Musicians Program at UC Berkeley at age 13, laying a solid foundation for her versatile career.
At age 14, Chela debuted as a professional emcee on the “Spit Kicker Tour” under the alias Tiye Selah, gaining recognition for her conscious lyrics and dynamic performances. She was featured at the Gavin Convention, Reggae on the River, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival (alongside Femi Kuti, Zapp Mama, and Sila), The Shoreline Amphitheater, and the BET Music Matters Tour with Marsha Ambrosius and Melanie Fiona.
Collaborations on the hit EDM single "Good Voodoo" with Jay Haze and Kiki (B-Pitch Records), and Om Records artist Colossus, King Kooba, and tours with artists like Capitol-A and MC Azeem further demonstrate her versatility. Her EP “Death of a Mermaid” received critical acclaim for an innovative blend of '80s pop and '90s alternative sounds.
Chela has performed at the DeYoung Museum - SF, Moscone Center - SF, Winter Music Conference - Miami, Hip Hop Kemp - Prague (with over 30,000 attendees featuring The Roots, Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Pharoahe Monch, DJ Adlib, Guilty Simpson & Illa Jay, Bahamadia, Roxanne Shante, Apani B, Eternia, Stacy Epps, Invincible, EMC (Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Punchline, Strick), Mr. Lif & Akrobatik, Zion I and more)
"Once Upon a Time There Was a Wolfe"
Chela's latest solo theater production, Once Upon a Time There Was a Wolfe, follows Grae Lilly Wolfe, a complex antihero, as she untangles the oppressive external forces and inner demons that haunt her. Set in the aftermath of a traumatic incident, the narrative explores themes of trauma, dissociation, misogyny, and cycles of harm. Shifting between childhood memories, personal revelations, and vivid ruminations, Grae’s story delves into vulnerability, consent, guilt, and empowerment. This electrifying performance blends self-reckoning, raw emotion, social commentary, and touches of fantasy.
Chela Simone: Storyteller, Visionary, and Disruptor
Beyond the stage, Chela Simone is a visionary playwright and performer, and entrepreneur committed to fostering dialogue and empowering her community. Chela Simone’s journey as a storyteller and disruptor exemplifies the power of art to challenge conventions and inspire change. Her work leaves an indelible mark on every stage she graces and every story she tells.