Otep Shamaya (born November 7, 1979), is an American singer and rapper, best known as the lead vocalist and founder of the eponymous metal band Otep.
Otep Shamaya | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Otep Baty |
Born | [1] Austin, Texas | November 7, 1979
Origin | Los Angeles, California |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Singer |
Instrument(s) | Vocals |
Years active | 1994–present |
Labels | |
Website | Otep's blog |
Shamaya made her debut in 2000 with her band OTEP, and released the full-length albums Sevas Tra (June 2002), House of Secrets (July 2004), The Ascension (October 2007), Smash the Control Machine (August 2009), Atavist (April 2011), Hydra (January 2013).[2] She released her latest album, "Generation Doom" via Napalm Records on April 15, 2016. The album debuted on Billboard at #10 on the Independent Chart, #7 on the Rock Chart, #4 on the Hard Rock Chart and #109 on the Top 200 Albums Chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan.[3]
Shamaya appears in The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies as a voice-over actor for creatures.[4] She has been featured on HBO's television series Def Poetry. In 2010, Shamaya was a GLAAD Nominee for Outstanding Music Artist, alongside Lady Gaga who won and Adam Lambert.[5]
Shamaya is openly a lesbian and a vegan.[6] She is known to be an advocate of animal rights. She also spoke at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.[7]