iSound

Sisters Ayanna and Niambi Rowland have been patiently waiting for their time to shine. For years they have sacrificed and given so much of themselves, since the two formed the singing duo Az One, eight years ago. They coined the name Az One because their voices blend and harmonize as one. "We have done so much on our own," says Ayanna. "We have to encourage each other to keep pushing. We both work full time jobs, and I'm a mother. “It can be hard but we are ready to soar.” Ayanna and Niambi are no amateurs to hard work. A principle instilled in them by their supportive parents. Both graduated with bachelors degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale; while running track, holding down jobs, and still receiving honors in their academics. Singing for the sisters started early in church, in their hometown of Springfield, IL. Their parents made sure they were at choir practice every Saturday morning. What started out as something their parents made them do,...