Willow Smith is a rising young star. At the age of 11 she has already been seen on the big and small screen opposite some of today’s most successful actors and actresses, including her father Will Smith. Wanting to pursue her real passion, Smith recently launched her music career with the release of her hit single, “Whip My Hair,” which she followed with “21st Century Girl” and “Fireball” featuring Nicki Minaj.
“Whip My Hair” immediately set media outlets abuzz, being covered by TIME, Billboard and CNN the day of its release. Initial reception praised the song’s kid-friendly, yet universal appeal. Prior to radio add dates and release, the song debuted at number sixty on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song’s initial video uploaded to YouTube and garnered over 100,000 views on the site a day, after its release. The official music video was released on October 18, 2010. “Whip My Hair” reached #1 on the iTunes singles and video chart, making it the best-selling debut single from a new artist in 2010. JAY-Z has commented, “I believe in superstars. I believe in big records and superstars, and I think she has both.”
Smith was last seen on the big screen in the beloved film Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. Smith played the role of ‘Countee Garby’ opposite Abigail Breslin. The film tells the story of a young girl living in the struggles of the Great Depression. Smith and her cast mates in the film won a Young Artist Award in the category “Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Ensemble Cast” in 2009 for their work in the film.
Smith can also be seen in I Am Legend. The film stars Will Smith and centers around a man who is the last human survivor in what is left ofNew York City and perhaps the world. Smith was nominated for a Young Artist Award in 2007 in the category “Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Actress Age Ten or Younger” for her role in the film.
Smith voiced the role of ‘Baby Gloria’ in the film Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. The film includes the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa was a critical and commercial success.
Smith is also a philanthropist serving as a youth ambassador, alongside her brother Jaden Smith, for Project Zambi as well as supporting ‘Keep a Child Alive.’ Project Zambi, in conjunction with the Hasbro Corporation, helps children orphaned by AIDS in Africa. ‘Keep a Child Alive,’ co-founded by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, works to raise money and support families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.