AWARI

Age: 35
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Resident: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Awari grew up in Virginia Beach with his mother and older brother while his father was incarcerated. He loved to sing and entertain the neighborhood as a child and went on to join the Air Force. He served as a boom operator and refueled planes still in flight while continuing to pursue his musical talents. After Awari was invited to sing the national anthem at an NFL game in honor of military men and women, he quickly gained an online following as a singer. Awari later became a single father and completed his service in the military to focus on his family and music. Knowing the challenges of growing up without a father present, Awari recently started a nonprofit that focuses on mentoring youth and adolescents.