Zena McNally

Zena McNally (born in Birmingham, England) is the co-presenter of the breakfast show on the BBC Radio 1Xtra alongside Trevor Nelson. She is a former member of the band Mis-Teeq.

Early Career

Zena has always loved to sing and dance and dreamt of being in the Entertainment industry from a very young age. Zena started out as a backing dancer at the age of 16 in her hometown of Birmingham, dancing for various artists who performed in the city (Busta Rhymes, Beverley Knight and Soul 4 Real) Although Zena loved to dance her ambition was always to become a singer and entertainer.

Deciding to leave her hometown of Birmingham for the bright lights of London in 1999 Zena marked the beginning of her professional career. After answering an audition she became a member of the girl group Mis-Teeq, and they later had their 1st hit Why in 2001. Shortly after the release of "Why" Zena left the group to pursue a solo career, signing a recording deal with Mercury Records in 2002.

For the best part of a year Zena was recording most of her debut album in Atlanta, Georgia. Whilst there her album brought about a range of collaborations with some of the States hottest producers such as: RedZone (B2K - Uh huh, Mya - Case of the Ex, Blu Cantrell), Anthony Dent (Survivor Destinys Child), Swizz Beatz, Focus, Grammy Award winning Kandi Burress - formally of Xscape and Bobby Brown. Such liaisons also had her feature in videos for Ja Rule feat. Bobby Brown, Jazze Pha feat. Cee Lo, Jagged Edge, Ludacris and Big Boi of OutKast.

Zena released two singles from her debut album "All Of Me" in 2003/2004 on Mercury Records, which received great reviews in the Urban press. Her second single Been Around the World feat Vybz Kartel and Beenie Man was a hit on urban radio stations up and down the country and the video gained heavy rotation on MTV Base, MTV Hits, KISS TV and Channel U. but failed to cross over into the UK mainstream market.

After releasing her second single "Been Around the World", Zena was approached by Avex Records in Japan, who signed and released her debut album "All Of Me" in 2005 in Japan and south-east Asia, supported by the third single : "All Of Me". Zena then continued to work in Japan doing promotional work for the release of "All Of Me" which included supporting Beenie Man on Tour, and a national radio tour.

Personal Life

Zena married American international soccer player and Colorado Rapids player Cory Gibbs on July 4, 2008 in Miami, Florida. Her Mother is Maltese.