Zhavia Ward (born Zhavia Vercetti Ward on March 6, 2001) is an American singer and songwriter. She rose to prominence in 2018 as a finalist on the inaugural season of the Fox reality competition series The Four: Battle for Stardom. Known for her distinctive raspy vocal tone and soulful delivery, Ward quickly garnered a significant following during her time on the show.
Born in Norwalk, California, Ward grew up immersed in music. Her mother, Bobbi Jo Black, was a member of the 1990s pop-rock band M.Y.M.P. (Many Young Men Play). This exposure to the music industry from a young age helped shape her aspirations.
After her impressive run on The Four, where she consistently captivated judges and audiences with her unique sound, Ward signed a record deal with Columbia Records. Her debut single, "Candlelight," was released in May 2018, followed by "Deep Down." She gained further recognition through significant collaborations, including "Welcome to the Party" with Diplo, French Montana, and Lil Pump for the Deadpool 2 movie soundtrack in 2018. That same year, she also featured on French Montana's single "Unforgettable" (Deadpool 2 Remix).
In 2019, Ward released her debut extended play (EP) titled 17, which featured tracks like "100 Ways" (featuring Joey Bada$$) and "All I Am" (featuring YG). The EP further showcased her blend of R&B, pop, and soul influences. Throughout her career, Ward has been noted for her authenticity and her ability to infuse contemporary sounds with classic R&B sensibilities.