
Jordis gained worldwide exposure after appearing on CBS's hit TV show Rock Star: INXS in the summer of 2005. Her appearance on the show had defined her in the eyes of many of her fans as a true ‘rock star’, but Jordis cannot be defined that easily. With eclectic musical influences, she is a versatile singer and performer who possesses an ability to move within the genres with ease, from edgy rock performances to soul, R&B and pop. Jordis’ bluesy, soulful voice has the ability to move the soul and captivate the listener.
Jordis Losana Sikahema Unga was born on August 6th, 1982 in Chicopee, MA to Karen Motzko and Siosaia Unga. She gained worldwide exposure after being chosen as one of the 15 finalist for CBS's Rock Star: INXS. Of the 7 female and 8 male contestants, at the age of 22, Jordis was the youngest.
Jordis' musical journey began many years prior to appearing on Rock Star: INXS in the summer of 2005. Her father Siosaia, a musician, exposed her to music and performing from an early age. The family, which included older sister Toaila and younger brother Matiu (also a musician) moved around a lot, before finally settling in St Paul, Minnesota when she was 8. At the age of 11 her mother bought Jordis her first guitar. Although she couldn't play it at the time, she soon learnt, and started to develop her song writing skills.
Jordis' first real gig was in 1996 at age fifteen at a coffee house in Forest Lake, Minnesota. This was where she discovered her own love of performing on stage. At age seventeen, Jordis moved away from home and attended Perpich Center for Arts Education, where she lived and studied music full time.
After graduation, Jordis formed a band with her best friends. The bands name “The Fighting Tongs” was inspired by the movie "Big Trouble in Little China". The band performed all over St Paul / Minneapolis, and they performed at a concert tour called “Riverfest”. Twisted Sister, Anthrax, Sevendust, and Damage Plan were also on the bill. The Fighting Tongs recorded a self-funded EP titled "Horseshoes and Hand Grenades". The band disbanded in 2005, and the remaining members formed "Liars Club".
Whilst playing in her bands, Jordis had a series of jobs which included working in gas stations, restaurants, bars, coat check girl, and exterior house painting. Jordis considered going back to school to become a chef (food and cooking being a passion of hers) prior to her appearance on Rock Star: INXS. However, it was music which had always been Jordis' greatest passion, and this was cemented in her mind after her appearance on the show.
Jordis' first TV appearance was on CBS's Star Search in 2003. After appearing on Star Search, Jordis returned to St Paul, and continued performing with her band. Over the years both The Fighting Tongs and Liars Club developed a cult following in Minnesota. It was no suprise to many when Jordis was chosen to appear on Rock Star INXS. In 2005 that she was invited by the producers of CBS's Rock Star: INXS to audition for the shows at an invitation-only callback session. An invitation that she almost passed up.
Jordis was a standout performer of the first season of Rock Star, making it to the top five finalists. Jordis opened the show with a performance of The Who's "Baba O'Riley". This was a performance which would make music fans, and music insiders alike stand up and take notice. Jordis' fan base now spanned the globe with many new fans recognizing her individuality, style and talent.
"When dreadlocked Jordis Unga stepped on stage and ripped into a searing rendition of The Who's 'Baba O'Riley,' she didn't just kick off another music competition, she outsang four seasons' worth of American Idols." ~ People Magazine.
Jordis' most memorable performance was her mesmerizing rendition of David Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World". She also gave standout performances of Nirvana's "Heart Shaped Box" and John Lennon's "Imagine". During the show, Jordis achieved the feat of simultaneously having the top four most downloaded songs on MSN Music. Reaching the No 1 position on the MSN charts being an unprecedented feat for an unsigned artist.
Rock Star: INXS spawned two albums and a DVD. The first album entitled "A Night at the Mayan Theatre" featured the performance from each contestant from the premiere episode. Jordis' rendition of "The Man Who Sold the World" was included as a bonus track. The second album, "The Best of Rock Star: INXS" featured 3 of Jordis' performances. The DVD, "Rock Star: INXS - The DVD" features performances from the final 6 contestants.
Jordis has co-written music with Oscar nominated songwriters Anne Preven and Scott Cutler, Grammy winning artist and producer David Hodges, and Kevin Griffen (lead singer of Better than Ezra).
Highlights for Jordis since leaving the show include performing the national anthem at the Staples Center for The Contender Finale. Jordis was personally invited by Lonnie and Muhammad Ali to perform John Lennon’s "Imagine" at the Grand Opening Gala for the Muhammad Ali Center for the Advancement of Humanity Worldwide in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, November 19, 2005. She shared the stage with James Taylor, Ritchie Havens, Hootie and the Blowfish, Jim Carrey, Chris Tucker and Herbie Hancock. Also in attendance were Bill Clinton, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, B.B King, and Montell Williams.
Jordis has performed with Camp Freddy (Dave Navarro, Steven Perkins, Steve Jones, Matt Sorum, Jerry Cantrell) along with Scott Weiland, Macy Gray, Mark McGrath, Slash and others at The Roxy. She also appeared with Camp Freddy at The House of Blues, Hollywood, and at the Iconoclasts Launch party.
Jordis is currently based in Los Angeles where she continues writing and recording. Where Jordis’ musical journey will lead her and how she will eventually be defined is unknown. However, armed with her unique style, determination and undeniable talent, her star is one that is certainly on the rise.



