Leela James: 2BHONEST Comes to the Carolina Theatre on March 11

Tickets On Sale Now

DURHAM, NC — November 19, 2025 —Leela James will bring her emotive storytelling with gritty vocals and timeless grooves to the Carolina Theatre of Durham on Wednesday, March 11. Tickets are now on sale at the venue’s box office and online at www.carolinatheatre.org. 

With a voice that’s raw, powerful, and unmistakably soul-stirring, Leela James has carved out a singular space in music where classic soul meets contemporary R&B. Since her breakout debut “A Change Is Gonna Come” in 2005 and influenced by legends like Aretha Franklin, Al Green, and Chaka Khan, she channels the spirit of old-school soul while fearlessly pushing musical boundaries.

Early in her career, she was honored by the legendary James Brown, who affectionately coined her “The Goddaughter of Soul,” recognizing her authentic voice and powerful connection to the roots of the genre.

Ms. James has gone on to record and release seven LPs, delivering eight Top 20 R&B radio singles, including two Number One tracks on the Billboard charts. Her 2021 single “Complicated” topped the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart for three consecutive weeks in the summer of that year, solidifying her reputation as a force in contemporary soul.

Her beloved ballad “Fall For You” is now considered a modern classic and was certified Gold in October 2022, surpassing 500,000 units sold. Over the years, her music—including hits like “Don’t Want You Back” and “Say That” featuring Anthony Hamilton—has become synonymous with passion, authenticity, and emotional honesty.

In 2014, Leela won The Soul Train Certified Award, and in 2021, she garnered an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best R&B Collaboration. She earned another NAACP nomination in 2025 for her powerful single “Lookat Whatcha Done Now” featuring Kenyon Dixon, further cementing her role as a vital and enduring voice in modern soul.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.carolinatheatre.org. 

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About The Carolina Theatre of Durham: 

Carolina Theatre of Durham is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages the city-owned Carolina Theatre at 309 W. Morgan Street, Durham, NC 27701. The Carolina Theatre of Durham is dedicated to presenting vibrant, thought-provoking film and live performances that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of downtown Durham and the Triangle Region. Visit carolinatheatre.org for more information. 

Contact: Hanna Mercer
Senior Director of Marketing, Carolina Theatre of Durham
(919) 560-3040 | hanna@carolinatheatre.org