Biography

Since 1995, this Caribbean Music Award Winner and international artist has captivated the hearts of the Caribbean and the world with her powerful poetic sound.

Lili Forbes is a dynamic singer and songwriter with a unique versatile sound that infuses popular genres, creating a diverse medium for impacting the various cultures.

After Graduating from Florida A&M University with a BS Degree in Music Education and a Minor in Theatre, Lyrical Lynn pursued a career in the arts as a k-12 grade creative arts teacher, she also gained experience in directing plays, musicals, and short stories in after school and summer programs both locally and internationally.

Prior to her university studies, Lili spent four formative years in Curacao, South America (1995-1999), where she pursued her secondary education and began her artistic career. It was during this time that she first learned to play the guitar and developed her skills as a writer. Alongside her twin sister, she formed The Johnson Sisters, a gospel music duo that quickly gained popularity in Curacao. Their music earned them chart-topping fame and 24-hour radio play at a remarkably young age

Among some of her favorites teaching experiences are: Musical director and Lyricist for the 2005 FAMU Essential Theatre production of The Peanut Gallery; Drama and Musical Director for Christian Heritage Church Holiday Productions of He is Risen, A Reason to Celebrate, and many more; Composer and Musical Director for small projects, such as “God’s Unchanging Hands: The Musical”; Aceia Anderson’s and The Tallahassee First SDA Church FNL productions of Invisible War, God in Me, Amazing Love, Turning Point and CHOICES.

Lili enjoys acting in her spare time. Some of her most memorable performances include: “Wanda” in the FAMU Essential Theatre 2006 and 2010 production of Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope; “Aida” in 2005 FSU Triple threat Theatre production of AIDA; and, recently, a performance of “A Piece of Mine” with her FAMU Essential theatre Family.

As a writer and producer, she has written and produced six albums, three of which received Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards. Her third album Created to Worship inspired her to create the workshop and vocal training course “Created To Worship.” With the help of husband Andre Forbes CEO of Music Man Dre Productions, she developed the course for choirs, praise teams, and bands. In addition to vocal training, she offers one-on-one consultation to vocalists, musicians, praise and worship leaders, and college students.

Her goal is to uplift, encourage, and inspire through musical expressions, she loves writing songs with messages that, promote love, life and positive thinking. Lyricallynn, born Lililita Johnson was raised on the beautiful Island of St. Maarten, she often attributes her love for world music to the melting pot of cultures her Island exposed her to growing up. Lyricallynn is a member of the world renowned Caribbean duo Jumelle , which is French for twin; Lyricallynn and her twin sister, Ilismo, began their musical journey together at the early age of 12. In 2008 they decided to explore their individual talents and musical passion separately , but often find time to meet and share their mutual love for music with their fans.

Lyricallynn has a passion for children, this lead her to serve 7 wonderful years as a part time after school teacher in Music, Creative Arts, Show choir and Theater at Woodville Elementary and Middle school.

She is also a vocal coach, actress, and worship leader, with a passion for empowering emerging artists. Her community involvement includes advisory roles with the St. Maarten-Tallahassee Student Association and the Tallahassee-St. Maarten Foundation, as well as founding membership in the Essential Theatrical Artist (ETA) performance and mentoring organization.

As a composer and producer, Lili won her first CGM Award for Vocal Performance of the Year for the title track “Never Bitter” from the project “Maggie Never Bitter” by Taj Shotwell. She has also published a singing and sight-reading manual, “For All Voices,” co-authored with Jacki Barineau. Her composition work includes the Broadway-bound play “Underground,” which won Best Production at the 2024 New York Theatre Festival, earning her a nomination for Best Score.

Lili is an active member of the Alumni Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity, Incorporated, and The Soul Collective Live. She continues her work through LiliMoni Productions, where she aspires to keep the African Diaspora’s oral traditions alive through storytelling, education, and cultural platforms, earning her the moniker “Griot Lili.” She is also the recipient of the 2019 Caribbean-American Heritage Award and the 2023 Florida FolkLife artist in residence award. Her latest project is her solo EP, “I Won’t Hold Me Back.” Visit (link unavailable) or follow @LiliForbes on social media to learn more about her work.