Ashanti recording new album and having a starring film role!

LOS ANGELES (Ashanti Fans Website) - Ashanti is currently in the studio recording her second album, which she expects to have ready for release this summer. The set - for which she said she already has five tracks completed - will be the follow-up to her self-titled, triple-platinum 2002 debut.

Before her new album is released, Ashanti is squeezing one last single out of her debut collection. She said that the single, titled "Dreams," has a very personal meaning for her. "'Dreams' is a very inspirational record because it took me, like, nine years to get to where I am," Ashanti said. "You know, I had three record deals, so I just want to inspire other people not to give up."
Ashanti will also release a music video for "Dreams" within the next few weeks.

The singer-songwriter is also looking forward to her role in a remake of the 1976 film Sparkle. The movie will be helmed by first-time movie director Irv Gotti of Murder Inc., and will co-star Ashanti's close friend, rapper Ja Rule. "I just looked at the script the other day," Ashanti said. "Everything is really in early, early, early preparation."

Ashanti said that although having a starring role in the film will be an amazing experience, she's not looking to become a full-time actress. "I mean, it took me such a long time to get into the music," Ashanti said. "I kind of want to stay in the music lane for a little while, but I'm not going to turn down any good opportunities, you know?"

Ashanti will next perform a string of concerts in several Australian cities starting March 9 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Queensland.

The singer, who recently picked up a Grammy for best contemporary R&B album, is truly enjoying all of her new-found success. "Although I've been doing it for a long time, this is really the first time it has actually been successful," she noted.