Latanza Waters
The unmistakable voice of Latanza Waters is the beating heart of House Music. With a vocal power rooted in gospel and a stage presence shaped by soul royalty like Aretha Franklin, Latanza has become a true icon in the global Dance Music scene.
Her journey began with a series of acclaimed underground releases that caught the attention of DJs and tastemakers worldwide. But it was the explosive success of the 1995 anthem “Stand Up”—recorded as part of the group Love Tribe alongside co-writer Dewey B—that launched Latanza into international stardom. The track, remixed to perfection by Roger Sanchez, became an instant classic, topping charts across the UK and Europe and securing a place in club history.
“Stand Up” was signed in the UK by legendary A&R executive and DJ Simon Dunmore (Defected Records) to A&M Records, and its momentum quickly crossed the Atlantic. The track climbed to the #1 spot on the Billboard Dance Chart in the U.S. following a stateside release on A&M, receiving heavy radio rotation from WKTU in New York and countless other major stations. This success solidified Latanza’s status as a global House Diva, leading to a world tour and a fiercely loyal following.
In 1998, between international tour dates, Latanza reconnected with longtime collaborator and two-time Grammy-nominated producer E-Smoove. Their work together on “Deja Vu”, released through A&M UK and later Nervous Records, returned her to the top of club charts and DJ playlists. It marked the beginning of a creative partnership that would yield numerous dancefloor anthems.
One of their biggest hits came under the alias Thick Dick with “Insatiable”, released on Subliminal Records’ Sondos imprint. The single hit #1 and further cemented Latanza’s place in the pantheon of House Music royalty, leading to another round of international performances across the UK, France, Germany, Australia, and Ibiza.
In the early 2000s, “Stand Up” experienced a powerful resurgence with a Thunderpuss remix, once again climbing to #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart and reintroducing Latanza to a new generation of listeners.
Despite her chart-topping success, Latanza has never strayed from her underground roots. Over the years, she has collaborated with a diverse range of DJs and producers worldwide, consistently lending her unmistakable voice and songwriting talents to fresh, forward-thinking club tracks.
Now in 2025, Latanza Waters continues to thrill global audiences, recently performing in Melbourne, Australia, and preparing new releases with longtime creative partner E-Smoove. With club dates on the horizon and new music on the way, Latanza remains a force in the world of House Music—timeless, fearless, and forever standing up for the soul of the dance floor.