Who Is In SWV? Meet the Group's Members

SWV are ready for their Bravo close-up. The trio is joining forces with XSCAPE for a series, SWV & XSCAPE: The Queens of R&B, that will explore the dynamics the ladies have within their own group as well as with XSCAPE.

You can preview the series by press play on the trailer at the top of the post. And mark your calendars because SWV & XSCAPE: The Queens of R&B premieres Sunday, March 5, at 9:30/8:30c on Bravo.

Who are the members of SWV?

SWV (Sisters with Voices) includes members Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George, and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons. Get to know the members of SWV, via their BravoTV.com bios, better below.

Cheryl “Coko” Gamble

Lead Singer, SWV

IG: @therealcokoswv

Sultry songstress Cheryl “Coko” Gamble has been wowing audiences with her distinctive tone and vocal ability since age 3 when she began singing with Hezekiah Walker's Love Fellowship Crusade Choir. She’s best known as the lead singer of legendary R&B trio SWV (Sisters With Voices), recognized by Billboard as one of the Top 40 female girl groups of all time. Hailing from New York, Coko came together with Tamara “Taj” Johnson and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons in the late ’80s and quickly rose to fame in 1992 with their hit R&B album It’s About Time. The acclaimed debut album sold 3 million copies and earned 11 Billboard Music Award nominations as well as nominations for a Grammy, American Music Award, Source Award, Children's Choice Award, and BET Best of Video Soul Award.

Outside of SWV, Coko lent her talents to Will Smith’s Grammy Award-winning single “Men in Black.” She released a solo R&B album in 1999 followed by gospel album in 2006, which debuted at #5 on Billboard's Top Independent albums chart. Coko has two sons, rapper/singer Lil Tracy and Jalen. After witnessing Jalen’s distress at being bullied online after coming out, Coko has become a staunch LGBTQIA ally and is an advocate for those suffering with their mental health.

Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George

Singer, SWV

IG: @tajgeorge

Though her talents expand far beyond singing, Tamara “Taj” Johnson-George is best known as one-third of legendary R&B trio SWV (Sisters With Voices), recognized by Billboard as one of the Top 40 female girl groups of all time. Hailing from New York, Taj came together with Cheryl “Coko” Gamble and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons in the late ’80s and quickly rose to fame in 1992 with their hit R&B album It’s About Time. The acclaimed debut album sold 3 million copies and earned 11 Billboard Music Award nominations as well as nominations for a Grammy, American Music Award, Source Award, Children's Choice Award, and BET Best of Video Soul Award.

When SWV disbanded from 1998-05, Taj kept busy. She signed a modeling contract with Ford Modeling Agency, received her BA from Belmont University, and married NFL star running back Eddie George. Taj and Eddie share son Eriq, and Taj is stepmom to Jaire. In 2009, Taj competed in the 18^th season of Survivor. Despite the rigorous schedule of being a touring artist and a mom, Taj is currently pursuing a law degree.

Leanne “Lelee” Lyons

Singer & Founder, SWV

IG: @therealleleeswv

At an early age, Leanne “Lelee” Lyons founded legendary R&B trio SWV (Sisters With Voices), recognized by Billboard as one of the Top 40 female girl groups of all time. Hailing from New York, Lelee came together with Cheryl “Coko” Gamble and Tamara “Taj” Johnson in the late ’80s and quickly rose to fame in 1992 with their hit R&B album “It’s About Time.” The acclaimed debut album sold 3 million copies and earned 11 Billboard Music Award nominations as well as nominations for a Grammy, American Music Award, Source Award, Children's Choice Award, and BET Best of Video Soul Award. By the time she was 17, she had birthed a successful group and two children – daughter Margaret and son Khiry.

Lelee and her children went through a lot over the years after SWV disbanded, but Lelee put her life together again and today is focused on the success of the group as well as expanding her personal brand. She authored a memoir, I Regret the Day I Lost My Virginity: You Are Not Your Past. Lelee is currently connecting with, and communicating, her authentic self with her upcoming audiobook, The Adventures of Sister Hot Pussy, which is a testament to her sense of sexual liberation, self-love and female empowerment.

What Does SWV stand for?

SWV is short for "Sisters With Voices."

More About the Cast

The series also follows the ladies in XSCAPE, which includes members Kandi Burruss, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, as well as siblings LaTocha Bivens and Tamika Scott. 

For much more about both groups, watch SWV & XSCAPE: The Queens of R&B, premiering Sunday, March 5, at 9:30/8:30c on Bravo and next day on Peacock.