Suga Mama (band)

Suga Mama

Company type	Musical ensemble
Industry	Music
Founded	2006
Founder	Beyoncé Knowles
Defunct	2014
Headquarters	United States
Products	Live musical performances

Suga Mama was a female live performance ensemble from the United States, established by Beyoncé Knowles in 2006. The group's name was inspired by a track from Knowles' 2006 record B'Day. The band’s lineup fluctuated between nine and twelve musicians, encompassing percussionists, guitarists, saxophonists, keyboard players, and a trio of backing vocalists known as The Mamas. Members featured in various music videos including "Irreplaceable", "Blow", "Countdown", and "Green Light". Their appearances extended to live DVDs, televised award ceremonies, special broadcasts, and the Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show. Numerous members have maintained ongoing collaborations with Knowles.

Following the conclusion of the 2014 On the Run Tour, the band dissolved, although some musicians continued to perform on Beyoncé’s later tours, such as the Renaissance World Tour in 2023.

Formation

Prior to launching her 2006 album B'Day, Beyoncé's creative director Kim Burse conducted auditions across several cities including Atlanta, Burbank, Chicago, and Houston, with final callbacks held at New York's Sony Music Studios. The search targeted female instrumentalists skilled in keyboards, bass, guitar, horns, percussion, and drums. Candidates were required to replicate the performance of "Work It Out" from Live at Wembley (2004) and deliver a solo lasting one minute. Beyoncé’s vision was to assemble an all-female band composed of "fierce, talented, hungry, beautiful" musicians who would embody female empowerment and provide a distinct musical experience for her tour.

She characterized the audition process as extremely competitive, drawing talent internationally including from Israel. Initially intending to form a nine-piece group, Beyoncé expanded the ensemble to twelve members due to the abundance of exceptional talent discovered, often selecting two performers per instrument category. Finalists engaged in musical "battles," enabling her to identify those with genuine star potential. The band’s first public appearance was performing "Deja Vu" at the 2006 BET Awards.

Members

• Tiffany Monique Ryan (Vocalist) (2006–Present) - A Tennessee native and esophageal cancer survivor featured in the Academy Award-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom and 2019's Homecoming: The Live Album. Previously part of OnPoint, she has contributed background vocals for artists such as Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, and Regina Belle. A journalism graduate from William Paterson University, she currently serves as Beyoncé’s assistant vocal arranger, lead background vocalist, and choir director. She is one-third of "The Mamas" and now part of "Pure Honey" for the Renaissance World Tour.

Last Tour Appearance: Renaissance World Tour (2023)

• Katty Rodriguez-Harrold (Saxophonist) (2006–Present) - Educated at LaGuardia High School and Mannes Jazz Program at The New School; holds a master's degree in Music Education from Lehman College. She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor and Big Band Director at Brooklyn College. Credited on Beyoncé’s 2013 album BEYONCE for the track "Blow".

Last Tour Appearance: Cowboy Carter Tour (2025)

• Crystal Rovél Torres (Trumpet) (2006–Present) - Hailing from Philadelphia, she is a singer-songwriter and wellness advocate. Her trumpet work appears on Jhene Aiko's "Brave" (2014), Lupe Fiasco's "Adoration of the Magi" (2015), Logic's The Incredible True Story, along with multiple Beyoncé projects including BEYONCE (2013), Jay-Z’s 4:44 single "Bam" (2017), The Carters’ Everything Is Love (2018), and 2020’s "Black Parade".

Last Tour Appearance: Cowboy Carter Tour (2025)

• Rie Tsuji (Keyboardist) (2006–2018) - A Japanese piano prodigy with academic credentials from Tokyo College of Music and Berklee College of Music. Formerly Eric Benét’s pianist and Beyoncé’s assistant musical director; featured on 2019's Homecoming: The Live Album.

Last Tour Appearance: Beyoncé 2018 Coachella performance (2018)

• Crystal Collins (Vocalist) (2006-2016) - Known for performances in Tyler Perry stage productions and as a former backing vocalist for Fantasia. Provided backing vocals on Beyoncé’s "Sorry" from Lemonade (2016). One-third of "The Mamas".

Last Tour Appearance: The Formation World Tour (2016)

• Montina Cooper-Donnell (Vocalist) (2006-2016) - Originating from Houston; arranged vocals for Destiny's Child’s 2006 NBA National Anthem performance and produced vocals for Kelly Rowland’s Ms. Kelly. Featured on Houston rapper E.S.G.'s 1995 album Sailin' Da South. Also appeared as a contestant on Season 10 of The Biggest Loser. One-third of "The Mamas".

Last Tour Appearance: The Formation World Tour (2016)

• Bibi McGill (Guitarist) (2006-2014) - From Denver with a degree in Music Scoring and Arranging from University of Colorado; has toured alongside Pink, Paulina Rubio, and La Ley.

Last Tour Appearance: On the Run Tour (2014)

• Lauren "LT" Taneil Robinson (Bass Guitarist) (2013-2018, 2023) - Selected by Burse for Black Girls Rock! concert; participated in Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance.

Last Tour Appearance: Renaissance World Tour (2023)

• Divinity Roxx (Bass Guitarist) (2006-2011) - Atlanta native who played bass for BET's Black Girls Rock! house band; released Grammy-nominated children's album Ready Set Go! in 2021.

Last Tour Appearance: I Am... World Tour (2010)

• Venzella Joy Williams (Percussionist) (2014–2018) - Buffalo native who auditioned for Diddy's Making His Band. Joined Beyoncé’s tours through music director Derek Dixie. Appeared in the film Pitch Perfect 3 and Ed Sheeran’s "Blow" video.

Last Tour Appearance: On the Run II Tour (2018)

• Tia Fuller (Saxophonist) (2006–2010) - Faculty member at Berklee; featured jazz artist in Pixar’s Soul, assistant musical director for Esperanza Spalding’s Radio Music Society Tour; released five albums including Grammy-nominated Diamond Cut.

Last Tour Appearance: I Am... World Tour (2010)

• Nikki Glaspie (Percussionist) (2006-2010) - Berklee alumna who joined Beyoncé’s all-female band after moving to New York; later fronted bands Dumpstaphunk and Nth Power. Credited on singles "1+1", "Love On Top", and "Lay Up Under Me".

Last Tour Appearance: I Am... World Tour (2010)

• Marcie Chapa (Percussionist) (2006-2010) - Houston native who transitioned into high school music education; currently principal percussionist for Stephanie Mills’ band; also performed with CeeLo Green.

Last Tour Appearance: I Am... World Tour (2010)

• Kimberly Thompson (Percussionist) (2006-2010) - From Los Angeles with a jazz composition degree from Manhattan School of Music; has performed extensively across more than 33 countries worldwide.

Last Tour Appearance: I Am... World Tour (2010)

• Brittani Washington (Keyboardist) (2006-2010) - Native of Port Arthur recognized for appearances at BET Black Girls Rock! Awards; has supported artists including Mary Mary, Kanye West, Gladys Knight, Tyrese, Erykah Badu; backing vocalist for CeeLo Green.

Last Tour Appearance: I Am... World Tour (2010)

• DANiiVORY (Keyboardist) (2012-2014) - Pittsburgh-born musician holding degrees in Zoology and Music Composition; completed postgraduate vocal studies; earned a Berklee degree in Contemporary Writing, Production, and Performance. Has toured with Beyoncé, Imagine Dragons, and CeeLo Green.

Last Tour Appearance: The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2014)

• Cora Coleman-Dunham (Percussionist) (2013-2014) - Valedictorian at Howard University known for drumming alongside Prince; served as band leader during The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.

Last Tour Appearance: The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2014)

• Adison Evans (Alto Saxophonist) (2013-2014) - Juilliard graduate who made her debut during the 2013 Super Bowl Halftime Show; participated in Mrs Carter Show and On The Run tours; released albums titled Hero and Meridian. Credited on Beyoncé's "Blow".

Last Tour Appearance: On the Run Tour(2014)

Tours & Residencies

• The Beyoncé Experience (2007)
• I Am... Yours (2009)
• I Am... (2009–2010)
• 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé (2011)
• Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live (2012)
• The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour (2013–2014)
• On the Run Tour (2014)