Tatyana Ali Attends Harvard University; Enjoys Flourishing Music Career

Jet, Nov 23, 1998

Tatyana Ali, who won fame as the youngest member of the wealthy Banks family on the former long-running sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," is elated with her latest role. She recently entered the prestigious Harvard University as a freshman.

Ali is enrolled at the Ivy League university as an anthropology major. The 19-year-old is more than excited about attending Harvard. Her family, the children of immigrants, are happy for her as well.

"I'm the first generation born in the states, and Harvard is the school known around the world in America," Ali, whose mom is Panamanian and father is Trinidadian-East Indian, told the Boston Herald.

And while Ali is getting into gear at Harvard, she's driving in the fast lane with her post-"Fresh Prince" career as a singer. Ali's debut album, Kiss The Sky, on Michael Jackson's MJJ Records, is faring well on the record charts. The album's first single, Daydreamin' has already gone gold. Her latest single, Boy You Knock Me Out, features a rap performance by her former "Fresh Prince" co-star Will Smith. The versatile performer is signed to his production company, Will Smith Enterprises, Inc. Smith also executive-produced the album.

Ali is looking forward to going on tour to promote the album, and she isn't worried about a scheduling conflict between school and music.

She assured, "I'm very, very good at time management. That's been a real big benefit."