Shakura S’Aida
Shakura S’Aida is an award-winning performer, who has travelled the globe for more than two decades, connecting and inspiring audiences with her powerful vocals. An undeniable talent and an advocate for human rights and racial equality, her artistic work reflects that which impacts and connects us all: Love, conflict, community, life, and death. “I believe we all have a responsibility to look after each other,” says the Toronto-based artist. “I see, create, and use music as a way to bring people together.”
A central figure in Toronto’s music scene, the Brooklyn-born, Swiss-raised entertainer has garnered not only an international recording and touring career but has shined on the theatre stage as star and creator of the four-woman tribute to Nina Simone, The Nina Project, and in roles on-screen including as Lena, member of the beloved “Jazzagals” in the acclaimed series Schitt’s Creek, and most recently as Cora Lewis, mother to Batwoman in DC Comics / Warner Brother’s hit series of the same name.
Shakura’s career moved into high gear in 2008 with a triumphant performance at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, where she earned the runner-up position, competing against over 100 bands from more than twenty different countries. In the years since her tour schedule has taken her to thirty countries and into the hearts of thousands of music lovers.
With her first new album in ten years, Shakura is back with Hold on to Love; this time in the producer chair alongside co-producers Donna Grantis (Prince/3 rd Eye Girl), Keb’ Mo,’ and Roger Costa (Jeff Healey). The new album features collaborations with international artists, including Eric Gales, Lee Oskar, Terra Lightfoot, Kyla Charter, Larnell Lewis and more.
2024 Her Music Award
2024 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Female Vocalist
2023 Folk Music Ontario Award - Album of the Year
2023 JUNO Award Nominee-Best Roots Album of the Year
2023 JUNO Award Nominee-Best Roots Album of the Year
2021 Maple Blues Awards - Blues With a Feeling (Lifetime Achievement Award) Recipient
2020 Ambassadrice du Sierre Blues Festival
2019 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Female Vocalist
2017 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Female Vocalist
2017 Cahor Blues Festival La Marraine Du Cahors Blues Festival
2017 France Blues La Marraine Du France Blues
2016 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Female Vocalist
2016 Cahor Blues Festival La Marraine Du Festival
2015 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Female Vocalist
2014 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Entertainer, Female Vocalist
2013 JUNO Award Nominee-Best Blues Album of the Year
2013 Blues Music Awards Nominee-Contemporary Female Artist
2013 Indie Music Awards Nominee-Blues Artist of the Year
2013 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Entertainer, Female Vocalist, Recording/Producer (w/Howard Ayee & Scott Cable) and Songwriter of the Year (w/Donna Grantis)
2011 Maple Blues Award Recipient: Female Vocalist of the Year
2011 Independent Music Award Recipient: Blues Artist of the Year
2008 International Blues Challenge 1st Runner Up
1992 JUNO Award Nominee-Best World Music Artist/Band