AN ARTIST’S BIOGRAPHY
Bradenton Blues Festival 2018
SHAKURA S’AIDA
You may have spotted Brooklyn-born, Swiss-raised & Canadian-based Shakura S’Aida performing at Festivals in Dubai, Australia, Rwanda or Russia, in her 4 woman tribute to Nina Simone, ‘The Nina Project’ or in shows like Schitt’s Creek, Titans & Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker. From her beginnings as world music band Kaleefah’s lead singer, this versatile vocalist and consummate entertainer has blown audiences away with her scorching vocal style, uncanny ability to deliver powerful original songs and to get deep into the guts of the most venerable standard.
Shakura’s long-simmering career initially moved into high gear in 2008 with a triumph at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, when she earned the runner-up position, competing against more than 100 bands from more than 20 different countries. In the past 11 years since, her tour schedule has taken her to almost 30 countries.
Shakura S’Aida has been consistently thrilling audiences with her powerful pipes for years, most recently as a guest host on CBC Radio 2’s Weekend Morning. As a veteran of the international music scene, she’s performed both as a featured artist with musicians like Jimmy Smith, Lee Oskar (WAR), Bettye LaVette and Keb Mo’, as well as an award winning solo artist.
After a 8 year hiatus, Shakura is back in the studio; this time with 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 and Lee Oskar.
Whether she’s speaking Swiss-German, French or English, Shakura instantly connects with her audience — and at the same time richly demonstrates the multiculturalism that Canada prides itself on.
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
VOCAL RECORDINGS:
TIME 2013 Juno Nom
BROWN SUGAR
BLUEPRINT
LISTEN TO THE WORLD ’92 Juno Nom
