Shakura S’Aida
SHAKURA S’AIDA BIO
Shakura S'Aida, acclaimed Americana roots soul singer/songwriter and Schitt's Creek recurring actor, has thrilled global audiences in 31 countries with her exciting and dynamic showmanship. Summerfolk Festival has raved about the Toronto, Canada-based S'Aida's "engaging, vivacious and exciting" performing style and her uncanny ability "to touch your soul," while Donna Grantis (Prince, 3rd Eye Girl), her longtime co-producer and co-writer, praises the Brooklyn-born, Swiss-raised, three-time Juno Award nominee as a "powerhouse vocalist whose artistic vision continually inspires me. Her captivating live shows bring people together to celebrate life and love."
S’Aida has contributed to Toronto’s music community for over 40 years as a singer/songwriter, bandleader, frontwoman, playwright and producer. Through her initiative Shakura S’Aida Presents, she has created opportunities for both audiences and music creators to deepen their connections to music and community. Shakura has produced and curated concerts featuring both established and emerging artists across Canada, the US, and Europe. Events like HER Majesty, On Their Shoulders, Gospel n’ Gravy, and The Art of Song Music Festival have brought together diverse groups of musicians in collaborative settings, creating intimate experiences for local, national, and international audiences, no matter the size of the venue.
Shakura’s passion for community involvement doesn’t stop at music; for the past 5 years, she has organized a Daily Bread Food Bank drive in her surrounding neighbourhoods. With the assistance of over 20 volunteers, her neighbours and friends have so far helped to raise over 10,000 lbs of food for deserving community members.
Shakura also volunteers on the Toronto Jazz Festival, Canadian Songwriter Hall of Fame and the Folk Canada Board of Directors.
"Music is a great connector," says the 2024 recipient of the prestigious SOCAN Foundation's "Her Music" Award. "I use it to uplift and remind people that they're not alone; that we're all community."
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