Shakura S’Aida
Biography
Shakura S’Aida is an award-winning performer who has performed in more than thirty countries around the globe for more than two decades, connecting and inspiring audiences with her powerful voice. An undeniable talent and an advocate for human rights, her artistic work reflects that which impacts and connects us all: community, life, and love. “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.”
Read MoreA central figure in Toronto’s music scene, the Brooklyn-born, Swiss-raised entertainer has also shined both on screen, and the theatre stage as the star and creator of The Nina Project, a tribute to Nina Simone and in the Dora Award-winning play Dixon Road. S’Aida has also played roles on-screen, including Lena, a member of the beloved “Jazzagals” in the acclaimed series Schitt’s Creek, and Cora Lewis, mother to Batwoman in DC Comics/Warner Brothers hit series of the same name.
With her first album in ten years, Shakura is back with Hold on to Love, this time in the producer chair alongside co-producers Donna Grantis (Prince/3rd Eye Girl), Keb’ Mo,’ and Roger Costa (Jeff Healey). The new album features collaborations with friends and fellow artists, including Keb’ Mo’, Eric Gales, Lee Oskar, Terra Lightfoot, Kyla Charter, Larnell Lewis and more.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
2021 Maple Blues Awards Recipient: Blues With a Feeling (Lifetime Achievement Award)
2020 Ambassadrice du Sierre Blues Festival
2019 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Female Vocalist of the Year
2017 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Female Vocalist of the Year
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 of the Year
2016 Cahor Blues Festival La Marraine Du Festival
2015 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Female Vocalist of the Year
2014 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Entertainer of the Year
2014 Maple Blues Awards Nominee: Female Vocalist of the Year
2013 JUNO Award Nominee: Best Blues Album of the Year
2013 Blues Music Awards Nominee: Contemporary Female Artist of the Year
2013 Indie Music Awards Nominee: Blues Artist of the Year
2013 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Entertainer of the Year
2013 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Female Vocalist of the Year
2013 Maple Blues Award Nominee: Recording of the Year (w/
Howard Ayee & Scott Cable)
2013 Maple Blues Award Nominee: 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, Memphis, TN: 1st Runner Up
1993 JUNO Award Nominee: Best World Beat Recording (w/Kaleefah)
For further information, high-resolution photography, or to request an interview and/or album review copies, please contact:
Stephen McGrath stephen@nightshopmedia.com