2023 JUNO NOMINEE FOR CONTEMPORARY ROOTS ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR ‘HOLD ONTO LOVE.’
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, her artistic work reflects that which impacts and connects us all: Community, life, and lov. “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 Brothers hit series of the same name.
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.
● 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
● 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
ALSO AVAILABLE: The Nina Project, written by playwright Shakura S’Aida, highlights award-winning, internationally acclaimed vocalists – and introducing pianist Alexa Belgrave– acting in and performing the music & lyrics of Nina Simone.
