World Television Premiere: February 19th on BRAVO!

New York born, with roots in gospel music, Shakura is now based in Toronto. She was lead singer of world music ensemble Kaleefah before starting solo career.

ARTIST PROFILE

DIRECTED BY
Lana Lovell

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Powys Dewhurst

REVIEWS
Another woman with a lot of stage presence, Shakura S’Aida. She sang a piece about not messing around with the blackbird, an interesting jazz piece à la Cassandra Wilson that developed slowly  over a simmering rhythm, meandering into tributaries along the way.  Did I say jazz piece? Maybe jazz-blues-gospel-world-soul, you get the idea. Bill King played the Hammond B3 for this one and Pat LaBarbera played flute. Shakura S’Aida ended the piece with a fade, walking  away form the microphone. Impressive. She started the next piece smouldering, “I want you to drive me”, then quickly accelerated. Soon  everyone was clapping 2/4 “Where’s the church?”, she quipped, “I need a chauffeur”. But she certainly was not talking about someone to take  her to church. People rose to their feet and danced.