Shakura S'Aida - Hold On To Love (2022)

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.