Kat Harlton
The SOCAN Foundation in partnership with Anthem Entertainment recently announced Shakura S’Aida as one of two grand prize recipients of the fourth annual Her Music Awards. The Her Music Awards are a dedicated program tailored to celebrate and empower female-identifying Canadian music creators on the verge of taking their creative careers to the next level.
Shakura S’Aida’s distinguished career spans over two decades, captivating audiences worldwide with her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. From her acclaimed tribute to Nina Simone in “The Nina Project” to her memorable roles on hit series like Schitt’s Creek and Batwoman, Shakura’s versatility knows no bounds. Her latest album Hold on to Love, produced in collaboration with industry luminaries, recently earned her the 2023 Folk Music Ontario Award for Album of the Year and a 2023 JUNO Award nomination in the Contemporary Roots Category
I had the opportunity to chat with Shakura about how it feels to be honored with a HER Music Award, career highlights and what’s next.
Kat: Can you share a bit about yourself and your music journey so far?
Shakura: My name is Shakura S’Aida and I am a singer/songwriter, actor, producer and playwright. I am a Roots artist and I’ve toured 30 countries since placing 2nd in the 2008 International Blues Challenge. I’ve also been lucky enough to have had an acting career which includes a small part in Schitt Creek as a Jazzagal and in Batwoman as Batwoman’s mother.
Kat: You were recently announced as one of two grand prize recipients of the SOCAN Foundation’s Her Music Awards. Can you talk about the honour of receiving this award recognition?
Shakura: I was pretty emotional when I received the news. Canada has a lot of talented female identifying artists, so to be chosen by my peers as someone deserving of recognition was huge. I often say that we create our art in a vacuum and we never know what is going to happen once we release it out into the world; receiving the Her Music Award tells me that I am supported by my community and that I’m on the right track.
Kat: What are you currently working on now, and what can fans expect next from you?
Shakura: I’ve been writing new material and thanks to the Her Music Awards I will be able to do some research for the new album and also about to start touring this spring and summer: Portugal, Switzerland and France with more dates to come in the fall.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you?
Shakura: I have had many career highlights: I’ve toured through 30 countries, learned from amazing mentors like Salome Bey and Jackie Richardson; I belong to a strong community of artists who support each other and I am fortunate to be in the Massey Hall Artist Development Program. Winning the Her Music Awards grand prize is right up there with the best moments in my life.
Kat: What have you learned along the way that you would like to share with other aspiring artists and creators?
Shakura: The most important lesson that I’ve learned along the way is to trust your instinct, stay true to your endgame and most of all, no matter what, stand in your authentic self – you’re always good enough.
Connect With Shakura
Twitter: @shakurasaidamusic
Facebook: /shakurasaidamusic
Instagram: @shakurasaida
Website: https://www.shakurasaida.com/