I attended my first live music event at 15 years old: Diana Ross at Exhibition Place. She had (and has) an ability to change how an audience felt just through her music and the energy she created. At that point, I didn’t know that I wanted to be a singer, I just knew that what I saw on stage was special and made me feel love, positivity, community and hope.
Fast forward to 47 years later - love, positivity, community and hope is what I strive to bring to every single performance. Connecting with the audience is a central part of my genetic makeup. Perhaps it was the Baptist churches that I attended as a child, where call and response, uplifting spirits, and open hearts were a weekly occurrence. Maybe it was Ms. Ross and her magical persona. More than likely, growing up as the only Black American kid in Toronto and Switzerland (that I knew of), and always trying to fit in - probably inspired me to want every person in the room to feel like they belong.
My first full Toronto concert in 3 years is happening on Friday June 19th at TD Music Hall. It feels like a perfect moment to celebrate the culmination of 42 years in the music industry, especially because Juneteeth, National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month are all happening during this month. This celebration is not about me, it is about all of the connected communities that we ALL belong to and draw strength from.
There are so many forces in the world trying to drive wedges in between us and divide us by race, age, gender, sex, nationality, faith and probably even which country makes the best jollof rice (I am still undecided, so please feel free to invite me to dinner and convince me!), I would love for you to join my band and I as we come together to share our music and our hearts. I would love for TD Music Hall to look like - as my bff maxine bailey often says- the sitting area of Tim Horton’s: full of people from all different backgrounds representing what our city is really all about. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to having a night of music and a moment where we can all share love, positivity, community and hope.
Shakura S'Aida is an acclaimed Americana roots soul singer/songwriter and Schitt's Creek recurring actor, who has thrilled global audiences in 31 countries with her exciting and dynamic showmanship. She will be performing in Toronto at TD Music Hall on Friday, June 19 with special guest Celeigh Cardinal. Tickets are available here.
