Shakka (singer)

Shakka (singer)
Background information
Birth name	Shakka Philip
Born	(1989-05-16) 16 May 1989
Origin	Notting Hill, London, England
Genres	Indie alternative pop soul dub
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter producer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2011–present
Associated acts	Wretch 32 Tanya Lacey Vula Malinga Basement Jaxx Etta Bond Sigma
Website	www.officialshakka.com

Shakka is an English singer, songwriter and producer from Notting Hill, London. His influences include indie, dub, hip hop, Motown and garage. His musical inspirations include Bob Marley, Coldplay, The Police and Andre 3000. He is well-respected and multi-talented across the arts; performing at Tate Britain alongside Speech Debelle^[1] as part of their 'Great British Art Debate',^[2] as well as performing in 'Home' being shown at the National Theatre.^[3] Fans of Shakka include; Rita Ora, Wiley, Professor Green, Rudimental, Basement Jaxx, Skepta, Laura Mvula, Labrinth, Wretch 32, Vula, Daley and Maverick Sabre.^[4]

Music career

Early career

In his early career stages, Shakka's second full-length project was named The Shakka Crown Affair,^[5] an 18-track mixtape "borrowing" beats and instrumentals from artists such as Coldplay and Lil Wayne; garnering more fans from around London and acclaim from fellow musicians such as Etta Bond, Wretch 32, Daley and Incisive. Shakka then shot to fame as a YouTube sensation doing various tracks using harmony and beatbox, known as The Shakapellas.^[6] These mash-ups of popular songs featured a collaboration with Vula Malinga; the lead vocalist on Basement Jaxx's single "Oh My Gosh",^[7] as well as teaming up with Sony Music signed artist Tanya Lacey.^[8] The Shakappellas were eventually available as a download,^[6] as well as attracting over 1 million views in total. In December 2012 he released his debut single "Sooner or Later" which received strong support across national radio, in particular, being made 'Jam Hot Record of the Week' in 2012 by Radio 1Xtra's MistaJam.^[9][10]

2013–present: Breakthrough

2013 proved to be a very successful year for Shakka, collaborating with various artists, most notably featuring on Wretch 32's single "Blackout" which reached number 6 in the UK singles chart.^[11] He was also selected to perform on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury Festival,^[12] as well as having performed alongside Basement Jaxx as a guest vocalist at V Festival,^[12] and accompanying them on their world tour.^[13] Although to this day Shakka remains unsigned, he has received extensive recognition earning himself a place in the MTV's top 20 Unsigned Artists of 2013 list^[14] and receiving 2 MOBO Award nominations; including Best Newcomer.^[15] BBC's Radio 1Xtra has supported Shakka throughout his rise to fame, most recently being invited to perform live for CJ's^[16] Soundcheck.^[17]

Noted television performances include performing on 'The Graham Norton Show'^[18] alongside Wretch 32, as well as on 'Sunday Brunch' and Channel 5's 'The Wright Stuff'.

In July 2013 he released the single by "Spin", taken from his EP Tribe.^[19] In November 2013 he released the single "Just Want to See You".^[20]

In 2015, Shakka released a new single entitled "Say Nada". Shortly afterwards, he released a remix featuring two verses by Jme, which has accumulated over a million YouTube views.^[21] The solo version of the song features on his new EP entitled The Lost Boys, released 6 November 2015.^[22]

Discography

Extended plays

Mixtapes

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

Awards and nominations

References

External links

• Official website