Shingai Shoniwa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shingai
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Shingai Shoniwa in Atlanta, 2007
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| Birth name | Shingai Elizabeth Maria Shoniwa |
| Born | 1 September 1981 Lewisham, London, England |
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| Years active | 2006–present |
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| Associated acts | Noisettes |
Shingai Elizabeth Maria Shoniwa (born on September 1, 1981), known simply as Shingai, is a talented British singer, songwriter, musician, and actress. She is most famous as the lead singer and bass player for the English indie rock band Noisettes. In 2017, Shingai started her own solo music career. She released her first solo album in 2020.
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Early Life and Creative Beginnings
Shingai was born and grew up in Lewisham, a part of South East London. Her parents moved to the United Kingdom from Zimbabwe. Shingai says her background helps her create music. She believes that wanting to escape from everyday life can inspire people to be very creative.
She also feels that everyone has their own "soundtrack" to their escape plan. Her first name, Shingai, means "be bold," "courageous," or "strong" in the Shona language.
Shingai first dreamed of becoming an actress. For a while, she joined a group called the Lost Vagueness crew as a stage performer. As a teenager, she learned circus skills at a London youth club.
After graduating, she went to art school and acted in local plays. She often had "jam sessions" with her friend and classmate, Dan Smith. One day, she joined him in singing, and they quickly formed a band called the Noisettes. Their first song was released in 2002 on a music collection called "Raison D'Etre London Vol 1." Shingai also studied at the famous BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology in Croydon.
Music Career Highlights
Many music critics have praised Shingai's performances. Rolling Stone magazine once said that Shingai truly shows the spirit of rock and roll. They also mentioned her voice, saying it was like a mix of Iggy Pop and Billie Holiday.
On stage, Shingai often looks like what the New Yorker called "an African supermodel." She frequently performs without shoes and wears face paint or fur hats.
Shingai has also sung backup for many other artists. These include indie rock, electronic, and punk rock bands. She sang on songs like "Made Up Love Song#43" by Guillemots.
In 2007, Shingai appeared on Annie Lennox's album, Songs Of Mass Destruction. She sang on the song "Sing." This song was about the fight against HIV and AIDS. It featured 22 other famous female artists, including Madonna and Celine Dion.
Shingai helped celebrate Jack Daniel's birthday in Lynchburg, Tennessee, on October 13, 2007. She performed with Patti Smith and Juliette Lewis. They were joined by The New Silver Cornet Band. This event was part of the 157th birthday celebration for Jack Daniel.
On November 19, 2009, Shingai performed with rapper Dizzee Rascal at the Royal Albert Hall. This concert helped raise money for charity. Shingai also worked with Dizzee Rascal on a version of his song "Holiday."
Shingai provided vocals for Dennis Ferrer's popular dance track "Hey Hey." This song was released in late November 2009.
On December 31, 2009, Shingai was featured on the Annual Hootenanny 2010 show on BBC. She performed "Don't Upset the Rhythm" with Jools Holland. She also sang on the final song, "Down By The Riverside."
In 2013, Shingai sang lead on four songs for the album Chrome Black Gold by Chrome Hoof. She also performed live with the band.
Her first solo album, Too Bold, was released in October 2020.
On June 25, 2021, Mark Knight from Toolroom Records released his album Untold Business. It included a song called "Feel The Pressure" featuring Shingai's vocals.
Other Projects and Activities
Shingai has used her voice to support important causes. She joined Amnesty International's Make Some Noise campaign. She appeared in an Instant Karma! video. In the video, she sang John Lennon's song "Imagine." This was to help raise awareness about the conflict in Darfur.
On September 8, 2009, Shingai was a special guest on the Five TV show The Wright Stuff.
Shingai is also signed with NEXT Model Management in London. This means she also works as a model.
She provides the voice for the character Teal on the CBeebies children's show The Adventures of Abney & Teal.
Solo Music Releases
Studio Albums
- Too Bold (2020)
Extended Plays
- Ancient Futures (2019)
Singles
- "Coming Home" (2019)
- "Zimtron" (2019)
- "Champion Styles" (2019)
- "Love and Affection" (2019)
- "War Drums" (2020)
- "Echoes of You" (2020)
- "We Roll" (2020)
- "In This World" feat. DJ Lara Fraser (2021)
- "Too Bold Remix" (2021)
- "Echoes of You (Kenyan Remix)" (2021)
- "War Drums (ZIM Remix)" (2021)
- "No Fear (Birth Right)" (2021)
Noisettes Music Releases
- Studio albums
- What's the Time, Mr Wolf? (2007)
- Wild Young Hearts (2009)
- Contact (2012)
Collaborations with Other Artists
- Herbert songs: "I Miss You", "The Audience", "It's Only", "A Reprise", "Leave Me Now", "Misprints", "Chromoshop" (2000–2003)
- Ace songs: "No Fear Of Falling" and "Phoenix" from the album Still Hungry (2003)
- Toob songs: "Inky" and "Beaulieu" from the album How To Spell Toob (2005)
- Guillemots songs: "Made-Up Lovesong 43" from their album, Through the Windowpane (2006) and "Over the Stairs" from their From the Cliffs EP (2006)
- Annie Lennox single: "Sing" from the album Songs of Mass Destruction (2008)
- Plugs singles: "That Number", "Imaginary Friends" (2008)
- Dennis Ferrer: "Hey Hey" (2010)
- Winky D "Dzimba Dzemabwe" (2022)
Musical Instruments and Gear
- Bass guitar: Fender
- Amp: Ashdown
