Shingai Shoniwa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shingai
Shingai Shoniwa in Atlanta, 2007
Background information
Birth name	Shingai Elizabeth Maria Shoniwa
Born	(1981-09-01) 1 September 1981 (age 43) Lewisham, London, England
Genres	Pop afrobeat post-punk revival indie rock soul blues electronic
Occupation(s)	Singer musician songwriter actress
Instruments	Vocals bass guitar
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Zimtron Universal Motown Vertigo
Associated acts	Noisettes

Shingai Elizabeth Maria Shoniwa, known as Shingai, is a talented British singer, songwriter, musician, and actress. She was born on September 1, 1981. Many people know her 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.

Early Life and Beginnings

Shingai grew up in Lewisham, a part of South East London. Her parents came to England from Zimbabwe. Shingai says her family's background inspires her music. She believes that wanting to escape reality can lead to great creativity. Her first name, Shingai, means "be bold," "courageous," or "strong" in the Shona language.

Early Interests and Education

When she was younger, Shingai first wanted to be an actress. As a teenager, she learned circus skills at a youth club in London. After finishing school, she went to art school and acted in local plays. She later studied at the BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology in Croydon.

Forming the Noisettes

While at art school, Shingai met her friend Dan Smith. They would have fun jam sessions together. One day, Shingai 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."

Music Career Highlights

Many music critics have praised Shingai's performances. Rolling Stone magazine once said her voice was like a mix of Iggy Pop and Billie Holiday. On stage, Shingai often looks like an "African supermodel," as described by the New Yorker. She sometimes performs barefoot and wears face paint or fur hats.

Collaborations with Other Artists

Shingai has sung backup vocals for many other artists. These include indie rock, electronic, and punk rock musicians. For example, she sang on the Guillemots' songs "Made Up Love Song#43" and "Over the Stairs."

In 2007, Shingai appeared on Annie Lennox's album, Songs Of Mass Destruction. She sang on the song "Sing," which was about fighting HIV and AIDS. This song featured 22 other famous female artists, including Madonna and Celine Dion.

Special Performances

On October 13, 2007, Shingai helped celebrate Jack Daniel's birthday. She performed with Patti Smith and Juliette Lewis in Lynchburg, Tennessee. This event was part of the 157th birthday celebration for Jack Daniel.

In November 2009, Shingai performed with rapper Dizzee Rascal at the Royal Albert Hall. This show helped raise money for charity. They also worked together on a version of Rascal's song "Holiday."

Shingai also provided vocals for Dennis Ferrer's popular dance track "Hey Hey," released in late 2009. On December 31, 2009, she appeared on the BBC's Annual Hootenanny 2010 show. There, she sang with Jools Holland and contributed to the song "Down By The Riverside."

In 2013, Shingai sang lead vocals on four songs for the album Chrome Black Gold by Chrome Hoof. She also performed live with the band.

Solo Music Journey

Shingai released her first solo album, Too Bold, in October 2020. More recently, on June 25, 2021, she was featured on Mark Knight's album Untold Business. She sang on the track titled "Feel The Pressure."

Other Activities

Shingai has also used her voice for important causes. She joined Amnesty International's Make Some Noise campaign. She appeared in a video singing John Lennon's song "Imagine" to help people learn 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 a model and is signed with NEXT Model Management in London. She provides the voice for the character Teal on the CBeebies children's show The Adventures of Abney & Teal.

Solo Discography

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 Discography

Studio albums

• What's the Time, Mr Wolf? (2007)
• Wild Young Hearts (2009)
• Contact (2012)

Collaborations

• 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)

Equipment

• Bass guitar: Fender
• Amp: Ashdown