Shakura S'Aida.

Format:

Video

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States and Canada.

Rock Music.

Gospel Music.

African Americans.

Jazz music.

Performances.

Local Subjects:

United States and Canada.

Rock Music.

Gospel Music.

African Americans.

Jazz music.

Performances.

Genre:

Performance

Physical Description:

1 online resource (60 minutes)

Other Title:

Shakura S'Aida - Live at Jazz à Vienne Festival

Place of Publication:

Paris, Ile-de-France : Qwest TV, 2024.

Language Note:

In French.

In English.

Original language in French.

Original language in English.

System Details:

video file

Summary:

From the opening swampy, gutbucket guitar riffs by Tristan Clark, the audience at 2024’s Jazz à Vienne Festival knew it was ready for a funk-grooved party delivered by captivating vocalist Shakura S’Aida. Born in Brooklyn, raised in Switzerland and later moving to Canada, she embraces her African-American heritage. She soars into the blues, kicks out into rock, swirls into Americana, and moans in a gospel tone, such as in the final song of her set, “Clap Your Hands and Moan,” which turns into an audience singalong. Surprisingly, it’s a shame she’s not as well-known as she deserves. She did win Canada’s 2010 Maple Blues award for female artist of the year, and has consistently been nominated. She’s right at home in Vienne, speaking French to give voice to her music that is steeped in the blues, and oozes with tales of love undone and addressing adversity. She soulfully covers Neil Young’s longing hit “Heart of Gold” and at one point asks the crowd if it’s OK to do something different. With their approval S’Aida strips the band down to an acoustic sound. Both guitars are hollow-bodied six-strings with Clark on sweet slide. Drummer Aubrey Dale plays brushes for the quiet, and S’Aida sings movingly. It was a highpoint of the show that digs deep into the intensity and grace of the tune. She’s a free-spirited, personal vocalist who uplifts the crowd with her power and spark. On her Facebook page, it’s written that she “uses music as a way to unite people with a hypnotic aura.” That perfectly describes her highly commendable Vienne set. Dan Ouellette

Notes:

Title from resource description page (viewed July 16, 2025).

Performed Jazz à Vienne