Donna Grantis who performed with Prince for several years, is Shakura’s longtime co-producer and co-writer. Donna praises the three-time Juno Award nominee as a "powerhouse vocalist whose artistic vision continually inspires me.”

I trust you’ll find this week’s episode an inspiring and uplifting conversation, in which we’re highlighting Shakura’s new album Hold on to Love. We also talked about her career in acting, and she shared some of her experiences on the set of Schitt’s Creek. Shakura shared many valuable insights in this wide-ranging interview, and you can also watch this on my YouTube and I’ve also linked the transcript to my website, where you'll also find direct links to other episodes you may enjoy (listed below): https://www.leahroseman.com/episodes/shakura-saida

It’s a joy to bring these inspiring episodes to you every week, and I do all the many jobs of research, production and publicity. Could you buy me a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/leahroseman Thanks!

You can also support this series and channel through my merchandise store: https://www.leahroseman.com/beautiful-shirts-and-more

Season 5 of this podcast starts very soon in January 2025 and I send out an email newsletter where you can get access to exclusive information about upcoming guests. Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/ebed4a237788/podcast-newsletter

Shakura S'Aida website: https://www.shakurasaida.com/

You'll find Hold on to Love on your favourite streaming platform, and you can also buy it here on Bandcamp: https://shakurasaida.bandcamp.com/album/hold-on-to-love

(00:00) Intro

(02:05)album Hold on to Love, Donna Grantis

(05:53) activism through music

(07:46) clip of Takin’ it to the Streets

(09:14) Shakura’s early career, album Blueprint, International Blues Challenge

(13:17) high school Theatre Arts teacher Marly Kadak

(16:42) how acting training helps

(18:39) Schitt’s Creek

(21:20) intro to Doodun

(23:06) Doodun

(27:01) Shakura’s youth

(29:20) Canadian cultural diversity

(32:17) aha moment Montreal Jazz Festival

(34:41) Hold on to Love

(39:02) other episodes you’ll like, ways to support this series

(39:55) Shakura’s black Russian terrier

(41:22) Nina Simone project, Kellylee Evans, Jackie Richardson, Salome Bey

(49:31)parenting, being a role model

(53:45) Hold on to Love

(57:53) Her Music Award, the feeling of not having to prove yourself, wisdom

(59:50) Kigali Up festival in Rwanda

(01:04:19) importance of connections with people, about Heart of Gold

(01:06:05) excerpt from Heart of Gold

(01:07:56) youth songwriting workshops and Authentic Stagecraft

(01:09:49) the importance of pre-concert rituals

(01:11:30) music marketing and genres, next album