BASHIYRA ‘The Voice’

Stylistic versatility whilst maintaining consistent standards is just one of the many things that distinguishes the talent that is BASHIYRA.
Soulful, mesmerising and smooth are just a few of the words that describe her inimitable voice. With a repertoire that spans neo-soul, jazz, classic soul, soulful house, dance and reggae BASHIYRA has an ability to captivate, move and entertain diverse audiences.
The greatest example of this capability was her rousing performance at The Opening Ceremony of The London 2012 Paralympic Games and a subsequent personal thank you letter from the then, UK Prime Minister David Cameron.
Never one to rest on her laurels, the multi-award winner leapt in spring 2013 by setting a new music World Record – BASHIYRA became the first Independent Artist to achieve 4 concurrent positions in one chart.
The consecutive releases, I Won’t Worry, You Haven’t Seen Nothing Yet, The You In Me, and Don’t Get In My Face, all charted in The Top 50 RnB Charts DPP (USA). Whilst the heavy-hitter, I Won’t Worry, simultaneously held the #1 position on The Urban/RnB/Crossover Top 40 Breakouts Chart (USA), and the Number 30 position on The Sweet Rhythms Chart (UK), having previously peaked there at #2.
BASHIYRA established her career working as a backing singer for artists ranging from the iconic Queen, Michael Bolton, to the legendary Patti Labelle and Diana Ross. Her prowess as a songwriter, producer and arranger has been recognised by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Gamble and Huff, the production duo responsible for The Sound of Philadelphia.
2009 saw the release of her refreshing debut, THOUGHT YOU KNEW, a balanced mix of neo-soul, jazz and dance harnessed by her rich, soulful and emotive voice. This successful self-release led to BASHIYRA receiving ‘The Soul Baby Live Award 2011’. In the same year, Black Women in the Arts awarded BASHIYRA ‘The Nina Simone Award’ for her outstanding work in the area of jazz, an award also acknowledged and endorsed by the official legacy estate of Dr Nina Simone.
The UK based singer, songwriter, producer and arranger performs internationally and has passport stamps from all continents. She was the first international artist to sign a production deal with NuVybe Records (USA), the label headed by Grammy award winning and platinum record producer Herb Middleton, an industry veteran who has worked with Raheem DeVaughn, Teddy Pendergrass, Mary J Blige, Al Green, Ann Nesby, Phyllis Hyman, Usher, NAS and Kenny Lattimore.
Never one to keep her talents to herself, BASHIYRA has spearheaded various educational initiatives that utilise the power of music. As a vocal coach she has facilitated singing, song-writing and composition workshops in schools across many boroughs including the London Borough of Westminster. Dedicated music establishments which have utilised BASHIYRA’s coaching skills include The Midi Music Company and The Rock School. Creative and educational initiatives include literacy and numeracy programs, utilising music to aid schoolchildren and adults.
Aug 5th 2013 saw the release of the refreshing EP, ONE SHOT AT LOVE, on Expansion Records (UK)
a balanced mix of neo-soul, smooth jazz and RnB harnessed by BASHIYRA’s rich, soulful and emotive voice. Produced by Amar Naik (Zed Soul Productions) with shared song writing contributions from BASHIYRA, Amar and David Nathan (Founder of SoulMusic.com, music historian, billboard contributor and global authority on soul music) this delivered a robust musical alliance of the highest standards.
In addition BASHIYRA made cultural, national and international history on July 24th 2016 becoming the first ever crowned Ms Natural Hair UK, a natural hair and beauty pageant officially launched in Nov 2015 at The Houses of Parliament, London, UK.
The highly anticipated sophomore album project ‘INDEPENDENT’ is released July 27th 2018 supported by a corporate clothing sponsorship deal with Eric Clapton/Cordings of Piccadilly https://www.cordings.co.uk/bashiyra/
preceded by enigmatic singles all of which is sure to deliver more chart-climbers and accolades. Production credits extend to Herb Middleton, BASHIYRA and PE Productions (LA Reid). BASHIYRA writes with Crystal Johnson (who has written for Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Anthony Hamilton and Angie Stone) and Richard Rudolph (who co-wrote the Minnie Riperton classic Lovin’ You).
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Music World Record Holder:
March 2013 BASHIYRA became The First Independent Artist to achieve 4 concurrent positions in one chart. The consecutive releases, I Won’t Worry, You Haven’t Seen Nothing Yet, The You In Me, and Don’t Get In My Face, all charted in The Top 50 RnB Charts DPP (USA). Whilst the heavy-hitter, I Won’t Worry, simultaneously held the Number 1 position on The Urban/RnB/Crossover Top 40 Breakouts Chart (USA), and the Number 30 position on The Sweet Rhythms Chart (UK), having previously peaked there at Number 2.
Music World Record Holder: March 2013
‘Ms Natural Hair UK’ Inaugural Winner 2016
Multiple Award Winner:
*International OBA Award 2016
*CPD International Recognition Award 2016
*World Independent Music Awards Outstanding Female Vocalist 2015
*World Independent Music Awards Outstanding Female Songwriter 2015
*World Independent Music Awards Outstanding Sound Recording 2015 ‘WITH LOVE’
*World Independent Music Awards Outstanding Single 2015 ‘WOMAN’
*RS Music Awards Best Live Performance 2015
Chelsea, Maidstone and Kent
*RS Music Awards Crown Achievement Artist Award 2015 for Exemplary Services to Music
*Bright Star Awards Best Female Artist 2014
*Bright Star Awards Best Concert 2014
*The Worldwide SCB Collective Best International Independent Soul RnB Singer 2014
*The Worldwide SCB Collective Best International Independent Soul RnB Songwriter 2014
*The Truth iTunes Podcasting Global Music Community Best Soul Cover Version 2014
*Smooth Grooves/Blues n Soul Magazine Best Mellow Soul Track 2014
*Soul Survivors Best New Soul Artist/Group Runner Up 2013
*Nina Simone Award Winner 2011
*Soul Baby Live Award Winner 2011
*Soul Survivors Best UK Artist/Group Award Winner 2010
*Black 100+ Award Recipient 2007
*BWA Aspiring Black Female Singer Award Winner 2005
International Music Ambassador:
*Project Gambia, The Gambia, Afrika/UK/Scotland
*Action for Elders, UK
International Luxury Brand Ambassador:
*Veronique Designs, UK/LA/Paris
International Natural Health and Beauty Brand Ambassador:
*Be-You Health and Vitality Senegal/UK
Web: www.bashiyra.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bashiyradavoice
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bashiyra-The-Voice/113929399569
To book BASHIYRA please visit the contact page OR send a direct email to: bookings@bashiyra.com
For press and enquiries email: enquiries@bashiyra.com
www.bashiyra.com
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