29 Sep Artist Profile: Shookrah
Style: Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, Pop, Funk, Jazz
Moods: Moody, Smoky, Groovy, Sensual, Driven, Uplifting, Empowering, Smooth, Swagger, Funky, Chill
Claiming to produce R&B that is “dark like Kendrick Lamar, sensual like Beyonce and badass like James Brown”, is quite a statement to make and sets audience expectations pretty high. However, six piece Shookrah deliver on every point of darkness/sensuality/badass-ness that they claim. While Cork is technically not Ireland’s ‘capital’, it is most definitely its epicentre of jazz, and this soul sextet are a “proud product” of exactly that. The group is lead by the smooth, soulful vocals of Senita Appiakorang, along with the sweet harmonies of her fellow female vocalist, and accompanied by synthesiser, drums, bass and guitar.
We’re delighted to have Shookrah’s debut EP Implicit Content; which has energies that are both relaxed and uplifting, as well as being supercharged with soul and swag, in our catalogue. The dreamy, hypnotic synth line and pronounced, swag-infused bass line of ‘Babahdah’ showcases the sensuality and darkness Shookrah strives for from the offset (with not just a little bit of a nod to Erykah Badu), while the playful funk and powerful, soulful vocals of ‘Woman’ exude female empowerment, with a sprinkling of James Brown’s ‘badass’ attitude. Luckily, there is plenty more to come from this band within the next couple of weeks, so do not despair if the exact track you’re looking for is not available just yet.
Video for ‘Woman’
Clare McGonigle