ShakaRa

ShakaRa is the son of renowned communityactivist Brother Leader Mbandaka and is an experienced multi-faceted performer. Born Tafadzwa Nyasha Payam Mbandaka, he has been performing for most of his years. As experienced actor he has appeared in numerous community productions with the Soul Force Panthers (a performing arts group of Afrikan young people), in which he acted, directed and also wrote. A developing Producer, ShakaRa's music fuses elements of Hip-hop, reggae, RnB, jazz & Afrobeat, aswell as his own unique mastery of Afrikan Drumming, all of which he brings to his poetic flow. He has been a revelation in the spoken word scene since his emergence at the end of 2003, and has become well known for his ability to address everyday issues in an exciting, challenging, and uncompromising way, that is both is both inspirational and informative. Living true to the title of Spoken Word Activist, ShakaRa' work continues on & off the stage. He currently teaches at the Alkebu-Lan Accademy of Excellence (saturday School), and has been into many schools across the country, delivering workshops primarily aimed at inspiraing and motivating Black Young People. He is now 1/4th of the formidable spoken word collective Best Kept Secret, consisting of himself, AmeN NoiR, OneNess, & TuggS.T.A.R, all of whom have been his main influences & inspirations as a poet. ShakaRas poetic expression is rooted in Afrikan cultural forms and is wholly consistent with the community activism that has shaped his life.



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