The recipient of a Grammy Nomination an MTV Video Award, the 2005 Artist for a Better World Humanitarian Award, and the 2006 Spirit of Youth Award, Nadirah is a seasoned professional who has performed for thousands at such mega concert events as Lalapalooza, Womad and Woodstock II. In more intimate venues her voice and stage presence have been described as no less than captivating. A songwriter as well, Nadirahs song Purpose to Be was featured in the film At First Sight starring Val Kilmer, another, Break Away was featured in the film Dark Places. She collaborated with Speech and other producers on her debut CD Soul Power [Toshiba-EMI Japan], and penned all the songs on her two independently released CDs "Nadirah Songs", which can be purchased at (http://cdbaby.com/cd/nadirah), and "Obsessed with Peace", (http://cdbaby.com/cd/nadirah2).
Many people remember Nadirah Shakoor as the lead female vocalist of the ground breaking hip hop group Arrested Development which she joined in 1992 and remained with until the group disbanded in 1995. Others know her as the featured female vocalist in Jimmy Buffetts' Coral Reefer Band. Nadirahs career did not start there however. Raised in Los Angeles California she was one of the areas premiere session singers. Her credits include albums by Quincy Jones, Madonna, Angela Bofill, Phillip Bailey, Speech, Jody Watley, Jermaine Jackson, Ralph MacDonald, and Jimmy Buffett, just to name a few.
On October 14, 2008 released her 4th CD Jimmy Buffett fans (known as Parrot Heads) have eagerly awaited "Nod to the Storyteller" a CD honoring Mr Buffett, her employer for the last 14 years. Nadirah is covering several Buffett songs, most of them chosen by the Parrot Heads themselves. In addition the CD contains 2 Nadirah originals, 1 Eric Clapton song, 2 Mac McAnally songs and one by Art Neville. Also notable are 2 duets with Buffett and a guest appearance by the great slide guitarist Sonny Landreth and his band.
Nadirah collaborates with her long time friend, world renowned producer, Osunlade, in the House Music genre. Their songs Tree of Life, Pride, U Touched My Soul and Just A Breath Away are quickly becoming House classics. Several labels, DJs, and Producers have added them to compilations and the licenses are still pouring in. Their latest offering, Love Song, is a testament to uncompromising artists everywhere.
Accompanying Nadirah live is her phenomenal band, "Outside Art", 5 very talented musicians. Outside Art's sound is one reminiscent of Old School Soul flavored by hot dance beats and African rhythms. With socially and spiritually conscious lyrics, Nadirah firmly believes that Artists can and must use their talent to help change the world.
