Toronto Urban Music Festival 2009

At a time when much of the music we hear is devoid of integrity and merely entertains us, there is at least one emerging artist rooted in the good soil of conviction and passion. The soothing tone, reflective lyrics and fluid melodies of Halifax-bred, Toronto-based singer/songwriter Shobha could not have arrived on the music scene at a better time.

Born of Indian descent, her interest in musical "flavors" drew her to diverse sounds from Jamaica to the Bronx. Within her family, her father enjoyed writing poetry, directing plays and composing songs in many different languages native to India; her mother studied and taught Sanskrit, a sacred language rich in poetry, music and philosophy. This deep "world view" laid the groundwork for what would become her sound.

In 2007, Shobha sought to realize a debut album that captures the vision of who she is and who she will be and teamed up with the award-winning Toronto/L.A based production team jACK. Starting with a writing session in Los Angeles, the next few months would turn out to unlock moments of true magic.

11 Tracks, all written or co-written by Shobha, make up the debut "Work In Progress", named after an album track whose mix of R&B, Soul and Ska perfectly encapsulates her diversity. Says Shobha, "I originally wanted to name the record after a concept which would capture the essence of the whole project as opposed to naming it after a song. However, the song "Work in Progress" really seemed to sum up how I feel about myself and the music. The lyrics depict humility, hope and understanding."

Shobha is an artist of vision, truth and, as her name means, grace.

-Pop/Soul - Singer/Songwriter

-2008 Toronto Independent Music Award Winner (Best Urban)

-2008 National Canadian Radio Star Winner

-Toronto Exclusive Magazine Winner:

  Best R&B Soul song ("Always on Your Feet")

  Best R&B Soul female artist

  Best R&B Soul album

myspace.com/shobhamusic

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