Biography

A native of Montclair, New Jersey, Shakera has been singing since age four. Influenced by her parents' love for jazz and soul music, Shakera began performing and singing at every opportunity.

“When I heard Aretha Franklin, Sarah Vaughan, Marvin Gaye, and other Soul, Jazz, and Funk music growing up, the sounds flowed through my veins. I knew singing and performing would be my future.”

Shakera moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University's Esther Boyer College of Music, where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Music-concentration Jazz Voice. While attending Temple, Shakera formed the Shakera Jones Quartet. Early performances consisted of mostly jazz standards with original arrangements.

During her studies for a Master's degree in Jazz Studies at the University of the Arts, Shakera began to focus on songwriting. Since then, she has developed a style all her own winning audiences with her sultry voice, impressive range, use of personal lyrics, groovy arrangements, and jazz/soul/hip-hop-influenced accompaniment.

Some of Shakera’s other influences include Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, and John Coltrane. But one of her favorites is Carmen McRae.

She notes, “I love how she vocally paints a story when she sings and does so effortlessly, I am inspired to do the same when I perform.”

Shakera has performed at many of the premier jazz venues in Philadelphia, festivals and received “The Jazz Vocalist Award” from the Clef Club of Philadelphia” Shakera rocked the stage in Indianapolis at the Chatterbox, Washington, D.C. at Twin's and in Dayton, Ohio where she held a residency at the 88 Club. This led to her invitation to perform at the Women in Jazz Festival.

Shakera has had the pleasure of performing with Philadelphia jazz greats who became mentors, including Mickey Roker, Sid Simmons, Orrin Evans, Tim Warfield, Byron Landham, Robert Bootsie Barnes, and Mike Boone. Shakera has performed and shared stages with The Last Poets, Eric Roberson, Def Poets: MReld, Sunni Anderson, Georgia Me, Black Ice, and Abyss. Her sound, talent, and poise are undeniable!