Biography
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, Shaw launched her musical path in 1987 after successfully auditioning to serve as lead vocalist for the all-female ensemble Jahdeeda. The group remained active for two years prior to its dissolution. She transitioned to a solo path in 1989, issuing her first album, Praise His Majesty. Her professional standing solidified in 1990 upon the arrival of the single “Reggae Music Is The Music Of The King,” drawn from that same album. A promotional video for the track aired across multiple music-television outlets and generated worldwide recognition. That year she also appeared at the Bob Marley Day Festival in Long Beach, California; the strong reception prompted a petition requesting her return, which in turn secured further Jamaican bookings at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay and Reggae Ram Jam in Clarendon.
Recording sessions for her second album, Passing Through The Flames, commenced in 1994 under the guidance of Dwight Pinkney of Roots Radics. The Radics performed on the project, while Dean Fraser’s 809 band supplied the brass arrangements. During these sessions Shaw also collaborated with Johnny Ashley on the single “Inna My Life,” released through the HighTone collective. Stateside engagements included festival appearances in Utah, Oklahoma and California, with her sets at the Kansas City Reggae Summer Fest earning particular critical praise. Throughout the 1990s she sustained her profile by sharing bills with Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, Everton Blender, Cocoa Tea and Burning Spear, as well as with her artistic inspirations and friends Judy Mowatt and Sister Carol. In 1995 she began assembling a new compilation that blended lovers rock, dancehall and roots elements. The Sane Band and the Firehouse Crew supplied the instrumental backing, while Kulcha Knox, Power Man and the Hulk contributed vocal support.
Recording sessions for her second album, Passing Through The Flames, commenced in 1994 under the guidance of Dwight Pinkney of Roots Radics. The Radics performed on the project, while Dean Fraser’s 809 band supplied the brass arrangements. During these sessions Shaw also collaborated with Johnny Ashley on the single “Inna My Life,” released through the HighTone collective. Stateside engagements included festival appearances in Utah, Oklahoma and California, with her sets at the Kansas City Reggae Summer Fest earning particular critical praise. Throughout the 1990s she sustained her profile by sharing bills with Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, Everton Blender, Cocoa Tea and Burning Spear, as well as with her artistic inspirations and friends Judy Mowatt and Sister Carol. In 1995 she began assembling a new compilation that blended lovers rock, dancehall and roots elements. The Sane Band and the Firehouse Crew supplied the instrumental backing, while Kulcha Knox, Power Man and the Hulk contributed vocal support.
Singles