Sunday Luminary: Shingai Elizabeth Maria Shoniwa is a British vocalist, bassist, model, and actress whose artistry burns with incandescent brilliance. Born in Lewisham, Southeast London, to Zimbabwean and Malawian parents, Shingai has never lost touch with her Southern African roots. Though born and bred far from the place she considers her home, Shoniwa has made a great effort to incorporate her Southern African heritage into her artistry. Whether it is including a familiar Malawian child’s game in her music or some of her eccentric fashions, Shoniwa is always bold as her name suggests and display her unique take on the music industry. 

Shoniwa is the front woman of the indie rock band the Noisettes. The Noisettes was formed by Shoniwa and Dan Smith in 2003 when they were students at the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. Drummer Jamie Morrison was recruited to join the duo. To date the band has released three studio albums and performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the world including Coachella music festival and Glastonbury Festival. The Noisettes have thus far released three albums and three EPs. Their second studio album ‘Wild Young Hearts’ has charted in over six territories around the world including the United Kingdom, the United States, Scotland and Switzerland. In the UK, the album was certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry and charted at number seven on the official UK albums chart.

As a solo artist, Shoniwa has released singles such as ‘Coming Home‘ which samples the music of revolutionary musician Thomas Mapfumo (who is also her uncle). Another earlier release from the multi-facetted musician is the song ‘Echoes Of You’, which is also accompanied by a lively music video.

Shoniwa launched her solo career with the release of her solo album “Too Bold” in 2020 which features singles such as ‘War Drums‘ and the title track ‘Too Bold’. The title song is also accompanied by an innovative and exciting music video showing Shoniwa’s creative spirit. She has performed music in various genres including rock, soul, blues, dance, electronic and Afro-beats. Apart from her work with the Noisettes, Shoniwa has found herself working with musicians from across the world including Annie Lennox, Winky D, Ace, Matthew Herbert, Babyshambles and many more.

Shingai Shoniwa’s striking, ethereal beauty has landed her a spot with one of the world’s leading modeling agencies, NEXT Model Management. But her talents don’t stop at music and fashion—Shoniwa has also made her mark on the film scene. In 2017, she delivered a memorable cameo in the Zimbabwean romantic comedy Cook Off, where she plays a mentor-like figure offering advice to one of the main characters, Tapiwa. Fittingly, one of her band Noisettes’ tracks also features on the film’s soundtrack.

Her cinematic journey has continued to blossom. Recently, Shingai announced her role in World of Osoro, an upcoming film written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Sheila Na’imah Nortley. Reflecting on the experience, she shared:

“I’m so grateful to have been part of World of Osoro, a story that follows Alesha on a perilous magical journey through space and time to see her first love again.”

Shingai also appeared in the critically acclaimed short film Another Day in Buenoseres, which enjoyed success across international film festival circuits. With each new role, Shingai continues to expand her creative expression, bringing a magnetic presence to every screen she graces.

Another outstanding attribute to Shoniwa is her bold sense of style; whether in a mini dress or bold printed outfit, her Afro or her hair styled like a beehive, bare foot on stage or wearing the most pointed high heels, Shoniwa is a trendsetter with her choice of dress again showing the depth of her creative spirit and the gallantry of her space here on earth.

Whether she is rocking with her band, performing as a solo artist, advocating for the representation of Africa in popular culture or showcasing her modeling prowess, she does it all by embodying one word: boldness. Shingai Shoniwa is an artist that Africa can take great pride in and has shown the importance of standing unapologetically in one’s authenticity.