Unique Gifts of Expression
“Shani Tabia, an arising soul songstress blessing the world with her unique gifts of expression.”
Born and raised in Oakland, California, music and performing arts captured Shani’s heart at a young age, and she soon began performing in school talent shows, and oratorical festivals.
Singing was a personal source of comfort during Shani’s adolescence, and she would gravitate towards songs that reflected her deepest sentiments and personal experiences. (This is also when she first discovered the true meaning of SOUL music.) It was not long before Shani was translating her own pains and pleasures into power through songwriting.
Shani learned early that the gift of song, was a healing gift from The Most High, and she dedicated her talent throughout her teen years to the musical collective of various school and community choirs, as well as the worship team at her local church.
After providing background vocals for several Bay Area acts, Shani began performing locally as a solo artist under the name Shani D. in 2012.
She soon began singing her original “heart songs” at various Bay Area venues, including the 2013 & 2014 San Francisco and San Jose Juneteenth Festivals, where she was among the opening acts for vocal powerhouses Chrisette Michele; and Jazmine Sullivan.
In 2015, Shani ventured overseas, where she performed with several bands across southern China, and secured a two year residency as the lead vocalist of a Jazz/Funk/Soul band at the nightclub LAVO in Shenzhen, China. It was in China that Shani experienced a radical inner transformation which led her to embrace her given name, Shani Tabia, as an official stage name.
This Songstress adores and and is inspired by all genres of music, but has been most impacted by Gospel, and the classic “Motown Sound” of Old School Rhythm and Blues, Funk, and Soul.
Some have drawn similarities between Shani’s vocal stylings, and those of Jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, & Billie Holiday. However, Shani attributes her main artist inspiration to R&B giants such as Mary J. Blige, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Teedra Moses, Beyonce, Anita Baker, India.Arie, Stevie Wonder, and The Jackson 5.
When not sharing her heart and talent on the stage, Shani can be found somewhere tending to the hearts and minds of young people. With her degree in Social Work, she has dedicated her adult life to holding space for the various social, emotional, and behavioral needs of children across the globe. Shani is not only a singer, she is a Healer, Educator, Youth Advocate, Restorative Justice Practitioner, Student of Life, and Believer that Love is the great healing force of the world.
In 2018, needing to spread her wings, Shani decided to take a bite out of the ‘Big Apple’, and made the move to New York City to further develop her craft as an actor, and vocalist.
Shani strives to use her life, and “marvelous talents” to help heal, unite, and encourage the masses.
For booking & other inquiries, please contact: info@shanitabia.com