SHINGAI

The meaning of Shingai: to be courageous & bold.

Shingai Elizabeth Maria Shoniwa, known professionally as Shingai is a Zimbabwean-British singer, songwriter and musician, best known as the vocalist and bassist for the UK indie rock band Noisettes.

She is currently doing a tour of her album Too bold where she describes it as

"The title track from my new album Too Bold is the message I want not only young black girls to carry with them, but anyone who has been told by society that they can’t achieve their goals while being their authentic selves: “Don’t let them tell you you’re too dark, don’t let them tell you you’re too smart, too large, too old, too much, too bold”. I made that song as a clarion call, relating not only to hair, but all the personal and global movements taking place in 2020. We’re at a moment in time where people are beginning to learn more about these incredible kings and queens, and respectable black African people who wore their natural hair in amazing ways – it’s just breaking into the mainstream.

Working with her on this project was one of my best experiences I have had as a photographer. Her personality shines across the room as she is very vocal, outspoken and confident. All of these are seen through her music and how she creates her work, her thought process and the meaning she puts behind every work she does.

Check out her Instagram to get to know her, her music and where her next tour will be https://www.instagram.com/shingai/