Shingai Shoniwa (pronounced Shing-eee) born in 1981, of English and Zimbabwean descent is the vocalist and bassist for the UK indie rock band Noisettes. Her first name, Shingai means perseverance in the Southern African Shona language.
Shingai Shoniwa performed briefly in a band called Sonarfly with other Noisettes member and songwriting partner and Noisettes guitarist Dan Smith. Shoniwa grew up in a South London public-housing estate and the experience, Shoniwa says, absolutely informs her music. Wanting to escape from reality can inspire the greatest and most trivial creative natures in people, and I think escapism is something that connects all of us. Everybody has their own little soundtrack, and I guess Im trying to make my own soundtrack to my escape plan. I want people to realize that theres so much more. Shingai first wanted to be an actress, and for a while joined the Lost Vagueness crew as a burlesque performer and co-creator of the now legendary Golden Egg Routine. She studied circus skills at a London youth club as a teenager.
Shoniwa Joined Amnesty's Make Some Noise and appeared in an Instant Karma! video singing John Lennon's song, Imagine to help stop the violence..
Shoniwa will make an appearance on Annie Lennox's new album, "Songs Of Mass Destruction" on the track Sing. The track, about the fight against HIV Aids, will include 22 other renowned female artists such as Madonna, Melissa Etheridge, Gladys Knight. and Celine Dion
Shingai Shoniwa has provided backing vocals for different indie rock, electronic, and punk rock artists including, Guillemots with their song "Made Up Love Song #43" and "Over the Stairs".
Shingai Shoniwa, along with Patti Smith and Juliette Lewis will help celebrate Jack Daniel's birthday in Lynchburg, Tennessee on October 13th. The three will be joined by The New Silver Cornet Band for the show which takes place at the company's distillery. The show is part of the 157th birthday celebrations for Jack Daniel, who was born sometime in September 1850. The Birthday JD Set will be open to specially invited guests and competition winners only.