01Profile
A Shakira Alleyne Photo
Shakira Alleyne
Musician — London
03Interview
Photo by Adama Jalloh
Name, where are you from?
Shakira Alleyne, London.
Describe your style in three words?
Fluid, minimal, me.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Bombay Bicycle Club at Reading Festival in 2011. That was amazing. I hadn’t really experienced live music before Reading, I was more used to sound systems at Carnival kind of vibes, so this is definitely a stand out memory. Particularly when they played 'Always Like This' and everyone was singing along, you could feel them feeding off of the crowd’s energy.
If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Lykke Li and Little Simz because they’re both incredible artists who have an amazingly authentic and unapologetic stage presence.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I would say growing up black and working class in London is the biggest part of who I am. I was definitely influenced by UK Rap and then Grime when I was younger, which is what made me start writing. I started uploading freestyles on MySpace in year eight, I wish I could find them. I also had a grunge phase that still lives within me.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would love to cook for Maya Angelou.
Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I had my first post lockdown performance at The Jazz Cafe and the layout created the perfect intimate space to share my thoughts. My favourite part is the balcony, which meant I could see people from every angle connecting with my music.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Tracy Chapman, without a doubt.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Fly Away' by Lenny Kravitz. I heard this on an advert when I was three and instantly loved it. My mum took me to Our Price to buy the CD. I remember it like it was yesterday, obsessed.
A song that defines the teenage you?
Early teens - 'Cry' by Swiss.
Later teens - 'Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But…' by Arctic Monkeys.
One record you would keep forever?
'Flaws' by Bombay Bicycle Club. This is such a beautiful record. I think what put's this album above others for me are the memories that I have attached to it. Mostly peaceful, sometimes sad and always reflective.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice
I say the darker the flesh then the deeper the roots”
From 'Keep Ya Head Up' by 2pac.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'All Night Long' by Mary Jane Girls. I'll dance to this anywhere.
A song you wished you had written?
'Baby' by Warpaint.
Best song to turn up loud?
This one depends on the day, today it's 'Beautiful Lady' by Gyptian.
A song people wouldn't expect you to like?
'Snake Ice' by jonatan leandoer96.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Precious Memories' by Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Second Friday' by Pedro Retro.
'When Will We Know' by Elliot Skinner.
'This Is Like Everything' by Keeper E.
'Joy' by Yv Shells.
03Interview
Photo by Adama Jalloh
Name, where are you from?
Shakira Alleyne, London.
Describe your style in three words?
Fluid, minimal, me.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Bombay Bicycle Club at Reading Festival in 2011. That was amazing. I hadn’t really experienced live music before Reading, I was more used to sound systems at Carnival kind of vibes, so this is definitely a stand out memory. Particularly when they played 'Always Like This' and everyone was singing along, you could feel them feeding off of the crowd’s energy.
If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Lykke Li and Little Simz because they’re both incredible artists who have an amazingly authentic and unapologetic stage presence.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
I would say growing up black and working class in London is the biggest part of who I am. I was definitely influenced by UK Rap and then Grime when I was younger, which is what made me start writing. I started uploading freestyles on MySpace in year eight, I wish I could find them. I also had a grunge phase that still lives within me.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would love to cook for Maya Angelou.
Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I had my first post lockdown performance at The Jazz Cafe and the layout created the perfect intimate space to share my thoughts. My favourite part is the balcony, which meant I could see people from every angle connecting with my music.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Tracy Chapman, without a doubt.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'Fly Away' by Lenny Kravitz. I heard this on an advert when I was three and instantly loved it. My mum took me to Our Price to buy the CD. I remember it like it was yesterday, obsessed.
A song that defines the teenage you?
Early teens - 'Cry' by Swiss.
Later teens - 'Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But…' by Arctic Monkeys.
One record you would keep forever?
'Flaws' by Bombay Bicycle Club. This is such a beautiful record. I think what put's this album above others for me are the memories that I have attached to it. Mostly peaceful, sometimes sad and always reflective.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice
I say the darker the flesh then the deeper the roots”
From 'Keep Ya Head Up' by 2pac.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'All Night Long' by Mary Jane Girls. I'll dance to this anywhere.
A song you wished you had written?
'Baby' by Warpaint.
Best song to turn up loud?
This one depends on the day, today it's 'Beautiful Lady' by Gyptian.
A song people wouldn't expect you to like?
'Snake Ice' by jonatan leandoer96.
Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Precious Memories' by Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Second Friday' by Pedro Retro.
'When Will We Know' by Elliot Skinner.
'This Is Like Everything' by Keeper E.
'Joy' by Yv Shells.