shanesa EARLY LIFE Shanesa was born in Glenfield Hospital, singer/songwriter/artist Leicester, 1996. Born with an enlarged heart, doctors kept her incubated until she was able to breath on her own. For most of her early life as a baby and toddler, she was on a huge amount of medication for various medical reasons. As Shanesa grew older, the health issues became less and less and soon she overcame them. As a child she was quite shy and was very much of a mummy’s girl. When comfortable with her surroundings, Shanesa was very lively and loved to show off in front of her dads video camera. Most of the time, outside of the house, she kept herself to herself, entertaining her mind with whatever was within her grasp. FAMILY Being within a family of 6 siblings, Shanesa had a strong, happy upbringing. “Even ​ though we didn’t have a lot of money, my Full Name: Shanesa Isa Ubando-Kiskis Marraffa dad always made sure we had what we ​ needed.” Her father is an Italian Market Age: 21 ​ ​ Trader, buying and selling vintage cameras DOB: 4th November, 1996 ​ and her mother is a filipina who works in a Born: Leicester, UK ​ ​ warehouse. Although her parents divorced when she was 12 and her mum moving to Wokingh am, she never felt disheartened or unloved. “My dad is a very strong, prideful man, he exceeded his role as a father and mother. Even though he was never really affectionate towards me and my sister, he would always show us he loved us with small gestures throughout my teenage ‘My Mind’ is soon to be released February years.” 2018. The sound is a mixture of chilled alternative R&B with groovy guitar hooks She has 1 full sister, 2 half sisters and 3 half and upbeat summer type feels. All beats are brothers and is the youngest of her family. produced and by writtenbylawaun. Vocals and lyrics are produced and written by Shanesa. MUSIC “I find that I am drawn towards underground Music introduced itself in her life when her artists more because they seem to have dad bought a yamaha keyboard. At the age their own individual, unique sound that no of 9, she taught herself how to play, one can imitate. It’s more inspirational to me spending a lot of time in her bedroom because the sound is authentic and not learning to coordinate both hands on the manipulated.” keys. Her first performance in front of a crowd was at a school showcase MUSICAL EDUCATION performance in year 7 at English Martyrs School. At 14, Shanesa came 1st in small At 16, Shanesa moved in with her Step-dad singing competition held in The Piccadilly and mum in Berkshire, where she studied Cinema. As the winner of ‘Sing Your Heart Music Performance for 2 years at Reading Out’, Shanesa won 2 years of performance College. work with Manager, Joanne Alexander. (Live performances at this college included: ​ Palmer Park - The Sun Inn - Reading College “Performing was something new to me and I Theatre) remember being so scared every time I went After finishing college, Shanesa had no on stage, Joanne believed in me from day intention of going to University until one of one and I thank her a huge amount for her tutors suggested LCCM where he had everything she did for me. I have a great connections and truly believed that she deal of love her and what she stands for.” should continue her music career. After a lot of convincing from himself and one audition Shanesas music influences are Sabrina later, she was accepted and went onto study Claudio, H.E.R, 6LACK, Jorja Smith, Mabel at London Centre of Contemporary Music, and Jhene Aiko. Her prefered style of music South London. is chilled R&B which for Shanesa, reverts (Live performances included: Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch - Amersham Arms, New Cross - The back to old skool R&B feels like Angie Stone, Bedford, Balham) Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Jagged Edge and Jill After completing only 1 year at LCCM, Scott. Shanesa has been working with a Shanesa went on to study at The Institute of talented up-and-coming producer from Contemporary Music Performance where BIMM University. The producer located her she is currently in her second year on the on soundcloud after hearing one of her BMus Degree course. songs and are now working on a 5-track EP displaying his talents as well as her voice. .