“Some performers need the audience to listen long and carefully before anyone gets that there is something good going on. With Shameem you’d have to be locked in a lead-lined room to miss this lady’s sparkle. Her charisma and sheer energy on stage command attention and the listener is rewarded with a swinging, soulful sound – this is what jazz is all about.” – James Morrison, Australian jazz virtuoso

Shameem Taheri-Lee was born in Australia to a Chinese-Malaysian father and an Iranian mother. The diversity of her heritage has not only contributed to her exotic looks but has influenced her distinctive eclectic approach to music. Her unique fusion of 90s-esque R&B/ soul with 70s funk and a twist of jazz is imbued with personal and conscious lyrics. Think: Alicia Keys meets Sade in a jazz club, with a subtle edge of Michael Jackson.

In 2012, fresh off the release of her self-titled debut album, Shameem had a whirlwind performance schedule: supporting such artists as Ronan Keating and Belinda Carlisle before audiences in the thousands and undertaking a successful Australian headlining tour. Having been invited to perform at NXNE Festival 2012, Fuse Festival 2012 and WAMi Festival 2012, she is recently returned from a tour of Canada and the USA, which included performances at Canadian Music Festival.

Shameem’s album, already proven popular with community radio stations around Australia, is now taking off on USA college radio. Her song “Boy” made it to the finals of the Australian Songwriting Contest 2012, while she is currently a finalist in the Independent Music Awards for her song “Back to the Ground”. Meanwhile, her track “Turn It On”, recorded in collaboration with Tokyo-based producer Nick Wood, is enjoying growing popularity having been synced to a major TV advertising campaign in Western Australia. Shameem has also collaborated with Grammy-winning producer James Bryan (Nelly Furtado) and ARIA-charting house producer DJ Nick Galea. With her attention now turning towards her growing international audience, this is one exciting young artist to keep your eye on!

When Shameem sings she speaks directly to the hearts of her audience; her performance is enriched by a strong stage presence, bubbly nature and spiritual influences. Her voice is at once warm, soulful and expressive, and none can walk away without a tune replaying in their head. Shameem is passionate about uplifting and inspiring people to work for the betterment of the world through her music.

“… angelic yet powerful vocals… Shameem Taheri-Lee presents an album that will reach out and inspire her audience. With her naturally soulful voice and strong sense of spirituality, it will make you want to see a live performance to capture the full energy and charisma of this jazz artist.” – Drum Media

“Taheri-Lee’s songs had a deep, soulful resonance that captivated the audience, propelled by a strong rhythmic backing… The whole band worked in unison to create a rich tapestry of colour…” – FasterLouder

“Shameem’s vocal suppleness and song-writing talents were on display. Her melismatic improvisation and scatting shone as her tones varied between angelic and forceful. Shameem’s dynamic charisma was apparent to all while her band pulsated. The performance had all the reminiscence of Jacques Prevert, the R&B of Angie Stone, an Ella Fitzgerald treatment with the tightness of a Gil Evans score and the pace of The Brand New Heavies; unplugged and lashed with exuberance.” – Lady Lex, Scene Magazine