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“Quite simply, one of the best British jazz vocalists of this generation”
-BBC Radio
A warm, engaging and soulful performer, Shireen Francis has developed her own unique blend of jazz with flavours of gospel, blues, calypso and reggae. Performing with some of the country’s top jazz musicians, the combination of Shireen’s stunning expressive voice coupled with her innate musicianship has delighted audiences all around the world.
Born in London of Jamaican and Goan heritage, Shireen initially learned her craft in Afro-Caribbean music. However, inspired by artists such as Marlena Shaw, Dianne Reeves and Carmen Lundy, she soon moved into jazz singing and writing her own material.
During her 25-year career, Shireen has performed at top international venues and festivals, including Ronnie Scott’s, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, 606 Club and Pizza Express Dean Street. She has performed with acclaimed artists such as John Etheridge, Jim Mullen, Benny Green, Humphrey Lyttleton, Mark Murphy, Anita Wardell and Billy Ocean.
Shireen is also an inspirational and intuitive teacher who runs her own courses and workshops. With many years of jazz performance and teaching experience behind her, she guides and nurtures her students in the art of “singing in the moment”, enabling creativity and enhancing performance.