SHAN AKO – Making Authentic Music, To Inspire, Teach And Learn

Broken glass, broken past,
Broken women breaking free
Shades of silver, feeling blue, feeling grey
Silence is golden, but speech empowers
Blurry reflection of self-respect in the mirror
Becomes a sharp vision of truth and power
From the prison of Silence emerges a Prisoner of Hope and a Smile,
Natural Woman with a glowing soul.

This past Friday February 22nd 2019, Croydon-based singer-songwriter Shan Ako released a debut single, titled Silence, co-written with her little sister singer and actress Amarra Smith, and Anna Krantz.

This songs stands out as an empowering song, dedicated to women, and inspired by Oprah Winfrey Golden Globes speech. Although its title focuses on the word silence, the track conveys a message to inspire women to break the silence, and stops hushing the truths that stops you from shining again and walking tall.

« What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have » – Oprah Winfrey

The one take video, filmed in black and white showcases an authentic Shan, and highlights the emotions in her vibrant voice when she open-heartedly starts singing:

« Though the past can’t  be undone, there are battles to be won
[…]
Finally, there’s a heroe
Standing back in the mirror
Telling me to be fearless »

An album must be in the coming for this year, after an amazing journey on the X Factor, and being on the set for a X Factor tour, taking currently place in London.

One of our favorite performance on the show was the one for Never Enough, as we saw the natural Shan from back in the days, authentic and real with the wrapped up hair. You could read the sincerity of her rendition right inside her eyes.

For the fans since Day One, it reminds of the time when she used to do these cover songs, vibing on her own, over some Alicia Keys’ In Common, or Lauryn Hill’s Ex Factor.

With that being said, her best performance is most definitely her rendition for Summertime, with a whole live orchestra. During this performance, you really could feel her confidence.

This can give an idea of what kinf of live experience to expect for the X Factor tour in London.

For those who’ve been supporting her since the beginning of her career, they might be surprised of her new stage name, from Shan Smile to Shan Ako. However, the identity remains the same.

The bright, humble and spiritual singer, 100% natural and always wearing a joyful yellow as her favorite color is still the same. She’s now a grown woman, whose mission statement is to inspire people to grow and glow.

Plus Ako is from her middle name,Akosua, from a Ghanian origin, and means Born on a Sunday, as well as To Teach and To Learn. 

That way, she assures her music will remain food for Soul.