Lean In Closer

Shahidi is a black american artist originally from Minneapolis. A singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitarist, Shahidi’s music is informed by his culture and experiences as an African American man in Minnesota and by the songs and traditions he grew up within his Sufi household. Shahidi draws upon the therapeutic and spiritual qualities of music and he vocalizes raw emotions and deep reflections surrounding the lived experiences of Black men, Black youth, and Black fathers. Centering pain, love, grief, and hard truths that are at times spoken about but not always heard, Shahidi’s songwriting will elevate the vulnerabilities of Black men in the Twin Cities. This blend of soulful acoustic guitar melodies and collaborative, cross-diasporic storytelling will also musically map a journey toward unity across Black communities in the Twin Cities.