Shaakirah

My mom likes to say that I came out of the womb singing, and I have no choice but to believe her because I genuinely do not remember a time in my life without music. My earliest memories are of me singing, whether at a local talent show or in my family bathroom for what felt like eight million hours to my siblings. Growing up, acting, singing, and writing all went hand in hand for me. I would write plays and musicals and drag my mom to our living room so she could watch me perform them. Performing has always been a part of my life. There was no defining moment in my life that told me, “I have to do this”—I just always knew that I had to because I love it. Art brings me joy like nothing else in this world.

Recent acting credits include Jonetta (The Girls of Summer), Gabby (Pittsburgh Free Press), Leontes (The Winter’s Tale), Florence (Poof!), and Minnie in the film Brainstorming, which I also co-wrote. Currently, I am writing two new stage plays titled "For the Record, I'm Not Here" and "Fish Out of Water". I also release original music under my middle name YASMINA and am gearing up for a new music release in 2026. You can find me on all streaming platforms and performing around venues in the city!