“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 talent for jazz sees her regularly in demand at the finest of jazz clubs and sophisticated music venues. However, her passion lies in creating songs infused with soul, R&B and groove. Her unique fusion of 90s-esque R&B with jazz, a love of acoustic instruments, her naturally soulful voice and sense for conscious lyrics is both refreshing and infectious. Shameem’s music is Australia’s answer to Alicia Keys.

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.

2010 has seen this motivated young artist promoting her recently released EP, “Universe for Afternoon Tea” in her home town of Perth, Australia. With tours planned across Australia and Asia over the coming months, she also has an opportunity in the pipeline to co-write with songwriters of major international pop and R&B artists in the UK.

Shameem’s track “Undertones” was nominated for the 2010 WA Music Industry Association (WAM) Song of the Year Awards in the urban category. Shameem recently completed a Bachelor of Music at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). In 2010 and 2009 she was selected as a finalist for the prestigious James Morrison “Generations in Jazz” Vocal Scholarship.