Today we’d like to introduce you to Shonnie Murrel.
Known by her stage name “Shonnie” Murrell, LaShonda Antrionette Harris was born on July 19 in Jonesboro, Louisiana and raised in Houston, Texas. She has been singing and playing instruments since the age of 3.
Shonnie graduated from Sharpstown High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Grambling State University. Shonnie can contribute her showmanship on percussion to her years she spent marching in the Grambling State World Famed Tiger Marching band. She also held the highest position in the band as “Master Drill Sgt.” and was one of the main reality personalities on the hit BET show, “Season of the Tiger”. From this she landed a spot on 106 and Park, BET Awards and other television appearances.
The Shonnie Murrell Experience, which she names when performing with her full rhythm section and band, loves to give her fans the greatest performance on earth. Shonniebelieves that her energy and engaging the audience are two key elements that are important to accomplish this feat! She is most of the time compared to Sheila E., Erykah Badu, and Missy Elliot because of her ability to mix her sound, lyrical and visual poetry all together. Some notables that Shonnie has performed with or opened for include: Most recent, National Anthem Singer for Pelicans vs Thunder April 1st, Cameo Real Housewives of of Atlanta, Opening act for LEELA JAMES, MAJOR., RICK ROSS, LIL WAYNE, SNOOP DOGG, LETOYA LUCKETT, TOM BROWN, FRANK MCCOMB AND the late great Al Jarreau, to name a few. Her performances have taken her from LA to NY over her short career before landing her back into Houston to help Title1 schools upstart their music programs with her partnership with Microsoft. From this, her new reality show pilot was birthed and is currently on the tables of some major networks.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My art is singing, playing percussion, drums, dancing and doing it all in high heels lol! I know that I have inspired our youth in many ways by not only being an entertainer but being an educator/motivational speaker around the United States. Playing drums is very healing for me and as I am teaching not only kids but adults as well that it helps with the following: Relieves Depression, enhances well-being, boots cardio, increases energy, improves circulation, burns calories of course lol, neutralizes stress and it definitely lowers blood pressure.
My message is that you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you! So, no matter what it is that you want to be, no matter how old you are, no matter what your haters say, baby you can do it!!
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
The biggest challenge facing artists today is making sure that you protect yourself when it comes to booking contracts, managers, having real friends around you, having a great team and making sure that you know what it coming in and out financially.
Another challenge is that these major music companies put money behind the most untalented artists with gimmicks now whether it’s the look, clothes, etc… My list can continue for days lol! Don’t get me started!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
People can see my work on all social media networks, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Youku.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ShonnieMurrellLive
- Facebook: ShonnieMurrell
- Twitter: ShonnieMurrell
Image Credit:
@rawimagestudio
@jraphaelphotos
@full_of_purpose
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