Canadian born Shamela Shah is one of Toronto’s performing artist, musician and writer. She released her album “Feelin Irie” in 1996, was a Juno award nominee in 1997 and placed number eight on Toronto’s Caribbean music chart in 1999. She kept her music alive through the years by performing in Toronto’s calypso competitions, showcasing spoken word at York University’s local radio station and playing the steel drums. She became a member of the Pakaraima Writers Group in January 2009 after holding the finalist position in the 2008 Poetry Competition held by Pakaraima with her poem entitled:

I am a Spider Too

 “I decided to carry on with writing as a way of keeping in touch with my roots and culture of the Caribbean. I also chose this way in hope of becoming an inspiring author to the younger generation so that they too can appreciate and learn from their roots as well as having the freedom to express themselves through the beautiful art form of writing. It is therapeutic, and it brings awareness….the pen is definitely mightier than the sword.

Although my family is from Trinidad, I strongly believe in the saying: All ah’ we is one.”

 E-mail: shamela_shah@rogers.com