ArtistInfo

Safiya

A.k.a. Safiyah Basir

Born on the banks of the Huron in Ann Arbor, a place with a kinetic feeling and diverse character, Safi’s musical beginnings are traced to her early childhood. A member of the school choir since elementary school, she can proudly say, “I've been singing every since I could speak”. She performed her first solo in the 9th grade and earned a part in schools take of South Pacific, the musical. Safi’s shining moment came at a local talent show, at which she performed The Fugees “Killing Me Softly” with such passion and aptitude, she was nicknamed and called “SaFugee” by locals for years to come! In 1998’s EMU Talent Show, Safi sang for over 2000 people, winning an award, which solidified her dreams and inspired her further. Safi’s performance of the national anthem for the high school’s hockey team touched the hearts of many, her talent recognized and praised, she was asked to perform and sing not only for her own, but for local schools and sport teams time and time again. Safi’s professional recording career started at Detroit’s indie label, ARIS Records, in early 2000. There she made over 25 recordings, writing, singing her own songs, co-writing, and recording multiple back ground vocals for the labels’ other artists as well. One of such recordings had Safi’s voice on Soul Train, recorded for ARIS’s artist Emilee. For almost three years to come she would perform with the band Phluid Philosophy, with many concerts all over Michigan, as well as Philadelphia. In 2005, Safi moved to the city that never sleeps. There, in New York she became a host of a popular “open mic” night at a place called Gizzi’s. She would continue to host the night and perform to a loyal crowd of over 50 people, weekly for almost a year. She would later sing at the world’s famous BB Kings Blues Club, as a vocalist of an opening act for Musiq Soulchild. Her talent was praised by the drummer of the Black Eyed Peas, Keith Harris, among a few. Safi draws from such diverse influence as Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Grace Jones, and the divas of dance music, such as Barbara Tucker and Jocelyn Brown. Her broad spectrum of vocal genres includes Blues, Jazz, R&B, Soul, Rock and that diversity shines through her singing. With over 40 songs recorded, written and co-written, Safi is on her way of letting the audiences see her quadrilateral gift. “When I sing, it makes me feel very open because I'm letting who ever listens into a part of me and my life, I want to make sure that the audience feels my emotions… I feel free, I feel like I always have more to express and I could always sing more and better.” Safi’s singing is captivating, her style enchanting, and her delivery makes you say, “She’s got it!”

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