Reequal and Kashimana
Charlottetown, PEI + Saint Paul, MN
Kashimana is a mother, musician, vocalist, composer, producer and teaching artist with a rich soulful blues voice that soars through their original compositions. The name Kashimana means 'that's their heart' and you can hear Kashimana’s heart beating in the compelling sound of their music which is an exploration of Soul, R&B, Folk, Afro-funk and more. Kashimana often draws from her Nigerian heritage and experiences growing up in Nigeria and Kenya and living in the United States. Kashimana was the In Common Composer in Residence in 2019, a Cedar Commissioned Artist in 2019 (Phantom Cries) and a Northern Spark Festival Artist in 2018 (Applause Posse) and in 2019 (Soundscape of Stories). So far in 2021 Kashimana is also the co-creator of a MN Opera MNiature Opera (Don’t Tread on Me) with Khary Jackson, a contributing artist and composer to The Art of The Revolution Twin Cities Community Album (Mama) and a composer on a Sprig of That trio latest album ‘Eight Threads’ (The Only One).
Born and raised on the beautiful Bahama Islands of Nassau, New Providence, the hidden gem Reequal Smith is the Artistic Director and Founder of Oshun Dance Studios; focusing on bringing females together to feel empowered and venerated of all ethnicities through the art of dance. She has trained in ballet, jazz, modern contemp, african, aerial ballet and fire dancing. During her career she has performed in multiple shows in hotels and the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival for three years with local artists.
Prior to furthering her career in the arts she has always looked at education as a pivotal factor in her life; obtaining a BA in Marketing at The University of The Bahamas in her hometown.A Sopa alumni from Holland College, Reequal has continued her dancing career as an emerging independent artist, choreographer and educator in Charlottetown, PEI. Further taking part in Festivals and events such as; Diversecity Festival, Roma Festival, River Clyde Pageant and Stratford Fall Festival, Black Cultural Society of PEI; plus offers dance lessons in all styles of dance for adults and kids.
She continues to express her art by fusing cultural patterns together creating something beautiful and wishes to bring more excitement and diversity to the PEI Community. Continuously aiming for new heights Reequal follows these words by Francisco Gella “Dance because you love it, Dance because you live it, and Dance because you have nothing to lose andeverything to share".
