David Shabani
Progressive hip-hop
Hip-Hop/Rap; R&B
Solo, Duo, Trio, 5-pc
“Through his ability to combine calypso-vibe beats with personal worldviews, Shabani creates life-focused hip-hop, courageous and steadfast. Topics such as social injustice, immigration, and travel flood the Paris-born artists’ lyrics over club-like rhythms, forging an empire both relatable and worth listening to.” —Austin Monthly
BIOGRAPHY
Born to Congolese parents in Paris, Shabani immigrated to Canada before launching alternative hip-hop artistry in Texas. His lyrics are unflinching and direct, exploring politics and social justice in a way that leaves audiences breathless. But with every song, Shabani comes back for air to remind us about love and hope for the 9-5ers, the immigrants, and the travelers reflecting on our place in the world. Influenced by Kid Cudi, Kaytranada, Lupe Fiasco, and Childish Gambino, Shabani identifies with the outsiders of hip-hop, but has his own way of blending personal lyrics and gripping stories with high-energy backbeats that work double time. The independent artist has established his presence in Austin with performances at iconic music venues and festivals including Antone’s, Empire Garage & Control Room, Native Hostel, Central Machine Works, The Far Out Lounge, So What Music Festival, South By Southwest, and ESPN X Games — sharing stages with Trinidad James, K CAMP, Mac Miller, Pretty Lights, and Kanye West. In 2020, “Sarcelles City” won best music video at the Lake Travis Film Festival.
Progressive hip-hop
Hip-Hop/Rap; R&B
Solo, Duo, Trio, 5-pc
“Through his ability to combine calypso-vibe beats with personal worldviews, Shabani creates life-focused hip-hop, courageous and steadfast. Topics such as social injustice, immigration, and travel flood the Paris-born artists’ lyrics over club-like rhythms, forging an empire both relatable and worth listening to.” —Austin Monthly
BIOGRAPHY
Born to Congolese parents in Paris, Shabani immigrated to Canada before launching alternative hip-hop artistry in Texas. His lyrics are unflinching and direct, exploring politics and social justice in a way that leaves audiences breathless. But with every song, Shabani comes back for air to remind us about love and hope for the 9-5ers, the immigrants, and the travelers reflecting on our place in the world. Influenced by Kid Cudi, Kaytranada, Lupe Fiasco, and Childish Gambino, Shabani identifies with the outsiders of hip-hop, but has his own way of blending personal lyrics and gripping stories with high-energy backbeats that work double time. The independent artist has established his presence in Austin with performances at iconic music venues and festivals including Antone’s, Empire Garage & Control Room, Native Hostel, Central Machine Works, The Far Out Lounge, So What Music Festival, South By Southwest, and ESPN X Games — sharing stages with Trinidad James, K CAMP, Mac Miller, Pretty Lights, and Kanye West. In 2020, “Sarcelles City” won best music video at the Lake Travis Film Festival.
Progressive hip-hop
Hip-Hop/Rap; R&B
Solo, Duo, Trio, 5-pc
“Through his ability to combine calypso-vibe beats with personal worldviews, Shabani creates life-focused hip-hop, courageous and steadfast. Topics such as social injustice, immigration, and travel flood the Paris-born artists’ lyrics over club-like rhythms, forging an empire both relatable and worth listening to.” —Austin Monthly
BIOGRAPHY
Born to Congolese parents in Paris, Shabani immigrated to Canada before launching alternative hip-hop artistry in Texas. His lyrics are unflinching and direct, exploring politics and social justice in a way that leaves audiences breathless. But with every song, Shabani comes back for air to remind us about love and hope for the 9-5ers, the immigrants, and the travelers reflecting on our place in the world. Influenced by Kid Cudi, Kaytranada, Lupe Fiasco, and Childish Gambino, Shabani identifies with the outsiders of hip-hop, but has his own way of blending personal lyrics and gripping stories with high-energy backbeats that work double time. The independent artist has established his presence in Austin with performances at iconic music venues and festivals including Antone’s, Empire Garage & Control Room, Native Hostel, Central Machine Works, The Far Out Lounge, So What Music Festival, South By Southwest, and ESPN X Games — sharing stages with Trinidad James, K CAMP, Mac Miller, Pretty Lights, and Kanye West. In 2020, “Sarcelles City” won best music video at the Lake Travis Film Festival.