Born and raised in the North-East side of Montreal’s ghetto, Shu was introduced to music at the age of 4. Already, the child wonder demonstrated an impressive auditive acuity. Grateful for his basic piano lessons, by the time he reached junior high school, the kid could touch any instrument and learn it on his own. His voice was first heard in his local church in the kids’ choir. His school requested his talent many times for recitals and for a Christmas song that was later heard over the radio. Shu played the piano for weddings and retirement homes. In Junior high, many of his classmates turned to him to learn their instrument for the school's music band. Music was a second nature. His love for music was later developed as he moved to a new suburban neighborhood and school.
The only thing to help him deal with racism was his music. Shu was in grade nine when his music teacher decided to make him the front man for the Christmas show. Hiding behind ever possible instrument in the room for the whole year, he was pushed to accept the challenge of the famous Beatles song “Let it beâ€. No one at his new school heard his voice before, but on that day, they were set to never forget it. Shu participated as a singer in every show the school organized and also to the recording of a souvenir album. Singing made Shu a school superstar. Every level of the school’s music class students valued his opinion and vision about on-stage performance. Shu managed to record his first duet song with only two takes while struggling with a cold. It was his first taste of professionalism and first trip to a recording studio.
The first of six siblings of a fundamental Christian family faced the dilemma that he could never be like Michael Jackson. His parent wouldn’t approve losing their son to secular music; Shu had to give up his ambition of an international career in music.
Instead, he did his thing, every time he held a mic. From rock to rn’b to gospel, Shu did it all. Although he rarely invited friends and family to his gigs, Shu loves to conquer new crowds. He was able to maintain a good status among local vocalists. His dynamic personality lifted crowds off their chairs and praising. A few hip hop/rnb and gospel bands were built along the way: Profile, 4Souls, Sky, etc. But that wasn't enough. Joining the Choir of the C.M.M. directed by Maestro St-Hilaire, gave him greater exposure on the local scene. Between 1994 and 2000, Shu directed three the church choirs, joined the Genuine Faith Choir to a trip to the GMWA (Gospel Music Workshop of America) in 1998, appeared on three local TV networks (talk show and morning shows) promoting gospel events, had a small DJ gig at his college radio, sang and stepped in local contests, organized events for local rappers and singers through the Music Club at Dawson College, got involved as back vocalist for local artists or album releases, and appeared in a few movies as an extra (John Q). Shu/4Souls was nominated for a Sound of Blackness award in 1997 and opened for Usher's first appearance in Montreal. Shu opened acts for artists like: James Hall, Marvin Sapp, and C.M.M. and many more local artists. Shu also sang in front of the mayor of our beloved city of Montreal, the Prime Ministers, deputies, art houses, local churches in Montreal, New York and Boston. Numerous prestigious and charitable events were lined up for countless positive reviews.
By the Year 2000, the dream took an awful turn. Shu decided then: it was time to go solo. The dilemma has never left him. Shu started to work on his career but had to walk away for 2 years. Touching the scene from time to time, what really set him back for more was his participation at a work related event. With guest judge and artist from the Canadian Idol TV show, finalist Audrey De Montigny, Shu finished at 2nd place of the competition. Shu also gave a try to the Montreal audition of Canadian Idol but wasn’t selected to the final round held in Toronto. Shu was among the 60 Montreal finalists to meet with the show celebrity judges. Although he was not selected, Shu was able to get a reality check on the few bugs to kill before reaching the top. 2005 was a good year for the heavyweight vocalist. Wrecking shows after shows with positive reviews, it was time for him to come to his senses and get into JAM vocal school for performing artists. With new techniques came new heights and, of course, higher expectations. Although still struggling with a few the ghosts from the past, the legend who once paved the way for underground performers was back to basics to make it all happen again!
