Who is Verity
Verity is an artist with a difference - born in Zimbabwe & raised in South Africa, she has won The Catch A Rising Star talent search in Florida; been awarded a US working visa as an artist of outstanding ability; performed to capacity audiences in Nashville & New York; acted in several international films; is an accomplished inspirational speaker; established herself as a nationally acclaimed SA performer and been internationally recognized for innovation in the music industry.
Innovation In The Music Industry
Verity is nationally acclaimed for her innovative album project where she invited people to 'buy an album that didn't exist' on www.iamverity.com. Her business model has been applauded around the world for innovation and making a difference with 10.6% of every album sold was split between two charities – POWA & her Live Your Dreams Foundation. In a world first, Verity sold over 2000 copies in 25 countries before going into studio and was able pay over R30000 to the two charities. The album, named “Journey†by her fans, was recorded with award winning producers Paul McIver & Brian O'Shea and released in July 2008 having made South African music history.
Verity's story ultimated captured South Africa's heart & imagination and has been shared on Carte Blanche, Journey to the Core and The Power Within as an inspiring example of what is possible when we dare to follow a dream.
TV Documentary
Who Are "The Shades"
Verity & her band "TheShades" features top musos Tony Paco from Mozambique on drums, Nelson Malela from Congo on keyboards & Helder Gonzaga from Mozambique on bass. Their pop/rock music "ignites that 'umph', that 'hell ya!', that 'this is awesome!' feeling in people" and has a distinctive African flavour with universal appeal that gets audiences up and dancing with them at every show. This meeting of musicians from across the continent has resulted in a band, that while diverse in its influences, manages to deliver "pop rock songs with a flavour of Johnny Clegg strum guitar, Suvuka drumming & tamer version of a mix of Jewel & Shakira vocals.".
Performances
Verity & TheShades have performed at amongst others: Up The Creek; Levis Vintage Sundays; Kirstenbosch Winter Concerts; The Womens' Show; Artscape Theatre; V&A Waterfront; Standard Bank Rocking Future Road Show; 1st for Women Feather Awards; Coca Cola Artside of Life; SAB; Media 24 Awards; ABSA Stadium Durban.Media
They have been featured on: Journey to the Core - SABC3; Weekend Live - SABC2; Carte Blanche - MNET; Morning Live - SABC2; Power Within - SABC3; Luv Sport - MNET SuperSport; Hectic 99 - SABC2; Keeping it Real - SABC2; Showbiz Report - Etv and Top Billing - SABC3From huge pop/rock ballards like "Angel" (KFM, Highveld, Algoa) to rocking afro-pop songs "Take You Back", "Raise" and their latest offering "You You You", Verity &TheShades are a band set to take SA by storm.