Shota Shimizu
Shota first learned Gospel at a local music school in Osaka Japan, and started writing songs as he was introduced to Soul Music when he was still in early teens. Always with passion, Shota sings and delivers his emotion through his tender voice, sometimes with a twist on rap over a simple beat, proves he is a special talent for today’s global music scene.
In fall 2007, Shota received a standing ovation at the world famous Apollo Theater as he was making an worldwide debut on Amateur Night, and praised not only the audience, but by Amsterdam News, the voice of African American New Yorkers, being described that he is a rare talent found in a million. Followed by its outstanding media attention back home, Shota released his debut single “Home” from Sony Music in February 2008 and charted #5, the highest score the male teenager has ever recorded in Japanese music history.
On June 4th , 2008, Shota released his second single “Aishiteru”, a love song that portraits a life size adolescent relationship, and debuted #4 on the single chart. Shota also returned to NYC as he was invited and headlined for [Japan Day] at Central Park where 30,000+ New Yorkers enjoyed cultural experience including a full day of live performance.
Shota released his first album “Umbrella” on November 26th and charted #2. The album title, Umbrella suggests a shield that protects him from rain as his music saves him from sadness. Following the release, Shota performed at Apollo Theater for the second time as a special guest, and his name was displayed on the main marquee as it shone for James Brown, Marvin Gaye or Michael Jackson in its history.
After completing his first solo tour, Shota and Miliyah Kato, 20 year old young duo collaborated and released “LoveForever”. The duet became a smash hit and sold 2.3 million master ringtones, a Japanese substitution for online music download (ie. iTunes Store). On December 9, 2009, Shota released 5th single, “Kimiga Suki” and charted #1 on Full Length Master Ringtone (Chaku Uta Full).
On February 3, 2019, Shota released 6th single with Miliyah titled “Forever Love”, the robust power duo of the new generation, and repainted their previous smash hit record.
On March 3, 2010, Shota released his second album titled “Journey”, and charted #1 on the Weekly Album Chart. Following this chart success, Shota launched “Journey Tour 2010” and toured all over Japan.
In July, 2010, at his tour finale in Tokyo, Shota performed an all English love ballad with #1 US R&B crooner, JOE. The song was also released as a single and titled “Be With You”. It will also be released in America and available at iTunes Store as a title rack for his EP, "BE WITH YOU" due on February 15th, 2011.