Shemekia Copeland

“Shemekia Copeland is the greatest blues singer of her generation,” wrote The Washington Post. NPR Music added, “She has established herself as one of the top blues artists of our time.” And it’s no exaggeration – Shemekia creates blues that speaks to the soul of modern America: powerful, fearless, and filled with hope. Her voice can roar with righteous anger and soothe with tender vulnerability – a combination that gives chills.

Born in Harlem, the American vocalist launched her career in the late 1990s. Her debut album, Turn the Heat Up!, released by the legendary Alligator Records, immediately caught the attention of the blues world. Since then, Shemekia has released 12 critically acclaimed albums and earned eight Blues Music Awards. Her 2000 release, Wicked, featured a duet with her idol Ruth Brown and brought her three major awards.

Over the years, she has collaborated with icons like Carlos Santana and Dr. John, blending blues with soul, gospel, and Americana. In 2011, during the Chicago Blues Festival, she was symbolically crowned the new Queen of the Blues by Koko Taylor’s daughter – a fitting honor for an artist whose voice has become a defining force of her generation.

Albums like Outskirts of Love (2015), America’s Child (2018), Uncivil War (2020), and most recently Blame It on Eve (2023) have received widespread acclaim. The latter earned her three nominations at the 67th Grammy Awards, including Best Contemporary Blues Album – a testament to her enduring excellence.

On October 11, 2025, Shemekia Copeland will return to the legendary stage of Spodek Arena in Katowice for another unforgettable performance at Rawa Blues Festival. Her previous appearances at the festival left audiences in awe with their emotion, energy, and pure blues spirit. Now, she’s back – stronger than ever and ready to deliver one of the most anticipated shows of this year’s edition.