..audioGalaxy.com "A self-taught musician and dancer out of Canada who plays in a style you've never heard before. This native of the AsantTribe in Ghana, West Africa has entertained audiences with some of the biggest names to come out of Canada, like the Bare Naked Ladies and Celine Dion.
In 1984, Jon-E & his brother, Eugene, released their first single, entitled: "SHAKE YOUR PANTS", on Sizzle Records. It hit "Top 40", in Montreal & Mexico!! (Awesome tune...). Then came the inspiring, New Millenium Release, by THE JON-E-SHAKKA-PROJECT: "U-REAP-WHAT-U-SOW-2", on soulcandy PRODUCTIONS, with another C.D. Release in August, 2002: "JON-E-SHAKKA'S SHOW TUNES", a mesmerizing compilation of Instrumental Tracks!! Jon-E has been writing lyrics & composing music since 1972, totalling over 200 original, unreleased songs!! His original Music is used in all of his Shows & Dance Classes, resulting in a totally UNIQUE & INNOVATIVE style!African-influenced, eclectic, funk-rock-hip-hop, mixed with 70's, 80's, 90's & 21st Century RHYTHMS, SONGS & VOCALIZATIONS, best describes Jon-E's Music!!
JON-E-SHAKKA, a natural-born Artist of many disciplines, began his dancing
debut in 1974, when he joined "THE ELECTRIFYING SHAKKA DANCERS" (A Family
Act), winning many Dance Awards & appearing regularly on a variety of TV
Shows, including the role as "Lead Dancer" on "FEEL LIKE DANCIN'" (CFCF-12,
Montreal). Jon-E continued dancing with his brother, Eugene & formed the
well-known act: "THE SHAKKA BROTHERS", who performed at a multitude of
venues in Montreal.
Jon-E has performed DANCE SOLOS alongside many famous Artists, including:
Réné Simard (Montreal, 1978), The Village People (Montreal, 1980), Céline
Dion (Québec City, 1984), Gowan & Ian Thomas (Québec City, 1984), Alanis
Morisette (Ottawa, 1985), ICE-T (Ottawa, 1989) and The Bare-Naked Ladies
(Thunder Bay, Ontario; 1997), to name just a few!
Audiences attending various FESTIVALS & EVENTS have all enjoyed Jon-E's
"electrifying" Performances, such as: CKCU Busker Festival (Ottawa, 1995),
Canada Day Celebrations (NCC, Ottawa; 1996-1999), Carnival of Cultures
(Ottawa, 1999-2001), CHEO'S Teddy Bear Picnic (Ottawa, 1994-present),
Central Canada Exhibition (Ottawa, 1999, 2002), The Ottawa Fringe Festival
(Ottawa, 2002), etc.
Not only does Jon-E-Shakka CHOREOGRAPH all his Dance Classes & Performances,
he has also been involved in choreographing the following: "Times of our
Life" Soap Opera (CFCF-12, Montreal; 1984), the main Dance Routine of 150
International Boy Scouts at the Scouts Canada Jamboree (Thunder Bay, 1997)
and assisting with the GOLD MEDAL winning Choreography of past Junior Men's
Figure Skating Champion, Fedor Andreev (1998-1999)!!
SPORTS EVENTS are also one of Jon-E's Performance Venues. Many people
recognize him as one of the most Entertaining Highlights at Ottawa Senators'
Hockey Games (1996-2002), Ottawa 67's Hockey Games (2002) & Ottawa Lynx
Baseball Games (2000)!
Jon-E has won SECOND RIZE, at the Internationally Televised, "Dance Fever"
Competition (California, U.S.A.; 1981) & a GOLD MEDAL at the "Footloose
Dance Competition" (Ottawa, 1996)! He was chosen to represent TEAM CANADA at
the "2000 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS" (Los Angeles,
California; U.S.A.).
As DANCE INSTRUCTOR, Jon-E has taught thousands of Children & Adults (in
Montreal & Ottawa), his own unique Dance Style: "DAZZ", which is an eclectic
blend of: Afro-Rhythm, 'Savage Jazz', Street-Dancing, Break-Dancing, Mime &
Robotics. Jon-E teaches for Schools in the Ottawa-Carleton District School
Board, Ottawa-Carleton Catholic Schoolm Board, Nepean Skating Club &
Community Centres. He has also taught at the following: R.A. Centre Summer
Camps (2001-2002), Minto Skating Club (1998-1999), Cyrville Community Centre
& the Ottawa Athletic Club!
Not only is Jon-E-Shakka a world-class Professional Dancer, Choreographer &
Dance Instructor, he is also a very talented COMPOSER, with two CD releases
on the market.
A Media Kit is available, containing: Press Kit, References Artist Bio. &
Promotional VHS Tape, for serious Business Inquiries only!
Jon-E has performed dance solos alongside many famous Artists, including:
Réné Simard (Montreal, 1978)
The Village People (Montreal, 1980)
Céline Dion (Québec City, 1984)
Gowan & Ian Thomas (Québec City, 1984)
Alanis Morisette (Ottawa, 1985)
ICE-T (Ottawa, 1989)
The Bare-Naked Ladies (Thunder Bay, Ontario; 1997), to name just a few!
Audiences attending various FESTIVALS & EVENTS have all enjoyed Jon-E's
"electrifying" Performances, such as:
CKCU Busker Festival (Ottawa, 1995)
Canada Day Celebrations (NCC, Ottawa; 1996-1999)
Carnival of Cultures (Ottawa, 1999-2001)
CHEO'S Teddy Bear Picnic (Ottawa, 1994-present)
Central Canada Exhibition (Ottawa, 1999, 2002)
The Ottawa Fringe Festival (Ottawa, 2002)
Not only does Jon-E-Shakka choreograph all his Dance Classes & Performances,
he has also been involved in choreographing the following:
"Times of our Life" Soap Opera (CFCF-12, Montreal; 1984)
Scouts Canada Jamboree - main dance (Thunder Bay, 1997)
GOLD MEDAL winning Choreography of past Junior Men's Figure Skating
Champion, Fedor Andreev (1998-1999)
SPORTS EVENTS are also one of Jon-E's Performance Venues. Many people
recognize him as one of the most Entertaining Highlights at
Ottawa Senators' Hockey Games (1996-2002),
Ottawa 67's Hockey Games (2002)
Ottawa Lynx Baseball Games (2000)
Jon-E has won
SECOND PRIZE,
at the Internationally Televised, "Dance Fever" Competition (California,
U.S.A.; 1981)
GOLD MEDAL
at the "Footloose Dance Competition
