Shovell
Master percussionist, Shovell, is best known as part of the internationally renowned and multi-platinum selling group M-People.
With diverse musical influences encompassing everything from garage and hip-hop through to a variety of world music, Shovell continues to perform solo gigs on percussion. Using a phenomenal combination of part spontaneous and part planned, he jams alongside a DJ while they spin the tracks.
In addition to his M-People fame, Shovell has performed live and recorded with a diverse range of artists including Primal Scream, Jamiroquai, Sting, Death in Vegas, Jocelyn Brown, Atomic Kitten, The Beloved, Boy George, Kenny Thomas, Roots Manuva, The Sandals, Chicane, Hear’say, Nightmares on Wax, Budnubac, Reel People, The Chemical Brothers and the Manic Street Preachers.
2004 saw his first solo vocal release 'Bulo' on US label, Soulfuric Records. In the same year, Shovell undertook a new band project 'Ghetto Star’ – which saw a welcome return to his pop roots – their debut single 'Long Black Limousine' was released in November 2004 and was a massive dance floor hit.
During his time performing in clubland, Shovell has played alongside many DJ legends including – Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong, Danny Rampling, Joey Negro, Jazzy B, Phil Asher, Kenny dope, Trevor Nelson, Boy George, Tony Humphries, Norman Jay, Jeremy Healy and Graham Park. He is also the featured percussionist for 'Defected in the House' at Pacha.
Many observers delight in Shovell’s media Savoir-faire, which to date has seen him guesting on radio and tv specials, including C4s ‘The Big Breakfast’ and co-presenting ‘Forty five Minutes’ for BBC Choice and the last series of ‘Record Breakers’ for BBC1. He even had his own series on ITV 2 network for 6 months – ‘The Mix’. Shovel also made it into the ‘Guiness Book of World Records’, breaking a record in mass percussion, leading a large ensemble consisting of 493 child percussionists at the BBC TV Centre in White City.
Shovell’s media interests have, however, never allowed his love for percussion to fade; the UK magazine, Rhythm, listed Shovell in a close 2nd place to fellow Lp player, Evelyn Glennie, in its ‘Best Live Percussionist’ reader's poll. It’s not surprising that Shovell is a familiar veteran of the Brit Awards and his numerous performances have been enjoyed not only in Britain but in fact around the world.
Shovell's tumultuous school days, and his ability to turn things around form his base philosophy: “young people should be helped and encouraged to reach their goals, by raising their self-esteem at the given time” has made him an inspiration to many teenagers - he frequently holds percussion workshops at the charitys; Centerpoint (homeless charity) and Kick it out (anti racism in football). Additionally, along with Jazzy B of 'Soul 2 Soul', Shovell is patron of a music charity: Midi Music Company, which is based in Deptford, where Shovell originates from. "It helps anyone in the local area – and beyond – to access knowledge in all music genres"
“Watching Shovell’s spell binding performance of combined passion and unrivalled expertise on percussion, is one of the most inspiring musical experiences I’ve ever had….”