Shanta is a Chicago based storyteller and musician who has been presenting storytelling programs since 1978. She established her reputation as a teller of African and African-American folktales who enhances her stories with music on a variety of instrume nts from Africa and other parts of the world. Shanta has told stories at the Festival of Black Storytelling, Berea (Kentucky), Chicago, New York, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Baltimore), the Exchange Place of the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough (Tennessee), The Las Vegas Storytelling Festival and Yukon International Storytelling Festival, Thoughout the year Shanta shares her storytelling and musical gifts to audiences of all ages at schools, libraries, museums, colleges, churches, hospitals, comm unity centers and prisons.
Over the years Shanta has expanded her repertoire to include women's stories, stories from many cultures, and spiritual tales. She has made two recordings of original stories and music - The Adventures of Shedoobee: Searching for the Good Life and Light W orker.
As a musician Shanta is currently co-leader of the women's band, SAMANA, which blends elements of creative and world music. In this ensemble Shanta playes sitar, bass, and a number of percussion instruments. Prior to S AMANA, Shanta was a key player in the band SOJOURNER, had groups under her name and studied with Phil Cohran, Muhal Richard Abrams and Pete Cosey.
Shanta has appeared on numerous radio and television shows, including an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1994. She has written stories for children and articles on women in music which were published in magazines such as Ebony Jr., Hot Wire, Cadence and Black Books Bulletin.
In business, Shanta is owner of Storywiz Records and sits on the board of directors of the Women's Self Employment Project.
