Savannah born-and-bred R&B and soul singer LaShonta’ Renée Freeman (Shonta’ Renée) is ready to sing out for her hometown. The Lowcountry vocalist fell in love with music at the age of five, singing along to Ella Fitzgerald and Anita Baker records; after getting her start in her church’s choir, Freeman began delving into songwriting, completing her first original tune at the young age of 10.
Freeman soon found that her musical skills went beyond writing vocals: as leader of her high school band’s saxophone section, Freeman discovered a deep appreciation of woodwinds and the art of collaboration. While she was getting the crowd pumped with her fellow band geeks, Freeman was also shining academically; in 2010, she attended Savannah State University on a full academic scholarship, graduating Cum Laude in 2014.
During her time in college, Freeman began to delve into her music career, and released a single, “Mocha Man,” in 2014. With sultry sax and percussive grooves, Freeman’s brisk vocals ease between breathy and bold, making for an infectious tune that nods to her early influences while being inherently modern.
Two singles, “Slow Down” and “Regretful” followed “Mocha Man,” with the former earning a place in Black and Sexy TV’s debut movie That Guy.
Freeman released an EP, Situationship, in April 2015.
Her Saturday performance takes place at Unity in the Community’s annual Multicultural Arts & Crafts Show. As a part of Black History Month, the show features local vendors, music, and plenty of entertainment all day.
Saturday, February 20, 3 p.m., all-ages
