Shirley Awan

Panacea Radio Presenter

Shirley Adrienne Awan is a Manchester-based singer-songwriter and jazz vocalist with a lifelong passion for soul, jazz and jazz-funk. Her love of soulful music began during her teenage years, spending countless evenings at Manchester's legendary Placemate 7 in the soul and jazz-funk room, where artists such as George Benson, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Cameo and Trevor Walters helped shape her musical tastes and continue to inspire her today.

Over the years, Shirley has enjoyed seeing many of her musical heroes perform live, including George Benson, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Odyssey—whom she has seen on four occasions—and Imagination. These experiences have further deepened her appreciation for the music and artists she now celebrates on air.

Shirley's performing career has been equally diverse. She appeared on ITV's Stars in Their Eyes, where host Matthew Kelly praised her vocal performance for its "purity of tone". She has performed with live bands at venues including Matt & Phred's, spent several years entertaining audiences at the Trafford Centre with her own band, appeared regularly on the Welsh jazz circuit, and taken to the stage in theatre productions across Wales. She is currently developing a Burt Bacharach tribute project while continuing to perform at community events, festivals and charity occasions, proudly supporting Moya Cole Hospice and local celebrations.

Alongside her musical career, Shirley has worked extensively in childcare, including running her own nursery. Her warm, bubbly and caring personality, together with her genuine love of connecting with people, shines through both on and off the stage.

Now joining Panacea Radio, Shirley is delighted to share the soul, jazz-funk and timeless grooves that have shaped her musical journey. She looks forward to connecting with listeners through the music she loves and bringing her warmth, passion and experience to every show.

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