Shakila

Shakila (born May 3, 1962, Tehran) is a Persian vocalist and master of classical Persian music. She studied both Persian classical music, (from maestro Mahmoud Karimi) and western classical music. In 2005, Shakila was awarded by Persian Academy Awards International for her modern Classical Performances. Shakila does not make the lyrics or melody herself. She is the youngest child of her family. At age nine she was invited to a television show, which caught the attention of producers. Her family thought she was too young to sing professionally, so she focused on her studies. She studied music with Mahmoud Karimi from ages 15 to 18 before moving to the United States. After studying classical music, she released her first album, "Kami Baa Man Modaaraa Kon." She is heavily interested in poetry, and sings many of Rumi's poems.[1]