Minami Shimoji

Minami Shimoji
Minami Shimoji
  • country:Japan
  • label:not signed
  • type:Band, Solo
  • gender:female
  • instrumentation:vocal, percussion, string, singer songwriter, guitar
  • artist posted by:Music from Miyakojima - Okinawa

Line up

  • Minami Shimoji (sanshin, sanba)

Born in Miyakojima, Minami has been singing local folk music since her childhood, influenced by her musician father. The first album of her group 'Pani Pani Girls', produced by Satoru Shimoji was released when she was 12 and sold 2,000 copies. The album explored the traditional festivals and performing arts of Miyakojima and was sung in local dialect. As a leader of the group, she appeared in local TV and radio programmes.

Minami started studying piano and the sanshin, three string banjo original from Okinawa. When she entered high school, Minami developed strong passion for the folk music of her roots and studied sanba, a percussion indigenous in Okinawa.
Today, she performs the sanba as a member of a group led by Satoru Shimoji. Also as a very popular solo musician, she is in high demand in Miyakojima. She regularly appears on TV and radio as commentator.
Minami is committed to introduce the music and culture of Miyakojima to the world.