Shao Dow is an award winning rapper, manga author and occasional ninja.
After studying Shaolin Kung Fu with the monks whilst living in China, Shao Dow utilised the tenacity and determination he learnt from his martial arts training to independently forge his music career.
It’s little wonder Shao scooped the AIM Award for Hardest Working Artist – alongside his regular music releases, he has published a manga book series through his own company, DiY Gang Entertainment.
The London-born artist also appeared on ITV's Ninja Warrior UK and was invited into Parliament to speak on behalf of grassroots music venues across the country. He was nominated for ‘Best Live Performer’ at The AIM Independent Music Awards 2022.
Known to rap in both English and Japanese, Shao is hard to define as just a regular artist. He constantly blurs the lines between anime, gaming, martial arts and his own music and has worked with icons such as Sean Schemmel (the voice of Goku - Dragon Ball Z) and featured on the first single from Tech N9ne’s ‘Asin9ne’ album.
Alongside his regular releases, Shao Dow works on the soundtrack for the Shaggy Ball Z vs One Jump Man animated series with Mashed and Channel 4 – the 3rd episode achieved more than 1 million views on YouTube in 10 days. He created the music for a ‘God of War’ inspired animation (over 7 million views) that became the soundtrack for an official anniversary celebration video for the game’s sequel by Sony Santa Monica and PlayStation and his music was used during the ‘All or Nothing: Arsenal’ documentary about Arsenal FC by Amazon Prime Video.
Shao Dow wrote a bespoke track for Fortnite’s ‘Mega City’ season update. ‘Thunder Roll’ was used in the official trailer and is one of the main in-game lobby themes and an emote.
When it comes to performing live, Shao delivers an unforgettable stage show. Mixing skilful lyricism, infectious beats and Kung Fu, he creates an unparalleled live experience.
He has opened for Tech N9ne, R.A The Rugged Man, KRS-One, Stormzy, 6LACK, Skepta and more, has performed at Reading/Leeds festivals, MCM Comic Con and has toured across the UK, Europe, The USA and Asia.
A truly unique Fire in the Booth with Charlie Sloth is the jewel in the crown of a plethora of radio shows, including Radio 1, 1xtra, Capital Xtra and BBC 6 Music.
In 2024 he will go on tour in Japan for the first time.
Charlie Sloth
“One of the hardest workers I’ve ever met in this”
Red Bull Music
“Shao Dow approaches everything he does with the same tenacity and discipline: you wouldn’t bet against him.”
Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music)
“A brilliant rapper with a wonderful flow”
DJ Semtex (Capital Xtra)
“One of the hardest working MCs in the game out here”
Alex Baker (Kerrang Radio)
“An incredible rap artist, he just grafts and I have so much respect for him"
Crunchy Roll
"UK Rapper and Certified Anime Protagonist"
