Is it funky? Is it soulful? Don’t overcomplicate it. Just do the damn thing! That’s the no-nonsense philosophy of The Soul Motivators, purveyors of retro funk. They’re a nine-piece, three horn-deep funk explosion comprised of Toronto R&B scene veterans, anchored by the rough, powerful, tough and soulful voice of Shahi Teruko. It’s straight-up funk, pure and simple. The band motivates you to check all the ’70s soul boxes – Tower of Power horn blasts, Curtis Mayfield Superfly-esque wah wah guitar, Hammond organ flourishes, and Philly soul style percussion; it’s all there brought to you by a real-life timeless funkified time machine. Every once in a while the band kicks into an instrumental groove, like their tune “Savalas” steeped in that ’70s cop show vibe. The Soul Motivators will make you dance, but they’ll also make you think. The band weaves spiritual, political and social ideas into their songs, as evidenced by a poignant tribute to single moms, “Modern Superwoman” penned by Teruko. She calls it “an anthem for women out there raising families on their own, living life on their own terms without excuses.” The Soul Motivators are shaking it up on their records, including 2023’s Do It Together, and at festivals across the country. Who loves ya baby!?
Biography by Eric Rosenbaum