Shawan Rice is a soulful singer-songwriter originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who began her musical journey at just 13 years old. Raised in the quiet landscapes of Central Pennsylvania, she developed an eclectic musical style drawing from deep roots in Black American music, influenced by artists ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Erykah Badu. She began performing live in 2008 and continued playing locally throughout Pennsylvania while releasing music.

Rice eventually relocated to New Orleans, where she has called home for the past eight years as of 2024. In the vibrant music scene of New Orleans, she transitioned from local performances to busking, establishing herself as a captivating live performer. Her music blends blues, R&B, and folk elements, characterized by a distinctive raspy, expressive vocal quality that conveys emotional depth. Rice made her Jazz Fest debut, marking a significant milestone in her career as a rising artist in the contemporary soul music landscape.