Simone Stacey

Simone Stacey
Born	Template:Birth year and age
Occupation(s)	Vocalist, songwriter
Years active	2001–2006, 2011–present
Known for	Member of pop duo Shakaya

Simone Angela Stacey (born November 1977) is an Australian vocalist and songwriter specializing in soul and jazz genres. In 2002, she co-established the pop duo Shakaya with Naomi Wenitong, remaining active together until 2006. After the duo went on hiatus, Wenitong created the hip-hop ensemble The Last Kinection, while Stacey stepped away from the music scene. She made a comeback in October 2011 by featuring on The Last Kinection's track "Are We There Yet?". In April 2013, Stacey participated in the battle rounds of The Voice Australia Season 2. At the Deadly Awards 2013, she earned nominations for both Single Release of the Year ("My Pledge") and Female Artist of the Year.

Biography

Born in November 1977, Simone Angela Stacey completed her education at Bowen State High School, Queensland, in 1994 before moving to Cairns, Queensland. In 1999, she enrolled at TAFE North's Cairns campus through a music program funded by ATSIC. Prior to pursuing her music career, she held various jobs including working in a deli.

2001–06: Shakaya

In August 2001, Stacey signed a recording contract with Sony Music Entertainment in Sydney alongside Naomi Wenitong, forming the pop duo Shakaya. Their debut single "Stop Calling Me," co-written with their manager and producer Reno Nicastro, was released in January 2002 and reached No. 5 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

Their self-titled first album came out on 5 October 2002 and also achieved a peak position of No. 5 on the ARIA Albums Chart. However, their follow-up album, Are You Ready (March 2006), did not enter the charts.

The duo disbanded in 2006 when Wenitong went on to form hip-hop group The Last Kinection. Following this, Stacey took a break from music until 2011, during which time she worked various jobs including disability support roles while continuing to write songs.

2011 to present: Return

Stacey returned to music in October 2011 by featuring on The Last Kinection's single "Are We There Yet?". In April 2013, she auditioned for The Voice Season 2, selecting Seal as her mentor. Her blind audition featured a rendition of Nat King Cole's "For Sentimental Reasons". She was eliminated during the Battle Round.

In May 2013, Stacey independently launched the single "My Pledge" under her own Diamond Dove label. The track reflects on her great-grandfather's involvement in blackbirding and emphasizes cultural respect. This release garnered nominations for Single Release of the Year and Female Artist of the Year at the Deadly Awards 2013.

In April 2015, Stacey reunited with Wenitong to record a charity single covering Inner Circle's "Black Roses" and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Long as I Can See the Light," with proceeds directed to assist victims of the Cairns child killings. As of January 2015, Stacey was employed as a child safety worker in Cairns.

Additionally, Stacey composed music for the Australian short film On Stage, which premiered at the Sydney Film Festival on 10 June 2015.

Singles

Year	Title
2011	"Are We There Yet?" (Simone Stacey featured on The Last Kinection track)
2013	"My Pledge"
2013	"For Sentimental Reasons"
2015	"Black Roses" / "Long as I Can See the Light" (Simone Stacey featured on Naomi Wenitong release)