About

Shenika Ofor is a native of Brooklyn, New York, and a first-generation American of West Indian descent. Lauded for her captivating presence and warmth, she has been a lead soloist at events including the Sphinx Conference, I.C.Y.O.L.A. Summer Music Concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall (Los Angeles, CA), and Kaprálová Festival (Ann Arbor, MI). Shenika performed the world premiere of Azerbaijani works in celebration of İmadeddin Nesimi’s 650th Anniversary. She is also a member of the renowned American Spiritual Ensemble and performed on their 25th Aniversary National Tour in 2020. Her international performance highlights include the Lisbon Summer Music Festival (Portugal), as well as solo work in Paris (France), London (United Kingdom), Toronto (Canada), and Bermuda. Mrs. Ofor is the recipient of awards, including the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Iowa District Encouragement Award (2024), Benjamin Matthews Voice Award (2022), NANM Marian Anderson Competition New York City District First Prize (2019), and George Shirley Voice Competition Awards (2017 and 2016).

Mrs. Ofor has a Graduate Certification in Vocology from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and is completing her Doctorate of Music in Voice with a minor in Music Education. She has a master’s degree in voice performance from Florida State University and served as a graduate instructor in the musical theatre department. She received her BM in Voice Performance with a Performing Arts Management minor at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

Shenika Ofor is an arts advocate who seeks to use music to catalyze positive change in her surrounding communities. As Head of Communications at The Lewis Prize for Music, she led the development and execution of strategic communications for a $20 million philanthropic initiative, supporting over 80 youth organizations across the United States and U.S. Territories. Mrs. Ofor was also the Road Manager at Indiana University's African American Arts Institute, where she worked with the executive director, Dr. Raymond Wise.

Through special projects such as Cooking and Opera, Shenika Ofor has collaborated with artists including Denyce Graves, uniting communities through music and food.