By Riley McCall, OMAH, Neb – A local musician is making waves in Omaha’s music scene, blending rhythm and blues with his own personal flair. DJ and music artist Shafeeq Coleman, who first gained national attention on season four of American Idol, is now hoping to make a break onto the national stage once again.
Shafeeq, who has been a staple in Omaha’s music community for over two decades, looks back at his time on American Idol as a valuable learning experience. “It was a tough scene on American Idol, being a part of that, but I’d say it was really pretty competitive,” Shafeeq reflected. He competed alongside 2005 winner Carrie Underwood, who has since won eight Grammy Awards.
Since his American Idol days, Shafeeq has continued to entertain, performing regularly at karaoke bars throughout the metro area and DJing for music bingo events. His passion for music, particularly R&B, is deeply rooted in his childhood, growing up in Chicago and being influenced by the soulful sounds of the genre.
“R&B has always been a huge part of my life, and I feel like it’s in everything I do, whether I’m DJing or writing my own songs,” Shafeeq said.
Brian Prososki, manager of Phoenix, a popular local venue near 120th and Blondo, praised Shafeeq’s dedication and his positive influence on the community. “We’re a locally owned company, and we support each other. Shafeeq’s got a ‘we’re all in this together’ attitude, and it’s great to work with someone like that,” Prososki said.
As Shafeeq continues to perform locally, he’s also working on his next album, which he describes as deeply personal. “My music is like therapy for me and hopefully for others, too,” he said. “When you sing a song or touch someone’s heart, you never know what they’re going through or what they’ve been through.”
With a passion for connecting with his audience, Shafeeq hopes his music can inspire and uplift, much like the song “God Bless the Broken Road” that he often performs.
In other music news, R&B artist Keith Sweat is set to perform at the Orpheum Theater on November 23rd, while Carrie Underwood has been announced as a new judge for American Idol 2025 on ABC.
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