About

About Shao Dow

Shao Dow (pronounced Sha-ow Dough) is an award-winning independent rapper, manga author, and occasional ninja. Known for rapping in both English and Japanese, his work fuses anime, gaming, martial arts, and music into a style that’s entirely his own.

He’s collaborated with icons like Sean Schemmel (the voice of Goku from Dragon Ball Z) and featured on the lead single from Tech N9ne’s Asin9ne album.

It’s no surprise he won the AIM Award for Hardest Working Artist. Alongside releasing music independently, he runs his own company, DiY Gang Entertainment, through which he publishes his original manga series, The Way of Shao Manga.

From Shaolin to Worldwide Stages

Before the music career took off, Shao trained in Shaolin Kung Fu with monks in China. That experience — along with self-teaching Japanese — shaped the drive, discipline, and creative independence that fuel his path today.

A Live Show Like No Other

Shao’s stage performances blend lyricism, anime protag energy, martial arts, and crowd connection into something unforgettable.

He’s performed across the UK, Europe, the US, and Asia, including major festivals like Reading & Leeds, and opened for artists such as Tech N9ne, Stormzy, KRS-One, R.A. The Rugged Man, 6LACK, and Skepta.

In 2022, he was nominated for Best Live Performer at the AIM Independent Music Awards.

Music in Games, TV and Anime-Inspired Series

His music isn’t limited to stages and albums — it’s also made its mark in TV, gaming, and online animation:

Collaborated on the viral One Jump Man vs Shaggy Ball Z series with Mashed (1M+ views in 10 days)
Wrote the song for a God of War-inspired animation (over 10M views), later used in an official Sony Santa Monica/Playstation anniversary video
Music featured in Amazon Prime’s All or Nothing: Arsenal documentary
Created ‘Thunder Roll’ for Fortnite’s ‘Mega City’ season — featured in the trailer, lobby music, and an in-game emote

A Voice That Inspires

Beyond music, Shao is an inspirational speaker and advocate for independent artistry.
He’s spoken in UK Parliament on behalf of grassroots music venues, appeared on ITV’s Ninja Warrior UK, and regularly visits schools, colleges, and universities to inspire, educate, and entertain.

His Fire in the Booth freestyle with Charlie Sloth remains a standout moment, alongside airplay on BBC 1Xtra, Radio 1, Capital Xtra, and BBC 6 Music.

Independently Powered

In 2024, Shao successfully crowdfunded over £12,000 to launch the Genki Dama Tour, his first tour in Japan. The campaign was fully backed in just 30 days, thanks to the passionate global fanbase he’s built through music, manga, and mission.

The tour was then match-funded by the prestigious Music Export Growth Scheme from the UK's British Phonographic Industry (BPI), recognising his impact and international potential.

In 2025, Shao Dow continues his global expansion with more music, more shows, more manga — and more reasons to be proud you were here from early.

What others say about Shao Dow

"UK Rapper and Certified Anime Protagonist" Crunchy Roll

"Shao Dow approaches everything he does with the same tenacity and discipline: you wouldn’t bet against him" Red Bull Music

"One of the hardest workers I've ever met in this" Charlie Sloth

"A brilliant rapper with a wonderful flow" Tom Robinson (BBC 6Music)

"One of the hardest working MCs in the game out here" DJ Semtex (Capital Xtra)

"An incredible rap artist, he just grafts and I have so much respect for him" Alex Baker (Kerrang Radio)

Shao Dow Press Highlights

BOY used by Sony Santa Monica and Playstation as the soundtrack for their official 1 year anniversary video for God of War Ragnarök.
Thunder Roll used as official trailer, lobby and emote music for Fortnite by Epic Games.
Interviewed by Crunchy Roll for the official blog.
Interviewed by popular French Pop Culture online magazine FNAC.
Featured on 'Kickiter' the first single from Tech N9ne's new album.
Nominated for Best Live Performer at the AIM Awards 2022.
Won Hardest Working Artist at the AIM Awards 2017.
Won Music Artist of the Year at the AME Awards 2017.
Appeared on Ninja Warrior UK.