Biography

Robert Holifield, AKA Shaka Cumbuka, was born in the small town of Johnstown, Pa. with a love for music and performing. At the age of 3 he was singing center stage for the parishioner's at his father's church. By the age of 8 he began mastering the guitar. At 11 years, the bass guitar. By age 14 he had started his own band and made his first recording of Michael Jackson's "I'll Be There" after being featured at a Jazz/Rock ensemble. With the hope and dream of becoming a star he moved to Hollywood, Ca. He attended Fairfax high school and continued his drama and Music studies. It was there he got the starring role of Elvis in the drama "Bye Bye Birdie". After graduation he attended The Columbia School of Broadcasting, receiving his associates degree in cinematography and launching his acting & musical career. He did a variety of commercials and worked behind the scenes with such notables as George Clinton, Billy Preston, The Temptations and Barry White. These muscians instructed, inspired and helped shape his style of music today. Then the commercials led to roles in major movies and TV; "Starsky & Hutch: The Heavyweight", "Rocky II", "Sergeant Matlovich", and "Brewster's Millions". And, again working and being inspired with other notables, but within the film industry. However, after marrying his high school sweetheart and becoming a proud father of four, he had to put his acting career aside. But music, being his first love, persevered. Through the years of child rearing and beyond he continued singing, playing guitar & bass, composing songs and performing at various venues. He has a distinct Rhythm & Blues style even with his gospel material. His cover songs are done with finesse and perfection, sounding like the original artists. Robert now resides in "sleepy" Punta Gorda, Fl. and is ready to release one of his original singles, "Got A Lot Of Love".
- IMDb mini biography by: Frank Durant