Rapper, manga author and occasional ninja — Shao Dow (Rhymes with “Now Dough”) makes music inspired by anime and gaming, but written for the soundtrack of life.

A fiercely independent artist, Shao creates powerful, genre-blending music built on infectious hooks and razor-sharp lyricism. Winner of the AIM Award for Hardest Working Artist, he has built an international following through relentless creativity, discipline, and DiY spirit.

The closest thing you'll ever meet to a real-life anime character, Shao travelled solo to China to train with monks in Shaolin Kung Fu, then taught himself Japanese. He now raps skilfully in both languages while touring the world and expanding his fanbase.

Through his company DiY Gang Entertainment, he released The Way of Shao Manga — an original comic book series that mirrors the energy and determination found in his music. The London-born artist has appeared on ITV’s Ninja Warrior UK, spoken in Parliament on behalf of grassroots music venues, and was nominated for Best Live Performer at The AIM Independent Music Awards.

Internationally, Shao was selected as the official England representative for the UK’s National Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka, and invited to perform for the Japanese ambassador at the Embassy of Japan in London.

He has collaborated with icons such as Sean Schemmel (the voice of Goku in Dragon Ball Z) and featured on the first single from Tech N9ne’s Asin9ne album. His music has been heard across major media — from God of War and Fortnite to Borderlands 4 and Amazon Prime’s All or Nothing: Arsenal documentary.

When it comes to performing, Shao delivers an unforgettable stage show — mixing high-energy music and Kung Fu for an experience unlike any other. He has opened for Tech N9ne, The Living Tombstone, R.A. The Rugged Man, KRS-One, Stormzy, 6LACK, Skepta and more; and performed at events including Reading & Leeds Festivals, MCM Comic Con, Anime NYC, and MAGFest.

A truly unique Fire in the Booth with Charlie Sloth crowns a long list of radio appearances including BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, and BBC 6 Music. Constantly pushing the boundaries between music, anime, and martial arts, Shao Dow continues to prove that independence, musical excellence, and Anime Protagonist Energy can go hand in hand.



Charlie Sloth
“One of the hardest workers I’ve ever met in this”

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

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

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

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

Crunchy Roll
"UK Rapper and Certified Anime Protagonist"