Shamari DeVoe (née Fears; born February 13, 1980), often credited professionally as Shamari Fears, is an American singer, reality television personality, and occasional actress. She is best known as a member of the multi-platinum-selling R&B girl group Blaque and for her role as a main cast member on the Bravo reality television series The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Early Life and Career
Shamari Fears was born in Rochester, New York, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Her musical career began in the late 1990s when she became a member of the R&B trio Blaque, alongside Brandi Williams and Natina Reed. The group was discovered by Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of the iconic R&B group TLC, who signed them to her production company, Left Eye Productions, and subsequently to Columbia Records.
Blaque released their self-titled debut album in 1999, which achieved significant commercial success, featuring the hit singles "808" and "Bring It All to Me" (featuring JC Chasez). The album was certified platinum by the RIAA. Their second album, Blaque Out, was released in 2001, yielding the single "Can't Get It Back." The group also made a notable appearance in the 2000 cheerleading comedy film Bring It On, performing the song "As If."
Personal Life
In 2006, Shamari Fears married Ronnie DeVoe, a prominent member of the iconic R&B groups New Edition and Bell Biv DeVoe. The couple welcomed twin sons, Roman Elijah and Ronald Quan, in 2017. Their relationship and family life have frequently been documented on various television programs and reality series.
Reality Television
DeVoe gained a wider public profile when she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta for its eleventh season in 2018. During her time on the show, she documented aspects of her marriage, motherhood, and attempts to revive Blaque. She departed as a full-time cast member after one season but has made guest appearances in subsequent seasons.
Discography (with Blaque)
- Blaque (1999)
- Blaque Out (2001)
Filmography
- Bring It On (2000) – as Lava
- The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2018–2019, 2021) – Main cast (Season 11), Guest (Season 13)