Shenseea Says Her Cultural ‘Authenticity’ Sets Her Apart From Other Int’l Artists
Shenseea credits her authenticity for setting her apart from other international artists.
“I think I set myself apart by simply being authentic to my culture on the international scene, which may include me doing unique or traditional cuisines too in the kitchen along with my attitude and vibe I bring plus the way I look/dress,” the Jamaican singer told Galore Magazine in a new cover story.
From her green psychedelic fit at last year’s Reggae Sumfest to arriving on stage in a jerk chicken pan at Rolling Loud Miami (2021), Shenseea has often found ways to incorporate her Jamaican culture in her fashion styles, especially with colorful ‘Dancehall’ inspired trends.
For her Galore spread, the Jamaican singer wore a collection of uber-sexy fashion pieces to embody what she describes as her “Dragon Era.”
LA-based stylist Kris Fe pooled vibrant textures of vex latex, metal, fur, and leather from designers such as Cecilio Castrillo, Bent Kahina, Paco Rabanne, and Adrienne Landau to pull off striking looks amid simulated fiery backdrops.
Sharing her songwriting process, she revealed no specific method to creating her music. “My songwriting process is pretty all over the place,” she said.
“I write sometimes without a beat while some days I need a beat, I might write a complete song today while I take months to finish a next; there’s no set process for me,” the Dolly singer continued.
When asked what special effects she liked adding to her voice, Shen responded, “I love adding a bit of reverb on my voice.”
The 26-year-old first made waves in 2016, with the release of her debut single, Jiggle Jiggle. Then came her breakout hit Loodi, her 2016 collaboration with Dancehall star Vybz Kartel. Two years later, the singer signed with Interscope Records, in partnership with Rvssian’s Rich Immigrants. The deal paved the way for her international debut alongside rapper Tyga in the 2019 summer hit song, Blessed, which was later certified Gold in Canada.
In 2021, her two collaborations with Kanye West on his album DONDA, earned her a Grammy nomination for Album Of The Year and her first entries on the Billboard Hot 100. She also made history that year, as the first woman to win the MOBO Award for Best Reggae Act.
Her debut album Alpha , which opened at No. 2 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart last year, featured Offset, 21 Savage, Beenie Man, Sean Paul. It also featured Megan Thee Stallion, on the controversial lead track Lick, which caused a stir among some local fans and even some of her industry peers.
Shenseea told Galore that her artistry intentionally disrupts Jamaican cultural norms and transcends boundaries by amalgamating disparate genres—a strategy she contends will enable her to cross over.
“It’s quite disturbing to my core culture, but it’s also what’s making me cross borders, so I’m ok with that,” she said.
As her Coachella appearance draws closer, the Rebel singer said she’s most excited to perform her upcoming single, Curious. The new song, which Shen said was perfectly aligned with her “Dragon Era,” releases this Friday.
In the meantime, she’s shared a teaser clip from the official music video.