5 Questions with Shenseea

What’s international, Grammy-nominated entertainer Shenseea up to? In one word: Catalyst. That’s the title of her latest project, an eight-track EP arriving today. And while this is an entertainment space, we’re stepping into the world of chemistry for the definition that best describes Shenseea and her new release.

So, put on your lab coats for this one. A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being consumed or permanently altered in the process. Already, reactions are brewing between Shenseea and her Shenyeng massive, with the tracks bringing the kind of energy the entertainer is known for.

There are three high-profile collaborations, one of which is Playtime, which features Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter, Ahmed Ololade, better known as Asake. “The track will be accompanied by a striking visual, filmed in London, capturing the energy and chemistry between the two artistes,” a press release stated. Vulnerability; 2 Face Gyal; Talk To Me Nuh, (featuring Vybz Kartel); Private (featuring Loe Shimmy;) Danger; Garden; and Body Language round out the EP. Sounds range from dancehall to Afrobeats, to R&B and contemporary beats.

Catalyst marks Shenseea’s first major project under Since ‘93 and Columbia Records, and she told The Gleaner that she has “more people on [her] team who understand our culture now”.

Shenseea, who “has built an impressive career that continues to transcend borders”, entered the spotlight with the release of her 2016 début single, Loodi, a Vybz Kartel collab which hit the right note. She described reuniting with him now on Talk To Me Nuh as “a full circle moment for myself and everyone who remembers Loodi and its controversy ... you just never know”.

Her global reach has expanded through collaborations with Tyga, Megan Thee Stallion, 21 Savage, Sean Paul, Offset, Gwen Stefani, The Chainsmokers, Calvin Harris, Wizkid and Ye. Her most recent activities include an appearance at New York Fashion Week, a feature on Yung Mami’s viral single Spend Dat and a two-track performance as part of Spotify UK’s Carnival Sounds campaign.

This week, 5 Questions With ... gets up close with Shenseea.

1. You mentioned that ‘Catalyst’ reflects a more melancholic and experimental mood compared to your previous albums like ‘ALPHA’ and ‘Never Gets Late Here ‘. What personal experiences or turning points shifted your headspace into this direction?

Personally, I felt like making a move to expand made my people miss me and vice versa... just like any long-distance relationship. So, I had to reassure them nothing nuh change; it’s just a catalyst. Showing progression without changing completely.

2. On ‘Vulnerability’, you explore raw, internal topics, your mother’s passing, an absent father, and industry distrust. Putting your voice over a track like that requires a completely different delivery. How hard was it to strip away the armour and be vulnerable for ‘Vulnerability’?

It was the most challenging song to write and record. It’s like taking my diary and reading it to the entire world ... very personal. But I felt like it was truly needed because my creativity was being blocked due to everything I was holding onto inside, but the truth set me free. I truly feel liberated from my past.

3. How did the link-up with Asake on ‘Playtime’ come about, and what do you think the bridge between Jamaican dancehall and Nigerian Afrobeats brings to the table right now?

We sent the track to Asake, and he did it expeditiously. He has great work ethic and energy. I’ve always felt like dancehall and Afrobeats are like cousins; I think they’re the most dominant culturally right now.

4. Your 2024 album ‘Never Gets Late Here’ earned a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. Does that kind of critical acclaim affect the standard you hold yourself to when walking back into the studio?

No. I had to release this EP to find back the fun in music. At one point, it started feeling too serious for me. Hence why I chose to release it [at] a time [when]the submission would be closed ... to not do it for the accolades, but for the love of just making art and sharing it, reminding myself why I did music in the first place.

5. Balancing an international crossover with staying true to your roots invites debate, particularly in Jamaica. What does ‘Catalyst’ say to the people who question where your sound is heading?

The catalyst is progression without changing something entirely. I hope they’ll understand that the sound can elevate as a Jamaican, while still being able to understand the lyrics and hearing the root of my accent that represents the country.

BRAWTA:

a) You’ve spoken openly about how music acts as therapy for you and handling intense public scrutiny. How do you protect your peace when the Internet starts spinning narratives, such as the BBL speculation?

Lol! Me just laugh when me fi laugh and pray when me fi pray.

b) What is the biggest misconception people have about you as a female artiste from Jamaica?

A misconception I’ve been seeing is ... I’m trying to fit in or turn myself into someone I’m not, because I’m creating music by blending different sounds that might originate in different countries. I’m just a female artiste from Jamaica who is in love with music, not genres.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com