Back in 2018, Jamaican superstar Shenseea boldly set her sights high. “By next year, I want to be international—not just as a dancehall artist, but as an international pop star,” she told everyone in interviews. Such swagger isn’t uncommon for new pop artists, yet not everyone can make it happen. Fast forward to today, and Shenseea is still evolving her musical style. She recently chatted on Spotify about whether to call her sound “dancehall pop” or “reggae pop.” With her second album, Never Gets Late Here, she’s confidently moving closer to becoming the first Jamaican-born Pop Girl since Grace Jones. Luckily, she’s making it look easy.
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On this album, with London on da Track as the executive producer, Shenseea smoothly transitions between genres. She feels just as comfortable on a dancehall banger like “Tap Out” as on the breezy, feel-good tune “Neva Neva.” She boldly dives into Latin trap with “Red Flag,” featuring Anitta and a cool sample from Australian son revivalists San Lazaro. In the Nu-disco “Flava,” she keeps up with Coi Leray’s energy and teams up with Wizkid on the steamy “Work Me Out.” Even the sentimental power ballad “Stars,” which taps the vibes of Rihanna and Katy Perry from the 2010s, works in her favor. This musical experimentation shows Shenseea’s willingness to embrace diverse influences and take risks.
Shenseea has a knack for both toasting and singing, and over the past eight years, her repertoire has flourished with sexy dancehall tracks, electrifying EDM anthems, and occasional freestyle gems. What makes her a compelling pop star isn’t just her versatility—it’s her timeless and universal sentiment. In “Hit & Run,” she channels her inner Cyndi Lauper and Doja Cat with a bold declaration: “A girl like me just wants to have fun and more money.” Her cheeky “Na na na an” in “NaNa” pays homage to everyone from classic girl groups to Lady Gaga and, of course, Steam‘s iconic “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.”
XXX-rated American hip-hop artists have nothing on Shenseea, as she can hold her own among the best. With striking, unforgettable assertions like “If you can’t make me come then the sex don’t count” (“Die For You”) and “My AMEX is better than S-E-X” (“Dolla”), she keeps it real and unapologetically flaunts her sexuality.
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Shenseea’s global ambitions and musical experimentation aren’t just about crossing borders or blending genres; they’re about redefining what it means to be an international pop star. Her ability to seamlessly navigate different musical landscapes while staying true to her roots sets her apart in an increasingly globalized music industry. She’s not just chasing trends; she’s setting them; in doing so, she’s carving out a unique space for herself on the world stage.
As she continues to evolve, Shenseea’s journey is a testament to the power of ambition, versatility, and authenticity. While her path may be uncharted, her direction is clear: upward and onward, to heights yet to be reached. And for anyone watching, it’s a thrilling ride worth every beat and lyric.
