The St. Thomas native singer is starting to get recognition, performing at some local events and never forgetting where she came from
Shanice Sewell, shows the development in her musical journey
Jamaica is a country that develops and discovers new artists almost every day. Whether it's dancehall or reggae, talent emerges from all over the place. This story is also true for 29-year-old St. Thomas native Shanice Sewell, who is making her way in the industry.
Shanice Sewell is a singer and songwriter who has garnered much of her experience doing live performances. She has invested a lot in her development in recent years and is known for delivering performances of impact with her stellar vocal ability and stage presence.
“I started out writing poems and singing songs as a way to release myself from pain but I got into music seriously in 2014 and started releasing music professionally in 2017. My sister was my number 1 inspiration, in my mind at the time a successful career in either acting or singing would provide a way to support her financially”, she introduced herself while talking with Kaboom Mag.
Her sound is a blend of reggae that does not miss some soul and pop music taste which are evident in her music. She drew a lot of influences on her style from a few singers and genres. “There are so many people in the industry that I admired on my journey. Nina Simone, Beyonce, Etana, Toni Braxton, Taurus Riley, and Jah9, just to name a few”, she said.
The reggae female singer maintains consistency as this is one of the keys to her development. “I'd say you have to be very consistent, giving as close as possible to 100% and the consistency varies in many departments. not just in talent but also production, promotion, and networking”, she explains.
And you can certainly notice the good work she invests in her social media platforms as well, which seem to be well managed.
So the hard work begins to bear fruits when, as part of Jaria's (Jamaican Reggae Industry Association) Reggae Month events, Shanice got a great opportunity to share the stage at an event dedicated to pointing out the birthday of the Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown, in Kingston alongside names such as George Nooks, Chris Martin Ras-I, and others.
“It was a great experience, based on the crowd's response and the comments of the MCs. One feedback that I can't forget was Michael Ibo Cooper's response to his co-host Debbie Bisson when she asked why he wasn't up on stage yet, his words were, 'the last artist paste mi dung and me cyan move, people! That was beyond awesome'. As an emerging artist, affirmations like these are needed so we know that we're on the right path, hence I am happy to have had this opportunity”. She excitedly explains her experience.
Technology has changed quite a bit of the options for every young talent and opened new doors, where once you had to spend more time in the big city of Kingston to get exposure, now you can do that same way from other places around the island. “Technology is making what seemed impossible, the norm”, she pointed out.
Another product of St. Thomas, Shanice Swewell
While she hopes that one day she will be honorably recognized and mentioned for being an effective performer and songwriter who delivers conscious and spiritually uplifting music for the world, we just have to say let's go for it.
