Shenseea Sparks Queen of Dancehall Debate, Discusses Her Journey in the U.S. Market

The Jamaican superstar finds herself at the centre of a fresh debate after claiming the Queen of Dancehall title at a private launch event, while reflecting on her international journey: “When I get the Grammy and fill out some stadiums, then I can say, ‘Yow, yes.’”

Shenseea weighs in on Queen of Dancehall title (Photo: eyeofxeno/The Beat Miami)

Shenseea has found herself at the centre of a fresh Dancehall debate after appearing to embrace claims that she is the genre’s new Queen, with her comments drawing both support and disagreement from social media users.

The Jamaican superstar discussed the title during a private launch event hosted by The Beat Miami’s radio station in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on Tuesday night, where she celebrated the release of her latest EP, Catalyst.

When asked by radio personality Papa Keith whether she considers herself the new Queen of Dancehall, the Jamaican hitmaker acknowledged the contributions of those who came before her, particularly Spice, while pointing to her own commercial success.

“I respect Spice a lot. I mean, I respect all the people who were before me, who are performing in the business,” Shenseea said. “I do agree that, you know, she’s done her thing and she’s still doing her thing. But based on statistics and what I’m doing now, I do think I am the new Queen of Dancehall.”

Her remarks have reignited discussions about what defines the Queen of Dancehall, with streaming numbers, international recognition, cultural influence and longevity all becoming part of the conversation.

Interestingly, while Shenseea has pointed to statistics and commercial success to support her claim, the singer also addressed the challenges of establishing herself in the American music market, including questions surrounding her Jamaican accent and maintaining authenticity while appealing to international audiences.

“They want the raw Shenseea, so you can keep your own accent and make it understandable. That’s what I think works the best,” she explained, reflecting on her experience since relocating to the United States.

Despite her growing international profile, Shenseea acknowledged that she has yet to achieve all the milestones she has set for herself.

“I would say I’m on the journey, but I haven’t made it yet,” she said. “When I get the Grammy for the whole culture, for our generation, make Billboard solo and fill out some stadiums, then I can say, ‘Yow, yes.’”

“When I get the Grammy for the whole culture, for our generation, make Billboard solo and fill out some stadiums, then I can say, ‘Yow, yes.’”

Her comments come as she continues promoting Catalyst, her latest eight-track EP, released through Since ’93 and Columbia Records, featuring collaborations with Vybz Kartel, Asake and Loe Shimmy.