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Top Toaster Shenseea, One of Jamaica’s Most Sought-After Dancehall Artists 

Shenseea in front of a microphone
Screenshot from Shenseea's Locked Up Freestyle

Chinsea Linda Lee, professionally known as Shenseea, is lauded for her freestyling skills. Breaking through the scene with her viral single ‘Loodi,’ she exudes pure confidence.

A walk through Shenseea’s early years

Shenseea album artwork Jiggle Jiggle from 2016

The Jamaican dancehall recording artist had eyes turning towards her when she appeared on Vybz Kartel’s ‘Loodi.’ Since then, she has climbed the upper echelons of mainstream music collaborating with many popular names like Sean Paul, Christina Aguilera, Major Lazer, The Chainsmokers, etc. 

Shenseea then signed a contract with Interscope Records and released the song ‘Blessed’ featuring Tyga. All of this paved the way for her to be the artist she is today. 

A freestyling superstar 

“When you see me doing my freestyles, that’s practice…that’s fun for me.” Shenseea’s lyrical style is mostly inspired by Nicki Minaj. The latter influenced her to write her lyrics and to go hard regardless of gender. 

From bottle girl to a performer

Shenseea album artwork ALPHA

Shenseea had her full circle moment when she performed at the Dream Weekend Music Festival after six  years of working as a bottle girl there. 

From passing her song around to different DJs who played it to an audience who didn’t know of her existence to performing on the same stage with a crowd that worships her, she’s come a long way.

“I want to be an example to people who are afraid to crossover or expand”.

Shenseea has always been known for her bold and ready-to-take-charge personality. Her character has inspired thousands of other artists to go after what they want regardless of their gender, race, or ethnicity. 

She explains, “You have to be willing to pick yourself up off the floor when the naysayers are putting their fears on you… want it for yourself and be confident this is what you want to do.” 

The Breakout Celebrity of 2016 has her eyes only looking forward

Sold Out 2023 Single Artwork

After pretty much conquering the world of dancehall, Shenseea is now looking to expand her audience to a much bigger, global scale. This is, of course, reflected in the music she is putting out lately. 

Curious’ is one such song that was released as a hope to bridge the space between dancehall’s roots and its future. Her latest release ‘Waistline’ is also a shift to gain a global reach.

However, in case you are curious about the classic Shenseea flow, there’s always ‘Locked Up Freestyle.’ 

Coachella aspiring artist to Coachella stage commander

“I did not see it coming,” said Shenseea when she was talking about being the stage commander at Coachella this year. She performed many of her popular songs including ‘Curious.’

She even brought out American rapper Coi Leray and Dominican rapper and songwriter Tokischa

It is safe to say, therefore, that Shenseea totally owns the songwriting game while also pushing the boundaries for her peers to create a fantastic environment for musicians. 

Looking for reggae and dancehall?

We’ve got you. See our Reggae section here.

Written by Kusumitha Vasanth

Kusumitha Vasanth is the Associate Editor of The Indian Music Diaries and is an experienced music journalist.

She is a holder of a Master’s in Specialist Journalism at Cardiff Metropolitan University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, English Literature and Journalism from Mount Carmel College.

Kusumitha has contributed content to Underground Sound that revolves around reggae music, subculture and the music industry.

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