Jamaican superstar Shenseea has released her much-anticipated sophomore album, Never Gets Late Here, and opened up to PEOPLE about her journey and aspirations. The 14-track album, which dropped recently, features collaborations with big names like Anitta, Coi Leray, and Wizkid, and marks another significant step in her quest for solo Grammy success.
A Childhood Dream Realized
Shenseea, born Chinsea Lee, knew she was destined for stardom from a young age. "That's when I heard voices in my head like, 'Oh, you're going to be a superstar. You're going to be an artist,'" she shared with PEOPLE. Her intuition has proven correct, as her rise to fame has been marked by hit singles such as "Loodi," "ShenYeng Anthem," and "Blessed." Her 2022 debut album, Alpha, reached No. 2 on the Billboard reggae albums chart, making her the first Jamaican artist to achieve this feat in 17 years.
Despite these accomplishments, Shenseea, now 27, remains focused on her future goals, which include "filling out stadiums" and earning solo recognition from the Recording Academy. Her new album, Never Gets Late Here, is a testament to her relentless drive towards global pop stardom.
Crafting Never Gets Late Here
Produced by London on da Track, the album leans heavily on Shenseea’s signature summery dancehall-pop melodies, blending them with elements of Latin trap and heavy Afrobeats. The genre-bending artist, who is a big supporter of African music, felt incorporating these elements was natural and authentic, reflecting her commitment to Black culture.
Shenseea’s collaborations on the album come from genuine relationships she has built in the industry. "I don't think I will ever stop because I'm just a musician," she says, emphasizing her dedication to continually evolving her sound.
The creation of Never Gets Late Here took over a year, with Shenseea recording in private studios in Los Angeles and Miami. Her creative process is flexible, focusing more on the quality of equipment rather than location.
Mixed Reactions and Musical Growth
Shenseea acknowledges that the process of making her second album drew mixed reactions from fans. "Because in the process of making this second one, I think they've witnessed me experimenting more than before, and so it was a complete riot happening," she explains. However, she believes the release of the lead single "Hit & Run" reassured fans of her artistic direction.
With the album's rollout, Shenseea is hopeful that her audience will continue to support her as she works to uplift and expand her genre to reach wider audiences. Her ultimate goal remains to make her home country proud and to touch as many lives as possible through her music.
A Mission Beyond Music
Shenseea's passion for music is intertwined with a deeper sense of purpose. "Ever since I was young, I feel like my purpose here on Earth was to just make music, to heal the world, to make them happy, and to inspire and impact," she says. This mission fuels her motivation, as she feels she has yet to touch as many lives as she should.
As Shenseea continues to climb towards her dream of solo Grammy success, Never Gets Late Here stands as a powerful milestone in her journey. With its diverse soundscapes and high-profile collaborations, the album showcases her growth as an artist and her unwavering dedication to her craft.
For Shenseea, the journey is far from over, but her determination and talent suggest that even greater achievements are on the horizon.