Shenseea is proof that you can never ever please everybody.
Shenseea has been working like the rent was due since her first breakthrough hit (Loodi) with Vybz Kartel. Yet, for someone reason there seems to be no shortage of critics lining up to give Shenseea their two cents – that the Shengyeng Boss simply never asked them for.
Nevertheless, Shenseea’s breakout track (Loodi) had controversy surrounding it as Vybz Kartel had originally made a Non Shenseea version. However, that controversy is clearly old news as Shenseea performing Loodi live at the Barclays Center during Vybz Kartel’s recent sold out show emphatically proves.
The Loodi Singer rubbing shoulders with the clear current King Of Dancehall is obviously nothing to sneer at. After all, we are talking about the Shenyeng Boss being shoulder to shoulder with the King of Danchall during his highest moment since getting his freedom back. Sharing in Vybz Kartel’s comeback moment affirms the Shenyeng Boss’ place in Dancehall and legitimizes her Queen credentials. Less because Vybz Kartel is the King of Dancehall, but more so, because Dancehall fans, like all music fans are tribal. Insofar as relationships matter. Social capital, respect, and your location in the ecosystem of Dancehall, matters, because all of these things tend to reflect on one’s image. Much like in any other business, image and reputation are priceless. As we’ve recently mentioned, their a strong link between perception and reality. So the Shenyeng Boss being on that Brooklyn stage, with Vybz Kartel, is a huge deal. Recently, we’ve been discussing the greatness of Jada Kingdom and how Jada has proven herself capable of capturing the Dancehall Crown. However, what happened at Barclays Center is a testament to Shenseea’s fitness to wear Dancehall’s crown.
Vybz Kartel ran Dancehall music from a jail cell. Those nine words speak volumes about Vybz Kartel’s character & resume. Dancehall fans remember that Vybz Kartel left Dancehall and was thrown in Jail at the very height of his powers. Dancehall fans again, recall Vybz Kartel running Dancehall from prison. Finally, Vybz Kartel selling out the Barclays Center in Brooklyn back to back, makes it unlikely for a majority of Dancehall fans to deny Vybz Kartel’s King Of Dancehall status. Therefore, although Beenie Man admittedly has been accurate to refer to himself as the King Of Dancehall.
The Dancehall King thing ultimately, is decided by democracy and the court of the public opinion of Dancehall fans. Therefore, despite Beenie Man’s notable accomplishments, hits and Grammy win. Vybz Kartel is now viewed, in the eyes of the masses, as the undisputed, King of the Dancehall World. Furthermore, as we’ve recently discussed. The media, particularly, the most powerful media companies based outside of the Caribbean. Are all indicating that Vybz Kartel is the Dancehall King too. Therefore, when you do the maths and add up the opinions of most Dancehall fans, with the opinions of most of the Media. It’s impossible to include anything other than the fact that Vybz Kartel is the current King Of Dancehall. (Finally, even most Dancehall Artists – would admit this fact).
The Current Queen Of Dancehall Debate
However, when it comes to the current Queen Of Dancehall debate, things are far less clear cut. To cut straight to the point though, in April 2025, the three female Dancehall Artists most worthy of consideration for Dancehall’s crown are: Spice, Shenseea and Jada Kingdom.
Spice is who most people consider to be the current Dancehall Queen. However, unfortunately, Spice’s physical health has been problematic for the last few years. With Spice suffering first one, and then two hernia’s. Which has meant that Spice has been forced to take time off, from her Queen of Dancehall duties.
Ah Shenseea
With Spice sidelined by health, who do you think had to shoulder the responsibility of carrying Dancehall Music? That’s right, ah Shenseea!!!! If there is one thing that is unfair and annoying when it comes to Dancehall, it’s Shenseea situation. Shenseea has to carry her responsibilities, deal with criticism but credit? No, too many choose to refuse to give Shenseea credit!!!!
However, when Spice, i.e. Grace Hamilton was unwell. Shenseea was the artist that was carrying Dancehall. The Shenyeng Boss was the Dancehall ambassador, that was physically representing Dancehall all over the globe. During such times Grace Hamilton remained the overall Queen but, it is also true that during those times Shenseea was the de facto Queen Of Dancehall.
The one constant in life is change and it is unfair and disingenuous of fans, to play blind, or ignore the work Shenseea put in as Queen, Of, Dancehall!! Some Dancehall fans want to have it one way (their way) and only speak on their perception of Shenseea’s flaws.
This is truly unfair and again, a denial of recent Dancehall History. In the absence of number one, number two becomes number one. Therefore Shenseea is factually speaking, one of the rare female Dancehall Artists – who can refer to their resume having, Queen Of Dancehall, on it.
Furthermore, to be fair to the ladies, every last one of them is unique and brings something different to the table. Spice is simply, as Dancehall as it gets, and shone the brightest during arguably, Dancehall’s brightest times. Shenseea on the other hand has something in common with Vybz Kartel, Shenseea has been relentless since finding her feet in Dancehall and seemingly has had no days off!!!! Many things can, and are, questioned about Shenseea. However, the one thing that can never be questioned (but never seems to get enough praise) is Shenseea’s relentlessness. Whilst there are levels to success, as Meek Mills famously once illustrated.
It still remains true that Shenseea has been relentless, ever since she first got her foot in Dancehall’s door in 2016. Another Flower that we need to give Shenseea is that she has the same amount of albums out as Spice. Although the quality of Spice’s Album’s probably give Spice the nod over Shenseea. Shenseea has nevertheless been relentless. So why is Shenseea so criticized? If fans disagree with certain choices made by Shenseea so be it. If they feel Shenseea has made bad choices that have hurt her career, so be it. However, the one thing fans should also do, is give Shenseea the credit she also deserves for carrying Dancehall music and representing Dancehall worldwide.
Spice knows how to play to her strengths and make albums that have received warm reviews from Dancehall fans everywhere. Moreover, Spice also has shown off her entrepeneurial acumen and flair by starting her own fashion brand: Grace Noir.
Shenseea on the other hand seems to have more commercial appeal and earning potential from brand sponsorships.
Although colorism is a real and complex thing that may actually be affecting both Spice and Shenseea in differents ways. It is possible Spice’s sponsorship opportunities are effected by Colorism. Meanwhile, Colorism may be the reason behind why Shenseea has been so heavily criticised.
Enter Jada Kingdom
On top of the Spice versus Shenseea dynamic, there is of course Jada Kingdom.
Spice’s legacy is “vulnerable” to Jada Kingdom for the same reasons it is vulnerable to Shenseea’s. Jada Kingdom is a relative newcomer, a young Lioness, like Simba, and Shenseea, is also approaching her 10,000 hours, or ten years of mastery a la Malcolm Gladwell’s wildly successful book, Outliers. However, unlike Shenseea (who has chosen the Dragon as the symbol that represents her brand). Jada Kingdom is definitely bringing some Lioness (Simba type) energy to Spice’s Mufhasa. As we have said in a recent article, Jada Kingdom lives by her own rules and is on the attack!!!!
With a name like Jada Kingdom, it’s natural for Jada to go after Dancehall’s crown. Jada Kingdom has time on her side as her wave, catalogue and influence likely outweighs that of Spice, with younger Dancehall fans.
Furthermore Jada Kingdom seems to have more freedom to experiment with her sound than Shenseea. An example of this is Jada Kingdom’s recent hit song G.A.D. which has a heavy dose of rock and roll infused into it. Which meant Jada had to inject Dancehall into the song, through her vocals. The song has been well received and the consensus seems to be, Jada Kingdom is to be credited for being creative and experimental.
This is all well and good except for the fact that Shenseea seems to get criticised when she experiments with putting out non Dancehall music.
Moreover, as we’ve previously stated, Dancehall music is one of the sexiest genres of music on Earth. Jada Kingdom’s undeniably exceptional sex appeal, allow Jada Kingdom to literally embody Dancehall, in a way that no one else in Dancehall can. The fact that Jada Kingdom’s sex appeal is only partially physical. Hints at Jada’s limitless potential. What is particularly notable, is that Twinkle is influential with both women and men. Arguably, men want her and women want to be (like) her. All of these attributes and more, provide insight into Jada Kingdom’s regal attributes.
Finally, the fact that Jada Kingdom is the least polished performer of this top tier Dancehall trio. Is actually a good thing because arguably, Jada Kingdom is the artist who has more of her peak to discover.
Nevertheless, nobody knows the future and nobody knows for sure who will take over from Spice, as the next Queen of Dancehall. Which makes the topic of Dancehall’s next Queen that much more exciting!!!! Who do you think will be the next Queen of Dancehall? One thing is for sure though, time, will, tell!!!!
