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Shenseea’s ‘Okay With Losing Fans’ As Jamaican Twitter Debates Her Pop Transition

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shenseea
Shenseea

Jamaican singer Shenseea has been on a roll with a slew of R&B and Pop songs—benching her usual Dancehall lyrics and so-called “gunman” voice. Her latest offering is Deserve It, which premiered on March 3, ahead of her debut album ALPHA on March 11.

Just like the aftermath of her highly controversial track Lick with Megan Thee Stallion, Shenseea’s Jamaican fans, in particular, are at a crossroads about whether they like her transition, or not.

In an Instagram Story on Saturday, Shenseea said that she’s not opposed to the criticism, nor her ShenYeng boat losing members, as she is content with the trajectory of her career.

“I have a dream and I work too hard to get where I am. Even if I wanted to, I can’t live my life to please anyone 😭 God has truly blessed me with so much talent to fulfill my destiny. I just can’t stop now,” the singer wrote.

“If you’re no longer a fan, I’m ok with losing you 🙏🏽 I started this journey ON MY OWN. I hope I inspire others to follow their dreams NO MATTER WHAT,” she added.

shenseea
Shenseea

Twitter came alive on Saturday following her late-night TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, with many sharing their two cents on Shenseea’s crossover attempt, in 280 characters or less. Some compared Sean Paul’s journey to success, to the Blessed singer’s current path to superstardom. 

“Sean Paul never changed his sound and kept it grounded in dancehall.  Shenseea is noticeably changing how she sounds to be a more generic pop act. You can want an artiste to succeed and still criticize them when, you know,” one fan tweeted.

“Shenseea’s switch up is making her lose the one thing that made her unique and stand out. Sean Paul never had to switch up his dancehall sound to be successful,” another said.

Scores of other social media users joined in, criticizing Shenseea’s move with the same Sean Paul juxtaposition.

“Bob Marley and Sean Paul big like house but they still had their same vibe and still go big internationally. Why Shenseea feel she afi change her entire style?” asked one fan.

“Really let’s not compare the two. Sean Paul blended pop, hip hop and dancehall to much success. Shenseea has gone straight pop/r&b/hip hop by the look of it. The key problem is it ain’t even good,” one Twitter user said.

“Same fight Rihanna got until Umbrella. Shenseea just needs her Umbrella. It would not hurt to try a Pon De Replay and a Break it Off. Catchy dancehall beats is what helped Sean Paul in addition to his cuteness. Shenseea has the cuteness just needs the right songs to connect,” another said.

On the flip side, some fans said while they’re still apprehensive, they are open to the 25-year-old experimenting with various international genres.

“Y’all just need to leave Shenseea alone! That’s the direction she wants to go and so what? You out here comparing her to Sean Paul. She wants to do pop music and that’s what she gonna do! Some of you don’t even buy music caws unnu bootleg even y’all fav music,” one fan, who jumped to Shenseea’s defense, said.

One supporter pointed out that Shenseea has a collaboration with Sean Paul on her upcoming album titled Lying If I Call It Love.  The two singers, who previously collaborated on Rolling, are also teaming up with Gwen Stefani on a song called Light My Fire from Paul’s upcoming Sorcha album.

“Shenseea has songs with Sean Paul and Beenie Man on the upcoming album plus a song called ‘Shen ex anthem’, so she’s not abandoned dancehall entirely she’s branching out but the accent thing sweet girl stop it,” they said.

Another contended: “Who is the last international artist to emerge from Jamaica? 🥴 Nobody is topping Shenseea right now. I don’t understand the crossover shaming. Shaggy & Sean Paul also branched out & were crucified. Y’all are weird.”

Meanwhile, the Be Good singer seemingly responded to the negative comments in a tweet on Saturday evening.

“First they’ll say you’re crazy THEN they’re gonna say “I’m proud of you” 🤌🏽” she said firmly.