Shekhinah’s 12 track body of work takes us through waves of pain, loss, recovery, and, finally, the acceptance of what her life has become. A contrast to her rose-tinted view of life on ‘Rose Gold’, ‘Trouble In Paradise’ explores the reality of life without all the filters.
If 2017’s Rose Gold had R&B-pop maverick Shekhinah looking at her world through a blissfully ignorant tinted lens, then her blinkers are officially off on 2021’s Trouble In Paradise. “I was beginning to realise that now, as an adult, things were becoming more serious and problems were becoming more real and more painful, which is what this is all about,” she explains. Four years after the release of her debut album that signalled a new age of South African pop and inspired a new wave of alternative R&B artists, the South African singer-songwriter’s personal growth and struggles anchor a defiant sophomore album, underpinned by the work of her producer, engineer and road manager, Goofy.
In this exclusive interview, the R&B sensation talks inspiration behind the album, Rosefest, self-care and the music videos we should anticipate next.
GLAMOUR: Tell us about your newly highly anticipated sophomore album, Trouble in Paradise, what was the inspiration behind the album and what would you like your fans to take away from it?
Shekhinah: It is basically inspired by the past few years outside of college, it’s a continuation of ‘Rose Gold’ and my first album was basically my life in college and everything was amazing at that time things were working out. Whilst ‘Trouble in Paradise’ is just a depiction of things not being ’Rose Gold’ anymore and that there is definitely ’Trouble in Paradise’. This is just pure confrimation that I am an adult now and things suck and I opted to put my current experiences in this album.
G: Your music is very emotive. ’Questions’ is a fan favourite. What goes into the recording process that enables you to create music that touches people?
S: My favourite part about writing music is not the writing process but the learning and living everyday life. My trick is to live and be in the moment so that I can be able to experience what everyone else is experiencing. When it comes to ‘Questions’ I know that is a scenario we all have been in and most of the time we ask ourselves questions like, ‘’Should we do this or shouldn’t we do this?’’ I like to write music that people can relate and accompany to when they going through a rough time.
G: You recently released the fixate short film. What was the intention behind it?
S: The fixate short film was basically the introduction to ‘Trouble in Paradise’ and the whole concept of things burning, rebirth and out with old and in with the new kinda vibe. It was a beautiful intro to everything.
G: You already have such an impressive résumé, is there a particular milestone that you’re still, looking to achieve?
S: I am not looking to achieve any particular milestone; I want to keep on making music if people keep listening to it and I am grateful that I get to do this every single day.
G: Who would your dream musical collaboration be with and why?
S: It would be SZA, I am a huge fan of her work and Calvin Harris as well.
G: What are the 5 things your fans would be surprised to find out about you?
S: I am a homebody and don’t like going anywhere.
I get nervous before performing.
I love to cook.
I am very needy and love having friends and family around.
I am an overachiever; I was scared to put this album out but I did anyway.
G: How do you navigate everyday life being Shekhinah and also having a distinct voice while finding ways to take care of yourself?
S: It’s important to put yourself, take timeout, take long walks, be in the real world and stay prayed up. I love watching sermons, motivational and do lots of therapy. I try to do whatever I can take care of myself; self-love is very important.
G: Which song is your favourite from the album?
S: It's actually miserable, it was a labour of love. It’s a very special song to me.
G: Are we getting RoseFest this year?
S: Always, you will be getting RoseFest this year.
G: What music video should we expect next from the album?
S: I think you can expect a video for ‘’Questions’’ and ‘’Miserable’’.
G: What are you most grateful for?
S: I am grateful for air in my lungs, loving family, loving friends and a very fun and interesting career that I get to create every single day.
Stream or Download ‘Trouble in Paradise’ here.
Recent stories by:
Arthur Mukhari
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