Words by Chanelle Goddard
As part of our new Discover Weekly series, we highlight the music of the Nigeria-born, UK-based R&B artist Shaé Universe.
If there’s any way to describe Shaé Universe’s vocals, it would be rich and sultry. From her soul-infused music to versatile song-writing ability, Shaé is truly leaving her mark on the world of UK R&B.
Nigeria-born , Shaé’s journey began when she started uploading singing covers to YouTube under the self-coined name ‘Shaé Universe’. On her #ShaéSundays uploads, the singer covered iconic R&B tracks in her own unique way by mashing up songs like Daniel Caeser’s “Get You” with Aaliyah’s “Rock The Boat”, and Stormzy’s “Blinded By Your Grace” with “21 Gun Salute”. These YouTube covers showcased Shaé’s natural R&B talent as well as her admirable level of creativity, and kickstarted the buzz around the singer’s own original music.
Shaé Universe has successfully crafted her own unique path in the world of R&B and gives her fans a new sound of experimental, modern and boundary-pushing music – with, of course, that touch of classic soul that we all need. After the release of her three singles “Melanin”, “Black Panther” and “No Stallin” impressed listeners, fans are now beginning to show the UK singer a lot of well-deserved love. Since then, Shaé has continued to be her authentic, unapologetic self, and whole-heartedly expresses her personality through her song-writing. Her music comes with a message.
Talking about her award-winning 2020 song, “Levels”, she said: “Levels was written as a reminder to all that you are enough and are capable of consistent elevation.” One thing the people love about the UK vocalist is her ability to be creatively fearless; she isn’t afraid to blend genres, and uses unique, previously un-heard beats to switch up the approach to her music.
In the past two years, Shaé has been working harder than ever. The singer-songwriter has released a total of five music videos/visuals on her YouTube Channel for her R&B hits (her video for “Levels” won video of the year at the State of R&B Awards), she’s opened on stage for fellow music artist Elhae, and even performed a Soul Cypher for the BET UK Soultrain Awards 2020 (next to fellow talented artists Sinead Harnett and Jvck James).
It seems the world is Shaé Universe’s oyster right now. Inspired by fellow black female artists like Aaliyah, Rihanna, Missy Elliot, Grace Jones and Erykah Badu, she’s making a name for herself and carving her own path of R&B greatness.
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