Mzansi Welcomes Dominican Reggae Songstress Shwaniyah
Scholarly Reggae singer Shwaniyah, hailing from the mountainous Caribbean island of Dominica—dubbed the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” for its natural environment – is embarking on a mini tour in South Africa. She has scheduled performances in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and more dates will be announced soon.
Although she is originally from Dominica, Shwaniyah is now living in England where she graduated with a Law Degree Cum Laude and is also an Accredited Commercial Mediator as well as a Certified Tarot reader.
She started singing reggae after taking part in a few calypso competitions in the Caribbean as a personal healing process and not just to make music to please the masses. A distinct perspective that makes her music so much more enjoyable and relatable, just like her joyful personality.
It is not strange that music would play such a significant role in her life given that she grew up in Dominica, where reggae is a major musical influence. Her folks were (Dread) Rastafarians who had lived through the Dread Act, when sporting dreadlocks put you at risk of being shot by the police. Reggae evolved into a way of life, a culture, and a tool for social improvement rather than just music.
When Shwaniyah was a child, she had happy recollections of the Dominicans’ addiction to Lucky Dube, so much so that the whole country cried when he died. Years later, she finds herself traveling to the country of birth of the same Lucky Dube.
When an invitation came through from Mandigit and The House of Makeda presided by Empress Naphtali, Shwaniyah did not hesitate to accept, because that felt like destiny and also because she has a special affinity to South African Reggae. “SA has a specific reggae signature that is very attractive to us Caribbean people.” She explained. “ I find it very interesting. You can hear it in a song (Angel Energy) I did with Legion 16 Records based in South Africa.” As an scholar she appreciates the complex history of the country that is about to host her. “ The history is so rich, touching and personal. I am thankful for getting the opportunity to experience it.
In September 2024, this warrior, mother of three, lover, saint, and sinner—who exudes self-awareness, self-confidence, and contagious positivity—will touch down on our soil. She will kick off her tour with a show in Cape Town at Royal Ras Centre for the Nyabhingi Coronation Fundraiser. The next show in Cape Town is heralded as Woman in Long Skirt Gathering where her host with the most, Empress Naphthali will also be performing and both empresses backed by the reputable Sons of Selassie Band. She will then travel to Johannesburg where she will be joined by another Empress on the Rise, DJ MamaZion along with other DJ’s at Bantu Kraal. Then she is invited to a Reggae and Dancehall Party hosted by Roger in Klipspruit Eco Park in Soweto.
This trip seemed to have been cast in stone, as part of her lifes journey. The timing is right, The connections she made here flow naturally. It was subconsciously envisioned in her very first single she put out 14 years ago: Visions of a Lioness. She confesses that she is addicted to Africa, and that Africa is the perfect place to rest her brain.
We welcome Shwaniyah with warm Rasta Love, who knows, she might just end up staying here and practicing Law in South Africa, though I doubt that we will be able to offer her her favourite dish: Black olives with sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese veg salad.
Listen to Shwaniyah latest Single Furnace