If you haven’t yet heard the name Shanelle, get ready—because she’s about to be everywhere. Hailing from Slough and carrying a voice that blends the silky tones of Sade with the raw emotional storytelling of Summer Walker, this rising R&B talent is carving out her own space in the UK music scene. With her latest release Shot Caller turning heads, it’s clear that Shanelle is an artist you need on your radar. But who exactly is she? And what makes her music hit differently? Let’s dive into her journey.
The Moment She Knew Music Was the Dream
Shanelle’s love affair with music began in musical theatre, performing every week from the age of 15. But it wasn’t just about singing—it was about storytelling, connecting with an audience, and that addictive rush of being on stage. “I loved singing and performing every week and I thought, ‘this is something I could definitely get used to,’” she recalls. From that moment, she started writing her own music, hitting the studio, and never looking back.
The Sound of Real Life
Musically, Shanelle draws from modern R&B queens like Summer Walker, Kehlani, and Tink, but her lyrics? Those come straight from real life. Every song is a chapter in her story, written in the only place that feels right—her bedroom. “If something happens in my life that affects me, I write a song about it,” she explains. And the result? A catalogue of songs that are deeply personal yet universally relatable.
Music That Feels Like Home
Ask Shanelle what she wants listeners to take away from her music, and her answer is simple but powerful: connection. “My songs might mean one thing to me, but to someone else, it could have a whole different meaning,” she says. That’s the magic of her music—it feels like a mirror, reflecting back your own experiences, emotions, and memories.
A Breakout Moment
Every artist has that one song that makes people stop and really listen. For Shanelle, it was Intuition. “I’ve put music out in the past and never really received much feedback, but with Intuition, I had a lot of positive reactions,” she shares. The song resonated with listeners in a way she hadn’t experienced before—a clear sign that her sound was reaching new heights.
An Authentic Voice in a Crowded Scene
Though she’s often compared to other artists lyrically, Shanelle firmly believes her vocals set her apart. “I feel like I’ve established myself as my own artist,” she says. And it’s not just confidence—it’s skill. Growing up, she studied Ariana Grande’s vocal techniques, layering those influences with the timeless R&B stylings of Sade, Aaliyah, and Mariah Carey.
The Dream Collab & Future Plans
If there’s one artist she’d love to work with right now, it’s Kehlani. “She’s doing her thing in the music scene right now and vocally, she’s amazing. I feel like we’d make some really good music together,” Shanelle says. And beyond dream collaborations? She’s got big plans. With more singles dropping in 2025, an upcoming EP, and possible collabs on the way, she’s just getting started.
Looking Ahead: Five Years & Beyond
Shanelle isn’t here for a quick rise and fall—she’s playing the long game. “In the next five years, I see myself travelling the world, performing my songs to all sorts of crowds. I’ll have a few albums out and will have worked with some amazing artists, producers, and songwriters.” Ambitious? Absolutely. But if her trajectory so far is anything to go by, it’s only a matter of time.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Shanelle has one word: consistency. “Once you start releasing music, don’t stop. Build a fan base, keep people updated on social media about what you’re doing. Staying connected with your followers is so important.” It’s advice that she’s living by herself, and it’s paying off.
Discover Shanelle Now
Shanelle is an artist you don’t just listen to—you feel her music. And her latest track Shot Caller is the perfect introduction to her world. Stream it now on the Beyond London’s Underground Spotify playlist, and don’t forget to follow her journey on Instagram (@shanelleonestas). Because trust us, this is just the beginning