Sista Sensi began her singing career in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where she has lived for many years. A long time proponent of legalization of marijuana, Sensi was arrested for “Possession of Ganja” and nearly died after she was imprisoned for three and a half months in two of Jamaica’s worst jails, “14” in Montego Bay and “GP” (General Penitentiary in Kingston), the subject of many reggae songs from Black Uhuru’s “General Penitentiary ” to Gregory Issacs’ version and more. Sensi learned to sing reggae and chat “patwah” (the Jamaican language) under brutal conditions.These experiences are the subject of her release, “14”. Sensi says she was “privileged” to learn reggae “the hard way”, and also to live in Jamaica for so long and be around some of the greatest reggae artists and just “tek een di whole ah di music”. She has opened in the U.S and Jamaica for Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, King Yellowman (with whom she performs in Jamaica every winter) ,John Holt, Josey Wales, George Nooks, Byron Lee and The Dragonaires and a host of the best of the best in reggae. She further honed her style touring for 2 years with Yabba Griffiths and Traxx out of Chicago/Jamaica. She has developed two bands of her own, Sista Sensi and The Buds, a strictly reggae band featuring the latest new tunes Sensi brings back every year from her winters in Jamaica, where she is a regular on the stage shows there. The B Easy Band is a variety band that can play just about anything, including R.+ B.,smooth jazz, blues, country, rock and requests. Both bands feature a powerful horn section. She has 3 EP’s, “Blaze It Up!!!” and “My Jamaica” and “Fulljoy!” available on CDBaby, Amazon, Itunes, etc.along with several singles: “Born 2 B Your Woman Dancehall”, “Dub It Up!!!”, “Just My Imagination” and “Frosty The Dopeman”, both featuring the great King Yellowman, and “14” feat. Mackie Conscious. She also has a new single and video with Josey Wales, “Loving Pauper” as well as “No Jestering” with reggae great Big Youth and her newest release, “Let Her Try” featuring the legendary Cutty Ranks. Her videos can be seen on YouTube/SistaSensi. Her website is http://www.sistasensi.com and she can be reached at music@sistasensi.com. or Sista Sensi on Facebook.
Artist Spotlight Interview
What made you decide to jump into the music industry or music business?
Sister Sensi: I started singing reggae music while imprisoned in Jamaica in ’75 for possesion of ganja. It kept me alive and helped me survive what was a hellish experience.
What do you think makes you stand out from all the other aspiring and upcoming artists in your genre of music?
Sister Sensi: I am a strong woman who has lived in Jamaica and survived there for 46 years. I also have many collaborations with some of reggae’s greats. And I sing and speak Patwah fluently.
If you could collaborate with ANY artist/band… Who would you choose and why?
Sister Sensi: I am working on a song I hope to have Shaggy on because I have always loved his style.
What do you think is your biggest Advantage and your biggest Disadvantage about being an Indie artist?
Sister Sensi:: I can produce myself and am pretty good at it. As for disadvantages, I guess I’d like to tour more countries.
Do you prefer the Independent route or would you rather sign to a major record label, and why?
Sister Sensi: I would have to really trust the label. I know I can trust myself.
Out of all the songs you’ve released, what do you think is your Best song and why?
Sister Sensi: Perfidia with me and the late great URoy. Because it’s one of my strongest vocal recordings and because I loved him dearly and he was a musical genius.
Between creating in the studio OR performing live on stage, which is your most enjoyable one and why?
Sister Sensi: I could live in the studio I love it so much but I also need to perform often.
What would you consider your most successful or proudest moment in your music career, so far?
Sister Sensi: The love and recognition I get in Jamaica as an American.
What inspires you the Most about the music industry these days?:
Sister Sensi: I love encouraging wimen artists amd young people in music.
If you wasn’t in the music business or industry, what do you think you would be doing with your life instead?:
Sister Sensi: Boy that’s a tough one. I’d probably be wtiting my book.
Modern Soulful Music Awards 