Shenseea Second MTV VMA Nomination Makes Music History

Shenseea Second MTV VMA Nomination: A Historic Achievement for Jamaican Music

Jamaican singer-songwriter Shenseea has earned her second MTV VMA nomination, marking another milestone in her career. The 27-year-old, born Chinsea Lee, now stands as the first Jamaican woman to receive two VMA nods, a historic achievement that cements her place among the island’s most influential global artists.

This year, Shenseea is nominated in the Best Afrobeats category for Shake It to the Max, her electrifying collaboration with Ghanaian vocalist Moliy, producer Silent Addy, and fellow Jamaican hitmaker Skillibeng. The track’s fusion of Afrobeats energy and dancehall swagger has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning her a spot alongside the genre’s biggest names.

Joining a Select Group of Jamaican VMA Nominees

While several Jamaican acts have left their mark on the MTV VMA stage, wins have been rare. Dancehall icon Bounty Killer remains the only Jamaican artist to take home a trophy, claiming the honor in 2002 for his collaboration with No Doubt on Hey Baby. Other past nominees include Shaggy (It Wasn’t Me, 2001), Beenie Man (Girls Dem Sugar, 2001), Sean Paul (Get Busy, Baby Boy with Beyoncé, and Cheap Thrills with Sia), Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley (Welcome to Jamrock, 2006), and Spice, alongside Shaggy and Sean Paul (Go Down Deh, 2021).

Shenseea’s first VMA nomination came in 2022, when she earned a nod for Push Performance of the Year with R U That from her debut album Alpha. Just two years later, she has returned to the spotlight in a category that reflects her growing influence across genres and continents.

A Career on the Rise — Even Without a Label

The nomination arrives during a pivotal year for the “Shenyeng Boss.” After parting ways with Interscope Records in late 2024 to pursue an independent path, Shenseea released her sophomore album Never Gets Late Here, which went on to earn a Grammy nomination. The recognition further confirmed her status as one of Jamaica’s most versatile and globally relevant voices.

In the Headlines On and Off Stage

While her music continues to soar, Shenseea has also been the subject of social media debate in recent days. Her outfit choice at Afrobeats superstar Davido’s wedding sparked mixed reactions among some African fans, who questioned whether it was appropriate for the occasion. Despite the chatter, her VMA nod remains the headline-making highlight of her week.

With her second MTV VMA nomination, a Grammy nod, and a career that continues to evolve, Shenseea is not only making history, she’s redefining what it means to represent Jamaican music on the world stage.