Check Out Samantha Sharae’s Story

Hi Samantha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started performing on stage as a percussionist for a reggae band called Itality in 2014. I loved playing percussion, but I knew I could sing and wanted to help my band go to the next level with a good backup vocalist. I was shy and afraid, but I took my chances, did what I had to do, and pushed my vocals to come out loud and clear. I still could have been better, but I was better than before. Fast forward to 2023, and I’ve been missing the stage and practicing my singing so much on my livestream that my supporters inspired me to start my band and perform again. The final straw was when I attended an Arise Roots and Collie Buddz concert at the Marquee Theater. I walked around the entire venue for all the views of the stage. I was utterly having stage withdrawals. I knew it was my destiny! Finding musicians who just wanted to play without constantly looking for big money was difficult, but we found each other by the grace of the most high. I now have a 5 piece band, and I’m still looking for horn players because we are roots, rock, jazz, reggae band, and what’s jazz without the horns, right? We’ve already gained a following of over 1,000 on Instagram in less than 6 months, and the support has been amazing and rapidly increasing. We do appreciate everyone!

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Haha, not at all. In my first 2 months of looking for musicians, I had the most challenging time because, as I said, musicians want to get paid, and I understand completely. Still, if you believe in my vision and what we can do together, the money will come, and when it does, it will come big. But they never heard me sing, seen me dance, or saw my stage presence, so they were unsure and doubtful. Do you know the saying, “You must see it to believe it”? Haha yeah.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We are deeply rooted within ourselves & on the stage, as we produce a deep, soulful, jazzy sound by our Lead Vocalist Sharae (& horns eventually), Rock by our Lead Guitarist Shay Shay, and the Roots Reggae vibe by our Rhythm Guitarist Luis, Bassist Paskual & Drummer Fabian. As jaws continue to drop & good vibrations touch the souls of our listeners at our live performances when they hear our singles “Doop Da Da Da” and “Dusty Shelf” as well as covers “No, No, No,” a classic hit by Dawn Penn & “Jah Atmosphere” by SOJA; it’s no wonder why the support has skyrocketed with over 1,000 followers on Instagram in under 6 months. We have already opened shows for artists such as Etana, Bikini Trill, Josh David Barrett & more known artists to come. What sets us apart from many other reggae bands is that soulful, jazz-scatting sound; I’m not from any islands like most reggae artists are, but I’m a black American woman representing us because we love reggae, too. We bring the roots reggae and the old-school vibe, and we also try to make things a bit urban as well.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I loved that my parents traveled so much and brought me and my siblings along. I am inspired to do great things and experience the world with my children whenever I am blessed with some.