SeSe Foster says expect ‘inner SeSe’ tonight at Rebel Salute
Published:Friday | January 19, 2024 | 9:34 AMKenrick Morgan/ Gleaner Writer
If you had told Shereece ‘SeSe’ Foster a few years ago that she would have the chance to perform at Rebel Salute, the Jamaican in her might have responded with unsavoury remarks in a soft and melodious voice.
But, what was once a dream for the United Kingdom native is about to come to fruition as she prepares to take the stage on night one of the annual show.
“I was in total shock; I didn’t think it was real at the time. And now it is actually happening and I am here, and my face is on the flyers with the veterans and I am just in awe,” SeSe told The Gleaner.
The Sweet Badness singer says she has been dreaming about this moment since she was five years old. She just didn’t know how she would get there.
“It was in April last year, I sang at Bunny Wailer’s memorial service for Naki Wailer, and Tony Rebel was standing right there at the gate,” Foster recalled.
“Some months later, they got me an interview on the BridgeFM after I submitted a few songs. And Tony was there again, this time he asked me to sing one of my songs live and the rest is history.”
YAADIE A FOREIGN
Foster first started making waves after being featured on the hit TV show, the X Factor UK where she, as part of the trio Miss Dynamix, finished in the top 10.
Most recently, she featured as a soloist on the UK’s version of The Voice, where she wowed judges with a Reggae remix of Ed Sheeran’s 2014 hit song Thinking Out Loud.
“That was absolutely amazing. I did take a risk, because a lot of persons where giving suggestions on what to do and sing, but I wanted to do Reggae. So I was really able to represent my Reggae Culture on,” she said.
For SeSe, representing her Jamaican roots has been the most rewarding part of the experience.
“I made an impact, and I am so proud it was Reggae music that I stood behind. I can sing other songs like the Pop and the Rock. But I am a Reggae baby, and I believe I have a duty to carry the baton, especially here in the UK. So it makes me so proud to represent my heritage and culture on this global stage.”
THE INNER SESE
Tonight, when Rebel Salute returns to Plantation Cove in St Ann, fans of the singer-songwriter can expect to see her true self shine.
“I think all you can expect is the inner SeSe. You know I do a lot of pop shows. Even when I travel to like Russia, and Germany, it is pop music. But I feel like I haven’t had that Reggae crowd, and this is my first shot of that. So I am going to put my heart out on that stage,” she said with a big smile.
One of Foster’s themes as she spoke with The Gleaner was fulfilling dreams. When asked, she offered some advice for others looking to do the same.
“You know what? When I perform, I am still so nervous. So I would say, just go for it. Do your best and know your worth, know you’re doing fine. But don’t stop, you just need to better than your own self. Have fun!”
Tonight, SeSe shares the stage with world-class acts like Third World, Anthony B, Richie Stephens, Sanchez, Mikey Spice and Glenn Washington.