Samantha J song up for pop Grammy consideration

Almost 10 years since the release of her breakout hit, Tight Skirt, Jamaican dancehall artiste Samantha J is celebrating her latest hit, Push Ya Luck, being up for Grammy consideration in the Best Pop Solo Performance category.

The singjay, who now resides in Los Angeles with her two-year-old son Trillion, told THE STAR that she is immensely grateful to see the direction her career is moving in, especially after entering the music scene at a young age.

" Push Ya Luck being up for Grammy consideration means the world to me! Growing up in Jamaica, the thought of having anything to do with the Grammys is an absolute dream. This means that my work is being recognised and seen to have great potential in the industry. I have a chance to be a Grammy nominee," she said.

"To be nominated would be an honour. I've been doing music since I was 15 turning 16 years old, and now with even more passion and drive for my music than before. As a Jamaican artiste, to be considered in a pop category is a very big deal to me. Best solo pop performance would be a great look to be represented in," she continued.

The song was released in June. She received the beat from Anka Music Group years before she finally put down the lyrics.

As she waits with fingers crossed for the announcement of the 2023 Grammy nominees, Samantha J continues to push herself to balance family and music. Currently, she is finalising the release of a new single which she believes will definitely tug at listeners' heartstrings.

"I actually have a few big projects working on that I'm so anxious to release. The next project will be a single release of a song I wrote while in tears. I know that people are going to love it because the emotion in the song is undeniable. It's very different from every song that has been released previously so I'm very excited. We can expect that for the new year," Samantha J revealed. She also disclosed to THE STAR that she is working on an EP to be released in 2023.

The singjay, whose given name is Samantha Gonsalves, continues to be motivated by her faith in God and takes much of her inspiration from her son. As she continues to enjoy motherhood, she said part of her blessing is being able to share her talent with others, and encouraging young artistes to never give up.

"Just don't stop. Keep pushing, keep working. This industry is big but it's filled with people who were once in the same place as you ... just hoping and wanting to create music for the world to hear," she said. "I'm most grateful for the ability to keep sharing music with the world and to have such a genuine team around me."