Blaize Shell Shell using positive music to influence dancehall

Blaize Shell Shell, born Andrew Folkes, is on a mission to reshape the dancehall landscape with his new album, Untrapped.

The rising dancehall artiste, known for his writing skills and thoughtful lyrics, is determined to infuse positivity into a genre often criticised for its darker themes. Growing up between Kingston and Clarendon, Blaize Shell Shell's journey to the limelight was anything but smooth.

"I fell in love with music at the age of four," he recalled. "Beenie Man was, and still is, my favourite artiste. I used to deejay for the community, singing Beenie songs." This early passion laid the foundation for his future in music, although it wasn't until his transition to Excelsior High School in grade nine that he began taking his craft seriously.

"I started leaving school, finding Corporate Area studios, just hanging out and vibing," he said. His first professional recording dates back to 2006.

"It was a mediocre song called Player Been Played, or something like that. No melody, nothing at all. It was just the start," he admitted. Since then, his music has evolved significantly.

"I'm a hardcore dancehall artiste. I'd often describe myself as a Vybz Kartel-sounding artiste with a Busy Signal mentality," he said. The turning point in his career came with a realisation about the impact of his music.

"A few years ago, I think why I never got that break [though] I was always talented, [was because] my mindset was at a very bad place. I was just a young and naive youth," he reflected. This led him to shift his focus towards more positive and uplifting content.

"We can use positive lyrics and content and still keep it swaggy, you know, and still have the same result," he opined.

Untrapped embodies this new direction. With the album, he is not just aiming to entertain, but to educate and inspire, suggesting that dancehall can indeed be a force for positive change. The lead single, Got This, calls on artistes to take accountability for their content.

"We have to take responsibility for the content we put out. While you are getting rich off your content, youth would listen to the song, and we are destroying the youths," he warned. "In the schools, they are taking on the song, like putting life to the words. And they are acting according to what the song is saying."

Blaize Shell Shell's commitment to positive change goes beyond his music. He spoke candidly about his struggles with depression and the importance of emotional vulnerability, especially for men.

"I know what it is to be depressed, to be suicidal. I decided that I was going to show that being vulnerable doesn't make you any less of a man. It's the first sign of strength for me," he asserted. "I want to use my vulnerability to help men overall, to heal." His dedication to this cause is evident in his interviews and public appearances, where he consistently encourages open dialogue about mental health.

As he navigates the trap-dancehall scene, Blaize Shell Shell remains committed to his vision.

"I try to keep the topics relatable. If it's not directly about me, it is close to home," he said. Managed by Ron Young under Trailblazing Entertainment, Blaize Shell Shell believes that he is poised to make a significant impact.

"The outcome for your future is already set, so success is there already. Shell Shell is going to be the most marketable dancehall artiste," he declared.

He also links his music to his work as an author; his latest published book is titled Broken To Be Restored.