KINGSTON, Jamaica — Emerging reggae artist Chizz Chizem, born Shanet Chisholm, expresses growing confidence that her musical career is approaching a significant turning point. Fourteen years after initiating her artistic journey in Mandeville, Jamaica, the singer-songwriter now operates from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she’s cultivating a dedicated following within America’s compact but vibrant reggae community.
Her two latest singles, ‘Only You’ and ‘Nite Monster,’ released in December 2023, explore themes of romance and emotional complexity. These releases have generated encouraging audience responses that fuel her determination to persist in the competitive music industry. ‘The feedback from these two songs has given me the motivation to continue this journey,’ Chizz Chizem revealed during a recent interview with Observer Online.
The independent artist emphasized her continuous development of professional networks, vocal technique, and songwriting proficiency. Currently, she’s collaborating with producer Mac Niff to finalize an extended play (EP) project designed for broad audience appeal. ‘Mac Niff is creating the beats and handling recording and mixing. I feel this will be a worthwhile project that everyone can listen to,’ she commented regarding their creative partnership.
Despite the relatively niche status of reggae in the American Midwest, Chizz Chizem reports steady expansion of her supporter base since relocating to the United States. She characterizes the regional scene as ‘small but united’ and notes measurable progress in building her artistic presence. Her debut single ‘Struggles,’ produced by Ralston Barrett in 2012, marked her initial entry into the music industry, and she now stands poised to deliver her most comprehensive work to date.