Meet Universal’s Newest Songstress Shontelle
Complex: You seem to still have your accent too. When do you find that you have to drop it?
Shontelle: I guess depending on what type of music you're doing. But there are times where we try to mix it so that people can hear that you're genuine and not just saying, “I'm from Barbados.”
Complex: That sounds like a tough line that you have to tread.
Shontelle: Exactly. But you don't want to be too far left where people are like, “I don't get this.” To me, it reminds me a lot of artists like Wyclef, Akon, and Shakira'they're from other worlds too. They speak different languages, but they make mainstream music and they put it in a way that people can understand and relate to it.
Complex: Who are you working with for your album?
Shontelle: The majority of my album was actually written by myself. I co-wrote a lot of the songs with SRP. “T-Shirt” was produced by Wayne Wilkins, and Andrea Martin, who also wrote for Leona Lewis. I also worked with Stargate on a song called “Superwoman.” I got to work with producers that while I was home at Barbados dreaming away. I was like, Oh my god, I would love to work with Stargate, and now it's happening. I still have to pinch myself sometimes.
Complex: You're on SRC. What's your favorite Akon song?
Shontelle: That's so hard because when Akon first came out I was obsessed with him. Like every song, especially on Konvicted'I think “Don't Matter” was probably my favorite.
Complex: Cool.
Shontelle: Yeah, that was like a reggae song. “Mama Africa,” of course that appealed to me because of my roots. But I love Akon. I think he is a genius producer, songwriter, and artist.
Complex: Have you worked with him yet?
Shontelle: We were trying. He's too busy, and then I was busy myself. It's just hard to coordinate time. Mr. Akon, I'm still waiting.
Hit “NEXT” to get Shontelle’s thoughts on this past fashion week in NYC and Tide…
PREVIOUS
George aka Young Rich Fly & Flashy September 20, 2008 at 5:10 am
She is the best.
Ur about to see a dynasty like no other.
Look out for SHONTELLIGENCE!!!!!!!!
youngflyandfilthy September 23, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Whoa.. didnn’t know how hot she was until i seen her video. This girl got it all
youngbeauty September 23, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Awww I love Shontelle! She is supposed to be in an Elle magazine runway show. Does anyone know when that is?
islandgirl September 26, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Shontelle from my home town of barbados. SHe talented. I knew she blow up!!
classyishowibe October 6, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Wow…Shontelle looks beautiful on the runway. Can’t wait for the album to come out!
classyness October 6, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I love what im hearing from her. She got some great songs
kimmy October 7, 2008 at 5:11 pm
This is a great song
jayla October 8, 2008 at 12:45 am
Hey everyone I think her album drop in Novemeber! YAY! Check out the video!
http://www.youtube.com/shontellemusic
Tiff October 8, 2008 at 12:58 am
On her website, it says her album drops November 18th. Can’t wait!
Niki October 8, 2008 at 2:24 am
i love shontelle! “T-shirt” song has been all over the radio!
Dopeboy October 9, 2008 at 3:42 pm
T shirt is really catchy.. im lovin it
supastar2u October 9, 2008 at 7:50 pm
it’s really catchy and you can’t help adore Shontelle because she looks beautiful in the video
angie October 10, 2008 at 4:06 pm
t shirt is really good have you heard the remix on her myspace?
haley October 10, 2008 at 4:33 pm
wow she looks so pretty with the long hair!
keysandbeats October 10, 2008 at 4:58 pm
shontelle is dizoope
janedoe October 10, 2008 at 8:53 pm
she is beautiful love the tshirt remix
Niki October 12, 2008 at 3:33 pm
remix is great to dance too! I really like it!
tara October 13, 2008 at 2:03 pm
yea the reggae remix of t-shirt is such a fun song! its on her myspace.com/shontelle
janedoe October 13, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I think I like the remix better than the original track
misswonderful October 15, 2008 at 2:42 pm
All the Shontelle music I’ve heard is great. I’m really looking forward to the album
allthenew October 15, 2008 at 3:15 pm
anybody heard the remix?