Up-and-coming artist, Sue-Kelly who goes by the assumed name, Shiny, launched a fresh album titled, Medicine.
The singer-songwriter hails from a humble background and defied the negative social stereotypes married with the Cape Flats.
She started writing and recording music in 2013, which has built up to the launch of her new album, Medicine – how fitting, given the period we find ourselves in, that is the pandemic?
“Things have been rough for all of us. I want my music to bring that ease and comfort during these tough and trying times,” says Shiny.
Shiny says her love for music and the arts started when she was still a toddler.
“I used to perform for neighbors as a child and the passion grew. I always had a passion for writing poems and music. My parents didn’t see it as a career and encouraged me to do something viable,” affirms Shiny.
While following a traditional career in the beauty industry, which speaks to her entrepreneurial spirit, she did not give up on her passion.
“I went into hair and beauty, but once things fell into place, I started writing music again. I recorded my first song eight years ago so it’s been in the pipeline for a long time.”
Success
The ‘poetic pop’ producer, as she refers to her genre, is also a final-year law student who runs a successful beauty business, Be-Dazzle in Claremont and Access Park. She also presented a successful radio show on UCT campus radio.
In her free time, Shiny dedicates her spare time to giving inspirational talks to women and children from abusive households, caring for the elderly and less fortunate, which speaks to her humanitarian nature.
Adversity: “I suffer from TB, but I continue to thrive”
Shiny’s lungs are only functioning at 50% capacity as a result of TB. She has to mentally and physically prepare for recording time in the studio.
“I came out of the hospital two weeks ago. Doctors discovered a hole in my lung. Half of my lungs are working, so it’s a lot to prepare for when I go into recording.”
This exciting new venture into the music industry with her debut studio album, Medicine, has all the ingredients needed to be a massive success and aid as an antidote to trying times.