Shamba
I instantly fell in love with Shamba’s vocals and her EP Always Be My Maybe. Released earlier this year, the 6-track EP was produced by Jaquebeatz. The r&b project explores different topics like love, desire and heartbreak.
With this EP, Shamba offers incredible soulful vocals and solid writing skills. A must listen !!
Always Be My Maybe is available now !!
Photo credit: Vienna Rose
Hi Shamba, how are you? What’s your story?
Hi! I’m doing great, and I hope you are too. My story is one of love—love in all its forms, from the beautiful to the heartbreaking. I’ve always been drawn to emotions, how they shape us, how they evolve. My music is where I process those feelings, and through it, I hope people find pieces of their own stories too.
What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up on a mix of classic R&B, Pop, and Gospel influences. Lauryn Hill, Brandy, Tye Tribbett, and Justin Timberlake were always playing in my house. Their storytelling, melodies, and emotion shaped the way I approach music today.
When did you realize you could sing? Growing up, what were some of your favorite records to sing along to?
Growing up watching my mother live in her artistry inspired me more than anything. I think I always knew singing was a part of me, but I really started paying attention when people around me reacted to my voice. The first time I made my mom cry tears of joy with my voice was it for me.
When did you know it was time for you to be an artist and release your original music? What/who gave you the confidence?
It was when I realized that music was the one thing I couldn’t stop doing, no matter what. Writing, singing, and creating became my way of understanding myself. My close friends and family gave me the confidence to go for it, but most of all, the music itself pushed me. It felt like something I had to do.
What biggest lessons have you learned since the beginning of your career?
To trust myself. When you’re an artist, so many voices come at you with opinions, but at the end of the day, you know what feels real. I’ve also learned that consistency is key. Talent is great, but persistence is what makes the difference.
Always Be My Maybe is your latest project - what’s the inspiration/story behind this EP? What different topics are you talking about on Always Be My Maybe?
This project is about that almost love—the person you can’t fully have, but you also can’t fully let go. It’s about longing, about the push and pull of emotions when someone lingers in your heart. The songs touch on desire, heartbreak, and the hope that maybe, just maybe, this love could still work out.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this project? Who helped you create it?
The process was very raw and organic. A lot of these songs started as ideas I jotted down and little voice memos recorded. Then, I worked with an incredible producer, Jaquebeatz, who helped bring the sound to life. There was a lot of back and forth, refining lyrics and melodies to make sure every word carried the weight of the emotion behind it.
Any favorite memories from the making of this EP? And any challenges?
One of my favorite moments was recording “I’m Done” —just me, the mic, and my emotions. It felt like I was really inside the song. A challenge was letting go of perfection. I wanted every song to feel perfect, but sometimes, the raw takes hold more truth than the polished ones.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
The artwork incorporates shades of purple and lavender, which symbolize mystery, nostalgia, and deep emotion. Purple has always represented a balance between passion and reflection, which mirrors the push and pull of love in this project. Lavender, on the other hand, has a softness to it, symbolizing longing and the bittersweet nature of almost love. The colors create a mood that feels both dreamy and a little melancholic, just like the music itself.
What do you want people to feel when listening to your music?
I want people to feel seen. I want them to know they’re not alone in their emotions, whether they’re falling in love, healing from heartbreak, or reminiscing about someone who still lingers in their heart.
Could you list a few records that influenced the music you are making today?
Absolutely. Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill, Full Moon by Brandy, Ryan Leslie by Ryan Leslie. Those are some of the albums that shaped my sound and my approach to storytelling.
What are your thoughts on today’s music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I think today’s industry moves fast, almost too fast. There’s a pressure to constantly put out content rather than letting music breathe. If I could change one thing, it would be allowing artists more time to develop their sound without feeling rushed to keep up with trends.
What does singing make you feel?
It makes me feel free. It’s the one place where I don’t have to explain myself—everything I feel is just there, in the music.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Stay true to your voice.” It sounds simple, but it’s easy to get caught up in what you think people want to hear. The best music comes from a place of honesty.
In your opinion, what would make the world a BETTER place?
More empathy. If people truly tried to understand each other instead of just reacting, I think we’d see a lot more love and a lot less division.
What can we expect to hear/see next from you?
More music, more visuals, and maybe even a mini tour! I’m always evolving, and I’m excited to share the next chapter of my journey.
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