“Body,” Big Stages & Betting on Herself: An Interview with Rising Star, Sej
Written by: Danielle Azu
Sej is making her mark on the music scene! Since breaking out in 2025 with her single “Bad Man,” the Trinidadian singer-songwriter has been turning heads with her unique blend of pop, dancehall, Afrobeats, and R&B. Hailing from Port of Spain, Trinidad, Sej brings her Caribbean roots to the forefront of her sound, creating music that’s as vibrant and dynamic as she is.
And she’s just getting started! This summer, Sej released her latest single, “Body,” wrapped up a national tour with Akon and Ne-Yo, and performed the national anthem at a Chicago Fire FC game. Amidst all the excitement, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sej to chat about her incredible summer, her journey toward self-confidence, embracing her Caribbean identity, and all the exciting things looking forward to in the future!
GRRRL Music: You recently wrapped up a national tour with Akon and Ne-Yo. What was it like to tour with these artists and share your music with audiences across the country?
Sej: Honestly, it feels surreal. I still can’t believe I did that. Every time I look back at videos, I’m like, “Did I really do that?” It almost feels like a simulation. It was crazy! I was so grateful for the opportunity to learn from people who are so influential and talented and who have been around for so long. I was truly blessed with the opportunity, and I’m so grateful.
GM: Right after your tour, you performed the national anthem at a Chicago FC game. What was that experience like?
S: It was funny because I had to learn the American national anthem since I’m not American. I was initially confused about what the lyrics meant, so I had to ask my American friends to explain them to me. Once I understood the song, it was honestly really fun.
I kid you not, I was singing, and nobody told me they were going to set off fireworks behind me! I was singing, and suddenly I heard something blowing up. I got so startled! It threw me off for a second, and I was like, “Why did nobody tell me that was happening?”
Other than that, it was so much fun. It was also cool seeing Messi and all the great players because I love football. It’s my favorite sport. Getting to see Messi and Casemiro, who is one of my favorite players, was amazing. I love Real Madrid, so it was a really great opportunity.
GM: You also released your third track, “Body,” this summer. What was the inspo behind this track?
S: I feel like my previous song, “Bad Man,” was more rugged and rough around the edges. I wanted to create something more fun and girly, something you could dance to and enjoy with your friends. I wanted a song that would give you a little confidence.
That was the direction I wanted to explore, and I love it. Every time I put it on, I just feel like a baddie! I’m like, “Mm-hmm!”
GM: Your music is fun and engaging, but there’s a lot that goes into creating a song. What was your creative process for “Body”?
S: I made “Body” while I was in London for a writing camp. I met a writer whose work I really enjoyed, so I asked him to play me some of the music he had. He played a song called “Price Tag,” which was on the beat that became “Body.”
I liked the melody and everything about it, but I didn’t like the context. I felt like it could be something really great if I rearranged a few things, so I rewrote it, and now we have “Body.” I love it so much!
GM: You’ve spoken about how Caribbean people are responsible for influencing so much of the music we hear today, even when that influence goes unrecognized. How do you incorporate your Caribbean identity into your sound and performances?
S: I feel like it’s so important. Even in the smallest things, like an artist from London singing without their accent, they can end up sounding almost American. I think being able to sing in your own accent is such a small but important thing. People need to hear that more.
I don’t want someone to start singing and suddenly lose their British accent. I feel like singing in your own accent is so important to the culture.
I always try to incorporate Caribbean essence into my songs through the melodies and cadences. It might be the smallest thing, but it will always be there. It’s so important to me because incorporating Caribbean culture into a song takes it to my favorite place.
GM: In a post you shared after your tour, you spoke about your journey with self-confidence. What advice would you give other artists who are struggling with self-consciousness when it comes to singing?
S: My mom always told me this when I was younger and lacked self-confidence in general: “Fake it till you make it.”
Honestly, your mind is so powerful. When you start saying things to yourself, your mind begins to believe them, and what you tell yourself can almost become your reality.
When I was faking it, I started believing it. I was like, “Hold on, wait. I actually am this!”
It’s really about tricking your brain and being consistent. You can only be scared of something if you’ve never done it. The more you do it, the more comfortable you become. So, I would say it’s all about consistency and checking your mind.
GM: As you continue your music journey, what are you most excited about right now? Are you looking forward to making more music, touring, or something else?
S: Definitely more tours! I’m also really excited about making music with Akon on the production side because he’s a really good producer. Getting into the studio with him and working on some things is something I’m very excited about. We should be doing that soon, and I can’t wait!
I’m also really excited about performing in the Caribbean. I want to go home and perform there. That’s something I’m genuinely counting down the days for.
GM: Performing at home must be special. Does it feel different knowing you’ll be performing in front of your family and the people who know you best?
S: For real! I feel like those are the scariest shows, too.
GM: Finally, how would you describe your music in three words?
S: I would say callaloo, fun, and memorable.
I always use the word “callaloo” because my music is a blend of different things. It’s always going to be a fun song, and I want it to be memorable. For me, the chorus is always stuck in my head! I love blending genres and bringing different sounds together.
And I agree with her last remarks. Sej is proving that she’s an artist to watch! With new music, more tours, and a whole lot of exciting opportunities on the horizon, it’s clear that this is only the beginning for her. If “Body” is any indication of what’s to come, we can’t wait to see what Sej has in store! Be sure to keep up with Sej by watching the "Body" Music Video on YouTube, and to stream her music HERE !
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